J-TECH STRETCH Shirts
J-TECH STRETCH SHIRTS
(Previously Known as Jersey Knit Shirts)
Unmatched Stretch Shirts, One of a Kind in the World.
In the global apparel market, knit fabrics have been gaining increasing prominence year by year. By 2030, the market is projected to exceed ¥6.83 trillion, with demand continuing to grow—particularly in sportswear—for products that combine flexibility and comfort. Among these, knit fabrics created through the craftsmanship of Japanese artisans are highly regarded overseas for their exceptional softness against the skin, refined appearance, and outstanding stability that resists losing its shape.
At Kamakura Shirts, we maximize these Japanese strengths by working closely with specialized domestic factories. Through meticulous pattern design and advanced sewing techniques, we achieve both visual elegance and superior comfort. Why are Japanese knits so highly valued? And what makes Kamakura Shirts’ knit shirts truly special? In this feature, we invite you to discover the answers.
What is a Stretch Shirt?
J-TECH STRETCH (Stretch Shirt) is a shirt made from knit fabric, which provides flexibility and comfort. In contrast, traditional dress shirts and J-TECH EASY CARE (Easy Care Shirts) are made from woven fabric, offering a more structured feel.
Stretch Shirt
Woven Dress Shirt
Our Mission: Creating Stretch Shirts Worthy of a Dress Shirt
At Kamakura Shirts, stretch does not simply mean “a shirt that stretches.” What truly matters to us is whether it maintains the refinement and dignity appropriate for business settings, this is where our distinctive philosophy lies. About ten years ago, we ventured into a new territory that no one had attempted before. Our goal was to create a knit shirt that delivers ultimate comfort while preserving the crisp, polished quality of a true dress shirt. We were able to take on this challenge thanks to the presence of outstanding knit manufacturers in Wakayama, as well as our long history of working side by side with factories as an SPA (Specialty retailer of Private-label Apparel).
An SPA business cannot exist without its manufacturing partners. By opening up new markets together with production sites and continuously evolving through trial and error, we have refined our craft. The stretch shirts born from this process are now loved by many customers and have grown into core, repeat-purchase items in our collection. And what makes all of this possible is knit fabric itself.
What Are Kamakura Shirts’ J-Tech Stretch Shirts?
Wakayama
Craftsmanship That Begins with the Yarn
Wakayama is the center of knit production in Japan, accounting for about 40% of domestic circular knits and trusted by leading brands worldwide. Its knit industry, refined over more than a century, is known globally as “Wakayama knits.”
Kamakura Shirts works closely with Wakayama’s expert mills, using rare knitting machines and collaborating from the yarn stage through finishing to create ideal fabrics. By combining ultrafine premium cotton, elegant structure, and comfortable stretch, these knits embody the union of Wakayama’s technical excellence and Kamakura Shirts’ uncompromising standards for dress shirts.
Twisting
One-Fifth the Efficiency, Crafted with Care
The yarn used in our signature stretch shirts is defined by PIN false twisting, a special heat-assisted process that adds and then releases opposing twists. This creates natural bulk and crimp, resulting in a soft, resilient yarn with comfortable stretch.
Although production efficiency is just one-fifth of mass-production methods, this meticulous approach delivers exceptional quality that is difficult to replicate. The yarn combines softness, durability, and stable dyeing, ensuring a consistently refined finish. Designed for everyday wear, it offers lasting comfort and strength, a yarn truly worthy of a dress shirt.
Fabric
What Only Knits Can Achieve
The true strength of knit fabric lies in its ability to achieve what once seemed impossible. While dress shirts are rooted in centuries of woven tradition, Japan’s advanced knitting technology has made it possible for knits to deliver a crisp, refined appearance equal to that of woven shirts.
Kamakura Shirts pursues elegance and durability, not T-shirt-like casualness. Our core line uses a special half jersey knit—thin and lightweight, yet firm and structured enough to meet dress-shirt standards. This method halves production efficiency, but its advantages are decisive. The result is a fabric trusted by customers worldwide, combining comfort and refinement, a balance that defines Kamakura Shirts’ knit shirts
The Features of Stretch Shirts
Stretchability
The fabric naturally follows the body’s movements, delivering comfortable, effortless stretch.
Soft knit fabric with excellent recovery ensures stress-free wear even over long hours, achieving both the refined appearance of a dress shirt and a light, comfortable feel.
Quick-Drying Performance
Dries quickly even when you perspire, keeping you comfortable at all times.
It also dries fast after washing, making it easy to care for and ideal for everyday wear.
A practical feature designed to support busy business lifestyles.
Wrinkle Resistance
Made from a wrinkle-resistant material that helps maintain a clean, polished appearance even after long hours of wear.
After washing, only light ironing is needed, making it well suited to busy daily routines.
Ensures a consistently neat and professional look at all times.
Natural Shell Buttons
A hallmark of high-quality dress shirts, natural shell buttons are used on most of our shirts.
We primarily select Takase shell, valued for its natural luster and smooth, effortless fastening.
Kamakura Shirts’ commitment to craftsmanship extends to every detail—right down to each individual button.
