CONCEPT
Among countless sweatshirts, WASEW set out to create one with a clear reason to be chosen. The "TOUGH BRAIDED SWEAT" was developed by returning to the roots of sweatshirts and rediscovering why they were originally created.
SIDE RIB
Born in 1920s America, sweatshirts were originally developed as athletic wear. They required stretch, durability, and moisture absorption. The introduction of side ribs improved mobility and reduced vertical shrinkage — a key innovation at the time.
WASEW’s "TOUGH BRAIDED SWEAT" adopts this traditional side rib construction. In addition, flat seam stitching is used to minimize seam unevenness and improve comfort. These techniques are often omitted today, but they represent the essential functionality that made sweatshirts a staple.
HEAVY WEIGHT
As sweatshirts evolved into training wear for American football, heavyweight fabrics became necessary to withstand friction and tension. This demand shaped the tough character seen in vintage sweatshirts.
WASEW named the "TOUGH BRAIDED" to represent this durability — achieved through heavy-weight fabric, sewing, and traditional construction methods.
TSURIAMI COTTON
The concept of "TOUGH BRAIDED SWEAT" is rooted in rediscovering the reason sweatshirts were originally chosen. Vintage sweatshirts were produced slowly using old knitting machines, long before modern high-speed production.
Instead of creating a vintage-style sweatshirt, WASEW pursued a genuine vintage sweatshirt. Slowly knitted fabric hangs under its own weight, placing less stress on the yarn and creating a soft, airy texture. This traditional method restores the comfort lost in modern production efficiency.
STYLE
Comfortable enough for home, refined enough for outside. The "TOUGH BRAIDED SWEAT" is designed as a versatile everyday piece — combining relaxation and presence through thoughtful design and craftsmanship.
