Cult label Loopwheeler is single-mindedly focused on perfecting a deceptively simple garment: the humble sweatshirt. Disappointed with the quality of modern mass production, founder Satoshi Suzuki tracked down an original, decades-old Tsuriami loopwheel knitting machine. The result is a supremely soft and comfortable garment that has garnered a cult following. Moreover, Loopwheeler is a longstanding favourite of fashion industry insiders, regularly collaborating with brands such as Supreme, Nike and Margaret Howell.
Interior design fans too will want to check out this compact flagship store, tucked away on a side street off Meiji-dori: it’s one of the lesser-known projects by design maestro Masamichi Katayama and his Wonderwall agency. Grey tones dominate the cleanly minimal basement space, in homage to the heather grey colour associated with the classic retro sweatshirt. One of those vintage knitting machines meanwhile, from which the label gets its name, slowly turns inside a museum-like display case. Loopwheeler’s unisex sweats and hoodies are not cheap (a basic crew-neck sweatshirt costs around ¥16,500), but they’re proven to last and age beautifully.