Loopwheel T-shirts are the antithesis to disposable, fast-fashion. The process to create a seamless loopwheel tee is painstaking compared to modern methods but the results are unparalleled.

The T-shirt originated as a standard undergarment for the US Navy between 1898 and 1904 and its military legacy is reflected in the AMERICAN ATHLETIC TEE / FIGHTIN' SQUADRON.

Employing a combination of techniques to faithfully capture the original vintage design, the yellow details have been rubber printed, with the rest of the print being stained on to the cloth.

The military has a long standing history of squadrons distinguishing themselves from other arms of their respective regiment through artistic expression. Studio animators and cartoonists would be conscripted in to the fight and offer their services for patch design, murals and uniform customisation during WWII.

Healthy inter-squadron rivalry and competition was and is commonplace among regiments and this often shines through in the way uniform is decorated. Taking the opportunity to showcase strength and unity with elaborate illustration, these custom military garments have since become highly sought after pieces in the vintage market.

Between the 1930s and 60s t-shirts made from Loopwheel fabric were relatively common but remained sought after for their unique properties. This loopwheel tee is knitted in Wakayama, Japan, using extremely rare machines, known in Japan as Tsuriami-ki and even rarer skill and technique, exclusively for The Real McCoy’s.

The resulting material feels like it has been hand woven, with a stretchy element to it, a quality that cannot be replicated by modern production techniques. The crucial difference is that Loopwheel textiles is knitted in an oval shaped sequence to yield a fabric that will comfortably stretch with wear, but will return to its original dimensions with a wash. The absence of seams and the standard of the cotton make for a tee of ultimate comfort and quality.

100% Cotton

6.8 oz Loopwheel fabric

Rubber and stain printing motif

Cotton sewing thread construction

Made in Japan

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