Basic Cap NT

Spec

Material: Main body 100% polyester, sweatband 100% polyester
Size: One size Depth: approx. 17.5cm (when laid flat), visor length: approx. 6cm, head circumference: approx. 59cm (adjustable with elastic)
*Please note that there may be an error of ±1cm in the finished product size.
When you actually put it on it will spread out a little.
Weight: Approx. 34g
Country of origin: Japan Producer: Shimada Co., Ltd., Kanonji City, Kagawa Prefecture

Material

This product uses COOL DOTS® with 4-way stretch (stretches vertically and horizontally).
COOL DOTS® is a highly functional material developed by Komatsu Matere Co., Ltd., made of 100% polyester with countless tiny air holes and excellent stretchability and breathability.

"Breathability and water repellency"

Excellent breathability is achieved through a special weaving method that creates countless tiny holes (micropores).
The shirt is opaque when worn while still maintaining excellent breathability from the inside.

[Breathability]
Test method: JIS-L-1096 A method (Brazil method) → 59.6

[Water repellency]
Test method: JIS-L-1092 spray method → ​​Grade 4

This is a video that shows the water repellency. Please play it.

"Stretchable, lightweight, etc."

Using two types of special stretch yarn with different shrinkage rates, it has high stretchability in all directions 360°. It is lightweight at 104g/㎡ and highly wrinkle-resistant. It quickly recovers its shape even if it is crumpled up by tucking it into a backpack pocket.

[Elongation recovery rate and elongation rate (%)]
Test method: JIS-L-1096 B-1 method, B method 14.7N
Stretch rate: 31.9 vertically, 16.6 horizontally
Elongation recovery rate → After 30 seconds: Vertical 74.9, Horizontal 86.7

[Wrinkle resistance]
Test method: JIS-L-1059-1 Monsanto Method 5N
Length → 85
Width → 78
Wrinkle-resistant rate (%)

Quick drying and UV protection

The quick-drying function that is important when hiking, such as drying quickly even if it gets wet, is now a given, and of course this fabric also has that function. In addition, it also has UV protection function.

[UV measurement (%)]
Test method: JIS-L-1925
Shielding rate Measurement wavelength 280mm-400mm→96.8

"durability"

Friction test with the fabric dry and wet.

[Friction (grade)]
Test method: JIS L 0849 (Type II) dry friction grade 4-5, wet friction grade 4-5 (maximum grade 5)

"Environmental Consideration"

Some of the stretch materials use plant-based Lycra T400® fiber.

Design

The design of the main body is a basic six-piece construction. In contrast to the shallow body and short brim design of cycle caps, this cap is spacious and deep, with a brim that is just the right length to provide shade without being too affected by the wind.

Before making this cap, I tried on a few caps from outdoor manufacturers, but none of them felt shallow enough for me to wear all the way to the base of my ears. In windy situations, I would feel very stressed out over the fact that the cap would fly off. This is because I have a large head size, and I am not denying the quality of the product.

I created the Basic Cap NT with the aim of creating a cap that I, who have a slightly larger head circumference, can wear comfortably and without stress. Therefore, the head size (head circumference) is a little looser than that of regular caps.

COOLMAX® fabric is used for the sweatband.
The pique-patterned 100% polyester material is moisture-wicking, quick-drying, and UV-resistant (UPF 40+).

If the product size is larger than your head size (head circumference) or if you are in a situation where the hat is easily affected by wind, you can adjust the size by pulling the plastic tab on the back and tightening the elastic.

When worn by a man with an average head size (head circumference), it fits snugly or is slightly narrowed at the back.

If a woman with a slightly smaller head size (head circumference) wears it, the back will puff out softly.

Another feature is that the appearance of the hat changes depending on the size of the wearer's head.

Color

The colors available are "Coast Gray", "Sage Green", "Tawny Brown" and "Black".

Size Guide

*Please note that there may be an error of ±1cm in the finished product size.
It will expand slightly when actually worn and used.

Collaborator

Collaborateur introduces you to the people who produce these products.

Shimada Co., Ltd. is responsible for all of RIDGE MOUNTAIN GEAR's headwear.

Shimada Co., Ltd. is located in Toyohama-cho, Kan'onji City, Kagawa Prefecture.
Founded in 1935, this hat manufacturer started out by producing straw hats and has continued to focus on handcrafting hats by artisans.

Even though they are all called "hats," their specifications vary widely. Shimada-san has introduced two cutting methods, CAD-CAM (computer-aided design) and mold-making, and selects the method most suited to the product. In addition, for products that cannot be handled by these two methods or for small-lot production, craftsmen will individually create patterns and cut the hats. He always proceeds with his work by choosing the best method for the hat and the customer.

The craftsmen in charge of sewing are experienced craftsmen who support the production of hats made in Japan, which is something that we have always been particular about. They sew each hat with care, pouring in their experience, knowledge and skills they have gained from it, such as using lock stitching and chain stitching, which have different elasticity depending on the material, purpose and finish, to always maintain a high level of stable quality.

In apparel sewing, the standard seam allowance is about 1cm to 2cm, but in hats, the seam allowance is usually about 4mm. Because the seam allowance for hats is very small, high precision is required when sewing.

However, small seam allowances mean that there is less variation in the finished product. Therefore, even though hats are made by hand, there are few individual differences, and it is possible to produce almost identical products.

Shimada's goal and basic philosophy is to create products that he himself would "want to use" with a level, technique, and ideas that cannot be imitated anywhere else. He also hopes that through product creation, he can bring the "countryside craftsmen" who have been solely behind the scenes and supporting Japanese manufacturing to the forefront.

"Think in Japan, make in Japan. We want to spread these 'All Made in Japan' products from Toyohama to the whole of Japan and the world. We will continue to pour all our skills, knowledge, experience and heart into making high quality products."
RIDGE MOUNTAIN GEAR's hats are made by craftsmen like these.

Shimada Co., Ltd. is a hat manufacturer that provides high-quality hats made in Japan with a careful craftsmanship spirit. It originally started as a family-run company that manufactured and sold straw hats for farm work.

A few years after the current owner, Kazuhisa Takada, took over the family business, the president of a hat shop in Osaka, who happened to be visiting the 88 temples of Shikoku, wandered into the shop while looking at the navigation system. This prompted Takada to train at the hat shop for about half a year to try his hand at the fashion world as the straw hat business for farm work was shrinking. After that, the current business model began.

Having started out with straw when it was first established, the company has experience, skills, and equipment that are rare even in Japan; it has now evolved to include everything from felt molding to sewing woven fabric, and the company primarily receives offers from brands that insist on high-quality Made in Japan products.

At Shimada, we aim to create unique products that people want, not only in Japan but all over the world, with a high level of technology that cannot be replicated anywhere else, and originality and ingenuity, and products that we would want to use ourselves.
I would like to bring the "country craftsmen" who have previously been thought of as supporting the industry from behind the scenes into the spotlight so that more attention can be focused on them.
And from Toyohama Town, "Udon Prefecture," a tranquil place surrounded by sea and mountains, we will continue to create high-quality products with all our heart and soul every day, with the desire to share 100% Made in Japan products that are conceived and made in Japan with the world.

Shimada Co., Ltd.
1876-1 Wada, Toyohama-cho, Kanonji City, Kagawa Prefecture
https://www.shimada-oem.com/

Attention

We recommend putting it in a laundry net when washing.
Dark colored products may transfer color, so please wash them separately from other items.
Do not use detergents containing fluorescent brighteners or chlorine bleach.
Do not tumble dry.
When ironing, always use a pressing cloth and iron from the back.
The core of the bill is soft, so the core itself will not break when folded. However, if the bill is folded too tightly, it will wrinkle and take time to return to its original shape. Please avoid folding it intentionally.