Loopwheel jersey
Jersey knitted slowly on vintage circular loopwheel machines. The fabric comes out with very little tension and seamless sides, so it stays soft, keeps its shape and ages well.
How it’s made
- 1Yarn is knitted on loopwheel (Rundwirk) machines that build a tube of fabric slowly from the top down.
- 2Low tension means fabric retains its loft and 'memory'. Output is only a few metres per hour.
- 3The tube becomes a side-seam-free body. German (e.g. Albstadt region) and Japanese mills keep the craft alive.
What to look for
- No side seams on tees and sweats
- Mill or region named by the brand
Pros
- Soft, dense hand feel
- Keeps shape over years
- No twisted side seams
Cons
- Expensive
- Heavier
- Limited availability
Typical use
- Streetwear:
- Heritage tees, sweatshirts, henleys.
Sustainability
Slow production with long garment life. Machines are often decades old and kept running.