Azuma Drop Needle Ribbed Hoodie BR-5557

"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.
The oversized kangaroo pocket on the front adds practicality, allowing you to go out hands-free for quick errands.

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.