SIMPLE, NEVER ORDINARY

Crafted from loopwheel knitting machines, a rare and time-honoured technique that is preserved in Wakayama, Japan, the KINTO FUTO Cut and Sew Long Sleeve TCO_M Knit Top is truly one-of-a-kind.

Traditional loopwheel machines rely on the gentle pull of gravity to slowly knit fabric that is exceptionally comfortable and enduringly supple. To preserve the material's natural character, every FUTO Long Sleeve undergoes a careful series of processes before finally reaching you. It's a timeless piece of clothing, guaranteed to be an everyday staple in your wardrobe.

The art of slow design
Wakayama, famous for its Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes, grew into a hub of knit production throughout the early-to-mid 20th century. Many of these factories used loopwheel machines, which overtime have been forfeited for the speed and automation of modern industrial sewing machines.
In the traditional loopwheel method, each machine is suspended from the ceiling, allowing the knitted fabric to fall naturally into baskets placed below. The yarn is never forcibly stretched, instead slowly knitted in a relaxed state, yielding a fabric that is soft, supple, yet highly durable.
While gravity does a lot of the heavy lifting, operating a loopwheel machine still requires years of training and expertise. It's also very inefficient, producing only about a meter of fabric per hour. Despite this, craftspeople in Wakayama still devote their lives to working with this technique, enamoured with the rich texture of its fabric (akin to hand knitting) and its distinctive quality.
The creator of FUTO fabric is one of these admirers, who – in the interest of preserving tradition – sourced all loopwheel machines from across Japan into Wakayama, which remains the only place in the world where this method of fabric production is kept alive.

It's all in the details
The KINTO FUTO Cut and Sew Long Sleeve TCO_M Knit Top is designed with a slightly wider body, a touch of extra length, and a relaxed silhouette that is both comfortable and elegant for all body types.
Knitted to the perfect thickness, the shirt is also made to look exceptional without sacrificing comfort. Everything has been thought of, including brand and care labels that are printed onto the fabric, rather than on tags, for a smooth and non-irritating surface.

One shirt to complete your closet
The KINTO FUTO Cut and Sew Long Sleeve TCO_M Knit Top is that last piece you've been missing for your wardrobe, available in three natural colourways and with a graceful simplicity that completes any outfit, any style. Its minimalist design pairs effortlessly with jeans for a relaxed, classic look, or layers just as easily under a jacket or overalls for an aesthetic entirely your own.