Azuma Drop Needle Ribbed Crewneck Sweatshirt BR-5555

"A New Material Woven on the Azuma Knitting Machine"

From BARNS OUTFITTERS extensive sweatshirt lineup comes a potential new staple for this season — the “Azuma Sweatshirt.” This piece is crafted from a new material woven using the Azuma knitting machine, a vintage machine primarily used in the 1970s. Positioned in speed between traditional sinker machines and high-speed knitters, the Azuma machine creates fabric that is both soft and plush, yet retains excellent structure and resilience. The sweatshirt also features needle-punched ribbing, giving it a distinctly vintage-inspired look. This season, BARNS OUTFITTERS proudly introduces a confident new standard that has the potential to become a wardrobe staple.

"Vintage Knitting Machines and Needle-Punched Ribbing"

The new sweatshirt is made using the Azuma knitting machine, a vintage machine that was widely used in Wakayama, a region renowned for cut-and-sew production. Primarily in use during the early 1970s, at the height of Japan’s post-war economic boom, these machines were eventually replaced by high-speed sinker knitting machines due to the demand for mass production and consistent quality. Today, alongside tsuriami and small-gauge machines, the Azuma machine is extremely rare. The fabric produced by this machine offers a softness, plushness, and warmth that modern high-speed machines cannot replicate. Additionally, the ribbing uses a needle-punched rib construction, enhancing the vintage-inspired look of the piece.

By adopting raglan sleeves, the range of motion is expanded and shoulder bulk is reduced when wearing an outer layer. The design is focused on providing a stress-free wearing experience.

The ribbing at the neckline, cuffs, and hem features a needle-punched rib construction. By omitting needles at regular intervals during knitting, this technique creates a textured, ridged appearance. Inspired by vintage sweatshirts from before the 1950s, this detail gives the piece a classic, timeless feel.

The fabric, slowly and gently knitted, combines the softness and resilience unique to vintage knitting machines. Its structure resists deformation, making it a durable piece that lasts for years. The brushed interior adds warmth, creating a lightweight yet cozy sweatshirt, perfect for fall and winter wear.