In Wakayama, Japan, there exists a place of miracles, Kōyasan, where the teachings of Kōbō-Daishi (Kōbō the Great) have endured for over 1,250 years. The area remains a vibrant center for the Shingon sect of Buddhism, with its rich history and profound connection to the past.
Within Wakayama, a unique machine still exists: the old-style tsuriami knitting machine, which can craft sweat fabric with a vintage texture, a rarity in the world today.
After World War II, as economies around the world grew, manufacturers in Japan and other countries sought to speed up production through advanced knitting machines. These machines were designed to produce fabric quickly and efficiently, marking the shift toward mass production. However, the old tsuriami machines work in stark contrast to these developments. With a production rate of only about 4 meters per hour, they create a fabric with a distinctive beauty and softness that modern machines cannot replicate.
The fabric produced by these vintage tsuriami machines improves with each wear and wash, developing a unique texture that can only be described as "vintage."
Using this ultimate vintage sweat fabric, we have created the TSURIAMI ZEN WEAR (SAMUE). This new fusion of tsuriami knitting and the traditional Zen Wear (SAMUE) brings an entirely new dimension to the world of clothing, offering timeless comfort, exceptional quality, and a sense of enduring craftsmanship.
Cotton 100%
Made in Japan
We’re happy to offer a refund for any items eligible under our return policy within 14 days of receiving your order. For full details →
We use a dynamic pricing system for shipping. The chart shows estimated shipping fees for a 3kg parcel. If your order reaches the free shipping threshold, shipping is free (customs duties may still apply). Otherwise, the fee will fall within the estimated range. Final charges at checkout are the most accurate, as they depend on the receiver's location, currency rate and the actual weight of the parcel.
Shipping Area
Shipping Price & Time
Customs Duties & Taxes
Asia, United States
Estimated USD 0-25 3-4 business days
Estimated 0%-38%
Canada, Mexico, Central America, Middle East, Oceania
Estimated USD 0-25 5-6 business days
Estimated 6%-18%
Europe, South America, Africa
Estimated USD 0-25 EU: 4-5 business days Others: 6-7 business days
Estimated 14%-33%
Free Shipping Thresholds for Main Countries>>
*Please note:
We dispatch orders within 1-5 business days via DHL. Shipping to Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Iran, North Korea, and Israel are temporarily suspended.
We sometimes separate orders to cut the cost and time of shipping. Please do not worry if you receive two tracking numbers.
There may be a chance our shipping service does not ship to your country. Please contact us should you have questions.
There may be a chance of delay of your delivery due to custom inspection.
It isn't easy to find a fine-gauge cotton sweater, and this one is great. My husband and I (F) both bought multiple sweaters. The fit is relaxed like in the picture, and the waistband allows you to cinch it higher on your hips.
Pros:
- The color for the green and navy sweaters was exactly as shown
- It really does resist odors
Cons:
- The description says to hang dry after washing, in our experience this caused the sweater to stretch. I would suggest drying flat instead.
- There was some variation in the actual size of the garment, the navy we received was smaller than the green.
Wonderful quality as always from Kamakura, with the amazing attention to detail the Vintage Ivy collection is renowned for. A true classic and sure to become a staple of my winter and autumn wardrobe.