For Our Second Project, We’ve Brought MA-1 Bomber Flight Jackets and T-Shirts That Are Made Using Japanese Sashiko Fabric!
Check on Kickstarter
The Charms of an MA-1 Bomber Jacket
The fabric is made by manufacturers who also work as wholesalers of judo clothing all over the world. The name of the judo fabric is called “sashiko” and it is known for its strength and thickness. Furthermore, due to it being carefully and properly sewn at a Japanese factory, it is an article of clothing that can withstand even some hard usage.
Kusakura sashiko fabric has a thickness that is made ensuring the wind cannot easily pass through allowing you to stay warm while wearing the clothing it’s made from. There is an inner lining in our sashiko MA-1 bomber jacket that is a fluffy domet flannel made of polyester providing another layer of warmth.
Although kusakura sashiko is strong, it is also a material that can express some flexibility. It is sturdy while still having a soft feel to it. One feature of the fabric is that it becomes softer and adapts itself to the person that wears it, beautifully aging over time. You should be able to sense the comfort of sashiko just by simply wearing the jacket.
Why an MA-1 Bomber Jacket?
The MA-1 jacket is a flight jacket that was designed by the United States Air Force. Originally created for its high functionality, it is a popular design with narrowed cuffs and waistband.
Since sashiko fabric is durable yet soft, as well as made to be worn comfortably so it is the perfect material for those who seek functionality. We made the best out of this well known and loved design and switched it up using sashiko fabric, creating a newer and highly competitive MA-1 jacket.
You can wear it as a light jacket when it is a bit chilly or even while riding a motorcycle.
Since the fabric that is used for a judo uniform (“judogi”) is tough it has a stiff or starchy image, but in reality, Kusakura’s judo apparel is soft to the touch with the capabilities of feelings softer each time they are washed. Previously we launched a JUDO Hoddie project here on Kickstarter with the thought that if everyday people could just wear it and feel the fabric for themselves, they would understand its charms and appeal. We were able to get a lot of support from many around the world.
We pride ourselves in making, “the strongest fabric that a person can touch”, and it is with that that kusakura sashiko is a high-quality fabric that is worn by athletes around the world.
A Unique Texture That Is Made Due to Using an Old-Fashioned Loom
Kusakura sashiko’s fabric is woven by an old-fashioned loom that craftsmen have gone all over Japan to search for and collect parts. Even once you have started weaving, you need to adjust the tension with weight so it is a machine that requires a lot of work.
While it may not seem like the best productivity-wise because it is difficult to keep up with and make, it is with the diligent skills of the craftsmen who are constantly watching and controlling the situation that such a texture is expressed. It is something that cannot be made using a newer sewing machine. We think this is what connects the sashiko fabric’s softness. While it does take time and effort, there are some things that only can be done when doing it this way.
A blended single weave: 70% cotton and 30% polyester (blended) single layer weave. It is a type that has tensile strength while taking advantage of its softness. It gives off the sashiko pattern.
Sashiko fabric starts to fit your body and becomes more comfortable as you wear it. It also has a lovely aging effect over time that you can enjoy. Not only have we prepared a kusakura sashiko MA-1 bomber jacket, but also a T-shirt that you can wear all year long for those who like to wear things that last a long time. Get fully submerged in the kusakura sashiko fabric, a fabric that brings out the personality of the one that wears it.
Charming Point ① Long-Lasting Durability
Since the materials are originally for judo garments, it is important that they withstand being pulled on and thrown around by superhuman strength. By taking care of these sashiko fabric T-shirts that have had a lot of time and effort put in to make, you will not have to worry about the fabric getting worn or stretched out, resulting in you having to replace it for a new one as you would a regular shirt.
Charming Point ② Nice Without Being Too Casual
It is a fabric with some security and thickness that easily retains its shape, which means it will not look too worn out and keep its stylish look even when worn under a jacket.
Size L ｜ 164cm/5’4”, 65kg/143lbs
Size L ｜ 169cm/5’6”, 65kg/154lbs
Charming Point ③ Choose Between a V-Neck or Zipped Shirt
As an accent point, the zipped shirt has the same zipper and Kusakura mark charm on the tab as the MA-1 bomber jacket. The V-neck is a plain shirt that still leaves a stylish impression.
Model Cooperation: Wadaiko (Japanese Drum) Group, “Wadaiko Hiryu”
We asked a member of the Osaka based Japanese drum wadaiko group, Wadaiko Hiryu to model our sashiko T-shirt for us. Incorporating the stylistic beauty of Japanese culture, this group has been to a wide range of activities and events both in Japan and abroad giving the audience a sense of speed with a dynamic performance.
Not being held down by logic and rational, a stage is being developped with “newer Japanese drums (wadaiko)” which has great artistry. Kusakura often has relationships with clothing cooperations and so that is why they have joined us for this project.
– Blouson Materials –
Kusakura Sashiko Fabric: 70% Cotton and 30% Polyester
Camouflage Fabric: 100% Nylon
Rib Cuffs and Waistband Fabric: 95% Cotton, 5% Polyurethane
Filling: 100% Polyester
Weight: (M → 4L) 1060g/2.3lbs ｜ 1080g/2.4lbs ｜ 1180g/2.6lbs ｜ 1260g/2.7lbs ｜ 1410g/3lbs
*Since there is little stretch in the fabric, we recommend going one size larger, especially for the T-shirt.
– T-shirt Materials –
Kusakura Sashiko Fabric: 70% Cotton and 30% Polyester
Weight:
V-neck: 420g/15oz ｜ 480g/17oz ｜ 500g/18oz ｜ 520g/18oz ｜ 550g/19oz
Zipper: 480g/17oz ｜ 500g/18oz ｜ 520g/18oz ｜ 540g/19oz ｜ 560g/20oz
Points to Notice
- Please note that due to the characteristics of the woven sashiko fabric there a chance the fabric gets caught on something.
- There is a chance that the item(s) that are colored with dye may fade due to rubbing, getting wet with water, etc.
- When washing, please avoid washing together with light colors and putting it in the dryer.
- From the viewpoint of having “judo garments that can be washed”, there has been a washing/care instructions tag added. Please be aware that the cotton material will shrink a bit when washed, so please select a bigger size. Please check the length of the sleeves in particular. The information we have shown is before shrinkage.
Kusakura Co., Ltd. is a long-established judo garment maker for over 103 years. We are the only company in the world that consistently produces everything, from fabric weaving to the finished product in international judo garments. Kusakura’s judo garments are used by judoka around the world and were worn by athletes from different 28 countries at the famous international sports games in 2021.
For 100 years, Kusakura’s fabric has been responsible for the development of judo and martial arts training. It has established a solid position as being a representative of Japanese quality, “reliable, safe, high quality, and strong”. We not only accurately manufacture according to the match’s international standards, but we also design the size according to the player. We are developing into other various sports besides judo.
Within the looms that Kusakura uses, old-fashioned looms still remain. The weaving is also done by using old-fashioned looms that artisans have searched for and collected parts from all over Japan. While it does take time and effort, there are some things that only can be done when doing it this way. Since skilled artisans can make diligent and exquisite adjustments while they work based on how things are turning out, you are able to express the “texture” that cannot be expressed by using newer machines.
