There's something special about clothes made the old way. In a world of mass production, The Strike Gold continues a century-old tradition of crafting sweatshirts using vintage loopwheel machines from the early 1900s. But what makes these garments so unique?
The Loopwheel Process
These old machines let gravity do all the work. While modern machines rush through 200 meters of fabric a day, these vintage beauties take their time, producing just 16 meters daily. The yarn falls naturally, without being pulled or stressed. This patience results in a fabric structure that's fluffy yet durable that modern high-speed machines simply can't replicate.
The Making of the Fabric
The fabric starts with what we call a 20/30/6 heavyweight loopwheel fleece. If you've ever wondered why vintage sweatshirts feel different, this construction is part of the answer. The interior is gently brushed, creating a soft surface that traps warm air next to your body while letting moisture escape.
Since the yarn is allowed to fall naturally during knitting, the fabric develops this amazing three-dimensional structure that you can feel when you run your hand across it. Over time, the fabric starts to conform to how you wear it – it's pretty amazing to see how each sweatshirt becomes unique to its owner.
How It All Comes Together
The body of the sweatshirt is knit as one continuous tube, meaning there are no side seams to irritate you (except for XXL sizes, where they need to use flat seams instead). Unlike cheaper sweaters, to keep the fabric from twisting we alternate between yarns spun in opposite directions – what we call S-twist and Z-twist. It's these small details that make the difference between a sweatshirt that gets distorted after a few washes and one that keeps its shape for years.
The seams tell their own story too. They're sewn on Union Special machines – the same kind that were used to make military-issue sweats decades ago. These create flat, strong seams that you barely notice when wearing. The stitching is reinforced at points where sweatshirts typically wear out first, but done in a way that keeps the natural flexibility of the fabric.
How It Ages
Unlike mass-produced sweatshirts that deteriorate with wear, our loopwheel sweatshirts evolve. The carefully selected materials develop character through wear and washing, creating a personalized fit that becomes uniquely yours. It's not just about lasting longer—it's about getting better with every wear.
Preserving a Craft
Each loopwheel sweatshirt represents more than just clothing. It's the product of master artisans who've spent years perfecting their craft. While modern factories focus on speed and volume, The Strike Gold maintains these time-honored techniques because we believe some things are worth doing the traditional way.
Experience the Difference
For those who appreciate the intersection of heritage craftsmanship and contemporary style, The Strike Gold's loopwheel sweatshirts offer an unparalleled experience. Our latest collection features carefully chosen colors, with each piece ready to begin its journey as your trusted companion.
Discover the art of traditional Japanese craftsmanship – explore The Strike Gold's loopwheel collection now avaiable in 3 new colors.
Looking for hoodies? We have those too!
