Hardware and Software
The garment we inevitably wear in summer, now as in the past, is likely the T-shirt.
If we consider clothing in terms of the relationship between hardware and software in games, T-shirts and cut-and-sew tops definitely fall on the software side.
It's always better to have many, and T-shirts are meant to be replaced like cartridges.
This means their useful life tends to be short. Of course, there's also the style of wearing vintage items or enjoying worn-out clothes, but that's another story.
Guidelines for Cartridge Replacement
Excluding clear tears or noticeable stains, I've considered what indicators might serve as guidelines for cartridge replacement.
- Neckline stretch/sag
- Fabric thinning due to wear
- Excessive fading
I believe these are roughly the criteria for replacement.
These are important points to manage as they can easily lead to a lack of cleanliness. I once had a shirt from a certain fast fashion brand that stretched after just one wash. The speed at which it went from new to worn out made me dizzy.
How to Identify Durability
Broadly speaking, there are two points to identify whether something is durable or not:
- Ribbing that is thicker than the body fabric
- Body fabric that has a heavy weight
It's very simple.
For example, HLVTC's toughest cut-and-sew top is the "Hybrid Racing Shirt".
Both the ribbing and the body use CORDURA material, and the fabric weight is 16-count jersey, which is somewhere between a sweatshirt and a T-shirt, so it doesn't lose its shape easily.
On YouTube, I also explain how to identify durable shirts and how to wash them, so I'd appreciate it if you could watch that for more details.
CORDURA Lives Up to Its Tough Image
My apparel brand HLVTC started with a single T-shirt made from CORDURA material. I started with the aim of creating the best shirts that are functional and edgy, so cut-and-sew tops hold a special place in my heart.
Please look at this image. The left side of the image shows the final sample produced about four years ago when the brand launched, and the right side is a new product.
In terms of frequency, I've probably worn it about 20 times per season. This is a comparison with an item that has been washed approximately 80 times in total.
Originally, it's a charcoal color with a faded look due to the nylon blend, and while it has faded, there's not much neck stretch.
CORDURA, often used for backpacks, truly lives up to its reputation for toughness.
Why CORDURA is Durable
CORDURA is a special material known for its superior durability, and there are several reasons for its toughness and excellent performance.
- 【Strong Fiber Structure】
- CORDURA is made of high-strength nylon fibers, and its weave and manufacturing process enhance its durability compared to other materials. This strengthens the fibers' ability to withstand pulling and friction.
- 【Abrasion Resistance】
- CORDURA has higher resistance to abrasion than ordinary fibers, allowing it to withstand long-term use and intense activities. It is suitable for use in demanding conditions, such as outdoor and sportswear.
- 【Tear Resistance】
- CORDURA fibers are also very strong against tearing, making them durable and reducing the risk of the material ripping or cutting.
- 【Lightweight and Flexible】
- Despite its excellent strength and durability, CORDURA is a relatively lightweight and flexible material, ensuring ease of movement and comfort.
- 【Waterproof and Weather Resistant】
- Many CORDURA products can be treated with waterproof coatings and special processing, and they also boast excellent weather resistance. This protects the material from adverse weather and external environments, allowing it to be used for a long time.
CORDURA cut-and-sew tops, with these characteristics, can be said to be a robust and reliable choice for a wide range of situations, from everyday wear to outdoor activities.
Basic Rotation
This makes the guideline for cartridge replacement difficult to discern. Personally, my criteria would be when it has faded too much, or when the neck stretches a bit more.
I tend to buy multiple units of basic items I like, and this is quite effective. Not just for shirts, but for anything that functions like a cartridge, if you prepare several identical items and rotate them, they will last a long time, demonstrating their durability like a perpetual motion machine.
Of course, a special, singular piece of clothing is wonderful, but I believe having a solid, favorite wardrobe to support it also helps reduce stress when choosing clothes.
Second Skin
The clothes that touch our skin the most. For us, who wear clothes almost all day, shirts are very close to us, and I wear them all year round.
HLVTC will continue to produce various cut-and-sew tops, whether natural or synthetic, and the materials will likely change each time.
From hundreds, thousands, or tens of thousands of materials, I want to make careful selections to create comfortable clothing that embraces your body. Like air, or like a second skin, I value that first touch on the body.