Merino PlaX Hooded Sweater

[Delicate high-gauge hooded sweater]

This sweater was not simply a combination of elements, but was born from the earnest desire to have a piece like this.

"Are there any high-gauge sweaters with hoods?"

When the weather gets chilly, I reach for a high-gauge crew neck sweater.
The finely woven, high-quality fabric is thin yet warm, with a smooth sheen and a very elegant feel. It can be layered over a shirt and doesn't take up much space in your outerwear.

But when the weather gets colder, you'll want something a little more.

"If there was a hood that would keep me warm all the way up to my neck, I'd be even more comfortable."

I tried looking for something with that in mind, but all I could find were hoodies that looked like sweatshirts.
What kind of impression would it give if you added a hood to a delicate, slightly sheeny high-gauge sweater, rather than a chunky low-gauge knit or a casual sweatshirt hoodie?

In that case, we have no choice but to make it ourselves.
And thus the Merino PlaX Hooded Sweater was born.

The appeal of this sweater lies in its unique knitting pattern.
The delicate and smooth texture is created by tightly knitting the stitches. It has a subtle sheen and is not too casual, yet comfortable to wear.

The moment you leave the house on a cold morning. Or when you suddenly feel cold during a break while hiking.
This is a piece that will always be by your side, even when traveling during chilly seasons.

Additionally, the material is made from a special yarn that combines Merino wool and PlaX™.
The natural warmth and flexibility of Merino wool is combined with the lightness and durability of PlaX™.

PlaX™ is a next-generation material that improves quality and functionality by adding Bioworks' proprietary plant-derived additives to polylactic acid (PLA), a bioplastic derived from sugarcane.
We have created a garment that you can enjoy wearing for a long time while reducing the burden on the environment.

"Hooded Sweater" instead of "Hoodie"

Generally, hooded knitwear is often called a "hoodie."
However, the inspiration for this piece came from the idea, "What would happen if we added a hood to a crew neck, high-gauge sweater?"

That's why we've chosen the name "Hooded Sweater" instead of "hoodie."

The delicate high-gauge sheen and relaxed feel of the hood.
On a clear morning, I walk, feeling the warmth of my sweater. On the chilly mountain ridge, I pull up my hood to keep out the wind.

At that moment, you will think, "If only I had this one piece of clothing."

Simple body, three-dimensional hood

This sweater is characterized by its basic simple design.
For this reason, we paid particular attention to the design of the hood.

The hood is designed with a three-dimensional pattern to provide ample coverage and protection from cold winds and chilly weather.
It is not just a decoration, but fits snugly to the shape of your head when worn, providing a comfortable fit.

It is designed to be worn comfortably either on its own or over a cap.
This three-dimensional design is extremely practical when you want to protect yourself from the wind on a cold ridgeline or when you just want to throw it on for a chilly morning walk.

Material

Merino wool and PlaX™

Environmentally friendly: The biodegradability of PlaX™ combined with the natural properties of Merino wool creates an eco-friendly product, which significantly reduces the environmental impact throughout the product's lifecycle.

Highly functional: The durability of PlaX™ combined with the temperature-regulating properties of Merino wool results in a durable yet comfortable fabric, ideal for outdoor and sportswear, for example.

Moisture-wicking and antibacterial: The moisture-wicking properties of Merino wool combined with the antibacterial properties of PlaX™ keep you feeling fresh and comfortable, even after extended use.

A sustainable choice: This combination offers an environmentally sustainable alternative to petroleum-based synthetic fibers. The combination of PlaX™ and Merino wool is expected to play an important role in the future of the textile industry.

It is knitted from a yarn that combines 70% Australian Merino wool and 30% PlaX™.

PlaX™

PlaX™ is a new material that contributes to carbon neutrality by improving quality and functionality through the addition of Bioworks' molecular construction technology and proprietary plant-derived additives to polylactic acid (PLA), a bioplastic made from plants such as sugarcane.

PlaX™ uniquely solves issues that have prevented widespread adoption, such as durability, heat resistance, and dyeability when processed into fibers. In order to solve environmental problems and realize a sustainable, recycling-oriented society, it is attracting attention worldwide as a new material that not only replaces existing synthetic fibers and plastic products, but is also actively being developed into new applications.

characteristics

[Ingredients are plant-derived]

Made from sugar extracted from sugarcane, it is a petroleum-independent bioplastic that addresses environmental issues such as CO2 and serves as an alternative to dwindling resources.

[Durability, heat resistance]

The durability and heat resistance, which were issues with polylactic acid, have been significantly improved, making it possible to develop a wide range of applications as a replacement for petroleum-derived plastics and synthetic fibers.

[Fermentation as a bioprocess]

Lactic acid is produced from sugar extracted from plants through fermentation by lactic acid bacteria, a type of microorganism. It is believed that the antibacterial properties of PlaX™ come from the power of lactic acid.

[Carbon neutral]

The raw material, polylactic acid, is plant-derived, which significantly reduces CO2 emissions when burned. In addition, since the plants from which it is made grow by absorbing CO2, it is a carbon-neutral material that does not increase CO2 in the atmosphere.

[Contribution to the environment]

Life cycle assessment analysis has shown that compared to polyester, it reduces CO2 emissions by approximately 41% during manufacturing. In addition, compared to cotton, it reduces water consumption by 90% during manufacturing.

biodegradable

PlaX™ undergoes hydrolysis under certain conditions in a compost environment, and is ultimately decomposed (biodegraded) into water and CO2 by microorganisms.
It is difficult to meet the temperature and humidity conditions suitable for biodegradation in ordinary soil environments, so we recommend using industrial composting facilities.

What is Polylactic Acid (PLA)?

Polylactic acid is made by combining lactic acid, which is produced by fermenting starch and sugar extracted from plants such as sugarcane, corn, and cassava. Since the 2000s, it has been under development as a potential alternative to petroleum-derived plastics, which solve the CO2 emissions problem.

Spec

Material: 70% wool (lino wool), 30% polylactic acid (PLAX™)
Sizes: (Men) S, M, L, XL (Women) S, M, L
Weight:
Men S approx. 303g, Men M approx. 323g, Men L approx. 349, Men XL approx. 359g
Women S approx. 256g, Women M approx. 275g, Women L approx. 294g
Country of origin: Japan Producer: Marusho Knit Factory, Mitsuke City, Niigata Prefecture

Size Chart

Please note that this product is available in both men's and women's sizes.

[Men]
Available in four sizes: S, M, L, and XL

[Women]
Available in three sizes: S, M, and L

There is not much difference in the overall silhouette between the men's and women's sizes, but the women's size has a silhouette that is more suited to the female body, including the length and sleeve length.

Please refer to the size chart below for details.

Size Guide [Men's]

Size Guide [Women]

Attention

- When washing, use detergent for wool.
- Turn the product inside out, place it in a laundry net and wash it alone.
- Water temperature should be limited to 40°C, and washing with hot water should be avoided.
- Avoid strong water currents when washing, and wash by hand or, if using a washing machine, use the "dry cycle" or "weak cycle."
- Never tumble dry.
・After dehydration, we recommend shaping the product and drying it in the shade.
-If you will not be wearing the product for a long period of time, make sure to thoroughly clean it and store it with an insect repellent.