Always looking forward to a new vid! Have a number of Samurai's loopwheeled T's, which are AMAZING, so it's great to get an in depth review of these T's. Keep up the awesome videos!
James, looks good on you! For myself, I have given up on heavyweight T-shirts from Japanese heritage and repro brands. The focus is clearly on things like fabric texture and weight, dyes, loopwheeling, heft, but it seems invariably that fit is a distant afterthought. The bodies are very narrow and often out of proportion with the length. Chests can be ridiculously tight. Armholes painfully high. Neck openings too narrow and the sleeve openings rarely huh the biceps in a flattering way. Granted they’re designed to fit the Japanese body yet even in product photos they tend to look just as I have described. I have several similar T’s in this price range and I wear none of them, sadly.
Just wanted to say: superb comment! First time I've seen these issues mentioned and it provides a welcome balance to the many positive reviews of Japanese heritage brands. It's also worth adding that items such as the iconic Merz b in the Bear (German brand I know but we're swimming in the same waters) were specifically altered to the actor's body by one of the show's costume designers. This makes a frankly huge difference. For me the fabric and construction quality continue to justify the buy. Above all I appreciate the feel of the low tension construction, the softness of the longer staple cotton and the ubiquity of binder collars! Once you're in at that level of spend I don't really think twice about taking things to a tailor be adjusted. It's not fun spending yet more but it kinda makes sense given the initial investment. I've even had the loop wheel (seamless) construction cut out and seams added to make a T fit closer in the body. For all the hype, a lot of loopwheel ends up looking like a trash fit unless you're into sloppy/baggy fits (which I'm not). I don't care what the heritage angle is on that point, clearly the human torso isn't tube-shaped! Tight chests/narrow neck openings/high armholes (I'd add narrow shoulder widths in the case of Merz b) etc are completely irrecoverable though. It's useful for anyone thinking of getting into the scene to have this info as it's one of the things they can expect to encounter. Hats off to the OP for highlighting!
Good that you mentioned the sizing/fit, I want to get the raw cotton one and given I like fitted clothes, I’d probably end up ordering one that would be too small.
Hi there! I was just wondering if there were any noticeable shrinkages after each wash or stretches over time. I’m in between sizes and don’t know if I want to size up to a XL given the length of this shirt.
@@JamesHerlihy gotcha! Any stretch in the fabric with wear? I’m similar to you in build and the measurements of most of my t-shirts are in between a L and XL of this particular t-shirt
@thediabyfactor i would go XL then, its snug without feeling tight. A large would have fit but would have been tighter than I prefer. My shirt is still at the tailor. Will have it back Saturday and report back
Samurai does run really small. I tend to wear a medium in most US sizes and I'm an XL in Samurai button up shirts and flannels. I could do a large but any amount of shrinkage and it'd be unwearable. Also just for reference in other JP brands. Momotaro I'm a Medium / 40 in their flannels but a medium T-shirt is too small. Iron Heart I can do a medium or a large but large is a better fit. If I'm not wearing a t-shirt under I can go medium.
Any idea what the difference between this specific shirt is versus their other tees? They have two models on their website, one in a two-pack "medium weight" and one "heavy weight." I don't think they're the same as the one in your video though.
I haven't had any problems with Bronson MFG or velva sheen (little long but great neck and fit. I went with a large. independence-chicago.com/velva-sheen-two-pack-pocket-t-shirts-white/?ktk=UHoyc0J2LThhMGU4NDFkNmI2
