STUDIO D'ARTISAN "9913" LOOPWHEEL T-SHIRT IVORY

Some T-shirts are made to be worn. The Studio D’Artisan 9913 is made to be lived in.

Knitted in Wakayama at the historic Kanekichi factory, this heavyweight tee is produced on traditional Tsuri-Ami loopwheel machines—a method that has changed remarkably little in more than 100 years. The machines work at an exceptionally slow pace, around 24 RPM, allowing gravity to gently draw the yarn through the knitting process rather than forcing it under the tension of modern machinery.

The result is a 10.5oz heavyweight jersey made from long-staple cotton with a distinctive combination of substance and softness. The fabric has a natural drape, excellent resilience, and a smooth hand that only becomes better with wear. Rather than being engineered for speed, every part of the process is designed around quality.

Built the old-fashioned way

For sizes S through L, Studio D’Artisan takes advantage of the full width of the vintage loopwheel machines to create a genuinely tubular body with no side seams. This traditional construction gives the shirt a clean silhouette and eliminates unnecessary bulk along the sides.

Larger sizes present a unique challenge: the original machines simply aren't wide enough to produce the required circumference. For XL and XXL, Studio D’Artisan uses Union Special flat-seam construction instead. Inspired by vintage sweatshirt manufacturing, the technique creates durable, exceptionally clean side seams while maintaining the comfort and character of the original fabric.

The collar receives the same level of attention. A three-needle, triple-stitched construction gives it the structure to withstand repeated wear without sacrificing the relaxed feel of the shirt.

Even the packaging reflects the philosophy behind the garment: considered, understated, and rooted in the history of Japanese craftsmanship.

A T-shirt with a sense of history

The 9913 isn't designed to imitate vintage clothing—it is made using the kind of machinery and techniques that helped define it. Every slow rotation of the loopwheel machine, every stitch, and every construction detail contributes to a garment that feels substantial without becoming stiff or cumbersome.

It's the kind of everyday essential that rewards regular wear: comfortable from the first day, increasingly personal with time, and built with enough durability to remain in your wardrobe for years.

Fit

Studio D’Artisan runs smaller than typical American sizing. As a general guide, if you normally wear a US size M, we recommend starting with a size L in the 9913.

Because proportions and preferred fit vary, we strongly recommend comparing your measurements with our size chart before ordering.