The Studio D’Artisan 8188 Loopwheel Crewneck Sweatshirt in Grey is a pure expression of Japanese knitwear heritage, crafted using traditional loopwheel (Tsuri-Ami) knitting at the historic Kanekichi factory in Wakayama, Japan—one of only two remaining workshops in the world still operating these century-old machines.

Unlike modern high-speed knitting, Loopwheel machines rely entirely on gravity rather than mechanical tension, rotating at just 24 revolutions per minute and producing fabric for only 8–10 garments per day. This extremely slow process creates a fabric that is dense, resilient, and naturally soft, free from internal stress and designed to retain its shape while becoming more comfortable with wear.

Developed exclusively by Studio D’Artisan, this original loopwheel fabric uses a thicker yarn count than standard sweatshirt fleece, delivering exceptional heat retention and insulation without stiffness. The dense knit also enhances wind resistance, making this sweatshirt highly versatile across changing conditions.

The sweatshirt features a clean, minimalist athletic design, with a classic crew neckline, a seamless tubular body, and set-in sleeves for a balanced, structured silhouette. Ribbed cuffs, hem, collar, and a vintage-inspired V-insert at the neckreinforce durability while referencing classic American sportswear. Finished with double-needle construction throughout, the 8188 is built for long-term wear and everyday reliability.

Fit Notes: We find the sizing of this sweatshirt to be more Western than Japanese. If you usually wear a size M in American sweatshirts, you'll find a suitable fit with this piece in size M. However, as always, we recommend consulting our size chart for the perfect fit.