2025.12.30 update

The allure of "Gently Cloth," wool woven in a historic region | ISETAN MEN'S Buyer's blog Tomohiro Inaba vol.2

The appeal of "Gently Cloth," wool woven in a historic region | ISETAN MEN'S Buyer's blog Tomohiro Inaba vol.2

The first place I visited on this business trip was Kuzuri Woolen Mills Co., Ltd., located near Tamanoi Station in Ichinomiya City, which is about 20 minutes from Nagoya.

ISETAN MEN'S Buyer's blog

The " ISETAN MEN'S Buyer's blog ," written by buyers at the Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building , is a series that shares the behind-the-scenes story of how products are planned and displayed in stores, in the buyers' own words. It will provide insights into the manufacturing process, which is usually not visible to the public, through a blog format.

ISETAN MEN'S suits are made in historical buildings.

The appeal of "Gently Cloth," wool woven in a historic region | ISETAN MEN'S Buyer's blog Tomohiro Inaba vol.2

Exterior view of the main entrance of Katsuri Woolen Mills Co., Ltd. (a registered tangible cultural property of the Agency for Cultural Affairs), which is responsible for producing the fabric for ISETAN MEN'S PB suits.

The factory, located in a peaceful, local area, was situated in a place so historically significant that it could not be demolished, as the building itself was a registered tangible cultural property of the Agency for Cultural Affairs.

Fabrics woven on a Schonherr loom have a texture that is almost like handwoven fabric.

The appeal of "Gently Cloth," wool woven in a historic region | ISETAN MEN'S Buyer's blog Tomohiro Inaba vol.2

The Schönherr loom owned by Katsuri Woolen Mills Co., Ltd.


The most distinctive feature of Katsuri Woolen Mills is their commitment to production using the Schönherr loom*. In an era where efficiency through mass production is essential, their dedication to slowly and carefully weaving fabrics on the Schönherr loom, which produces a texture close to handwoven fabric, makes them a truly rare weaving company. I am impressed by their approach to craftsmanship every time I visit.

*German-made shuttle loom

"Gently Cloth" achieves a cashmere-like feel.

The appeal of "Gently Cloth," wool woven in a historic region | ISETAN MEN'S Buyer's blog Tomohiro Inaba vol.2

Some of the "Gently Cloth" fabrics I selected for this business trip.

The fabric we've selected this time is called "Gently Cloth." Originally a long-selling item from ISETAN MEN'S , it features wool that achieves a cashmere-like touch. It combines a soft touch with enhanced functionality, achieving both comfort and performance. For this occasion, we've selected a Gently Cloth fabric woven with fine threads at a high density.

They respond to a wide range of requests. Katsuri Woolen Mills Co., Ltd., where you can feel the love for their customers and their craftsmanship.

The appeal of "Gently Cloth," wool woven in a historic region | ISETAN MEN'S Buyer's blog Tomohiro Inaba vol.2

Office scene inside Katsuri Woolen Mills Co., Ltd.

ISETAN MEN'S private label development is done in small quantities, but the key is that we have to create something unique that meets our customers' needs. Working with Katsuri Woolen Mills, who are willing to discuss even small-lot development, was incredibly reassuring.
By the way, ISETAN MEN'S suits made with "Gently Cloth" are currently available in stores and online, so please take a look.

Isetan Men's Gentle Cross Suit
ISETAN MEN'S
Gentle Cross Suit
126,500 yen
►View Products
Isetan Men's Gentle Cross Suit
ISETAN MEN'S
Gentle Cross Suit
126,500 yen
►View Products
Isetan Men's Gentle Cross Suit
ISETAN MEN'S
Gentle Cross Suit
126,500 yen
►View Products


Next time, we'll bring you a report from Yamaei Keori Co., Ltd., another company that we've commissioned to produce suits for ISETAN MEN'S .

profile
Tomohiro Inaba
Shinjuku Men's Department Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building 5th Floor, Men's Tailored Clothing Buyer
Since joining the company, he has held various positions in the dress clothing floor, including sales, sales floor manager, and buyer. He practices his own unique style by mixing various trends while basing his work on classic styles. In his private life, he also participates in an activity called "Suit Stroll," where gentlemen who love suits take walks in suits in places that evoke the atmosphere of Japan, enjoying dress fashion and deepening their relationships.

Photograph & Text: Tomohiro Inaba


*All prices include tax.
*The information in this article is current as of the time of publication. Product information may be revised or changed without notice.

For inquiries, please contact Isetan Shinjuku Store, Men's Building
For inquiries via email, please click here.