How I Stumbled upon NANGA’s "PLC Excursion" While on the Hunt for Comfortable Clothing to Survive the Summer!

NANGA has gained a stellar reputation for its highly functional outdoor products, such as down jackets and sleeping bags. NANGA, meanwhile, has also actively launched light, easy-wearing apparel aimed at urban users in recent years.

Their latest series, "PLC Excursion" debuted in May this year. Utilizing the functional material "SHADOW RIP®︎," which balances durability and lightness, they’ve developed a lineup that seamlessly connects outdoor adventure with city life. We spoke to PR representative Sou Yonezawa to learn more about the brand’s story and what makes their gear so comfortable.

Expanding the Appeal of Outdoor Activities

NANGA’s roots trace back to 1941, to a futon manufacturer called "Yokota Sewing." Shiga Prefecture, where the company is based, has long been known for thriving production of traditional futons made with Omi silk cotton.

"Back when we were Yokota Sewing, a major outdoor brand asked us to sew sleeping bags. That was in 1988. This opportunity led us to begin creating our own original sleeping bags, and in 1990, NANGA was born."

In 1994, the company began sourcing high-quality down from the specialized feather manufacturer "Kawada Feather." Their sleeping bags and down wear, made with clean, premium down, quickly gained attention, steadily building NANGA’s reputation.

NANGA’s history gives it a reputation for crafting “pro-level” gear. But the new "PLC Excursion" series offers a range of items more than suitable for casual, everyday city wear.

"Our approach to making things is: ‘If it needs to be tough, make it as tough as possible.’ At the same time, we want to broaden the base of outdoor enthusiasts.

"For example, down suits built for summiting 8,000-meter-class mountains are never going to sell in massive quantities. But for us, developing products to endure such harsh conditions is the engine that drives our technological evolution, and it's a core part of our company philosophy.

"For items aimed at a broader audience, style matters much more, of course. We want to infuse the technology we’ve honed over the years into products that are easy to incorporate into daily life," says Yonezawa.

Operating with this philosophy, the "PLC Excursion" series is designed to be “just right, anytime, anywhere”—the ultimate versatile wear.

A Fabric that Marries Performance & Comfort

"The ‘PLC’ in this series stands for ‘Packable, Light, Compact.’ All items pack into their own pockets, making them lightweight and easy to bring anywhere. That’s our way of making everyone’s day feel a little lighter.

"We aimed to create pieces that you could wear seamlessly, whether you’re wandering through the city or exploring off the beaten path."

The starting point in product development is always material selection. In our search, we came across "SHADOW RIP®︎" by Teijin Frontier, after evaluating fabric offerings from various manufacturers.

"It's ideal for this season, providing UV protection and quick-drying comfort, along with superb resistance to tearing and snagging. Of course, there were other high-tech materials out there, but what made us settle on 'SHADOW RIP®︎' was, above all, the fabric’s texture.

"The smooth, flat look and gentle feel make a clear difference the moment you try it on compared to typical outdoor wear."

The material called "SHADOW RIP®︎" refers to a textile, not just a fiber—in other words, it's a type of fabric. Its composition is the familiar grid pattern commonly used in outdoor wear, known as ripstop. Typically, ripstop fabrics arrange thicker threads at regular intervals both vertically and horizontally to enhance strength. These thicker threads rise slightly from the surface, giving the fabric its signature grid-like appearance.

However, with "SHADOW RIP®︎," the base threads and the reinforced threads are nearly the same thickness. As a result, the surface is flat without bumps, creating a smoother appearance. The base threads are made of recycled polyester, while the grid threads use a high-strength polyester called "PASMO®︎."

During an interview at the press room, I had the chance to handle items from the "PLC Excursion" series made with "SHADOW RIP®︎." Every piece was undeniably supple and soft to the touch, setting it apart from traditional outdoor wear.

"I'm actually wearing the 'PLC Excursion' pants right now—14,300 yen (tax included). They’re lightweight, smooth against the skin, and extremely stretchy. I know I sound like I'm just promoting my own company’s products, but they really do offer a stress-free fit. I’d definitely recommend them for long journeys by plane or train."

"Of course, these are great for outdoor adventures, but they’re also practical for travel, business trips, commuting, and even for school—covering a wide range of daily situations. Around this time of year, people often focus on dealing with heat and stuffiness, but truthfully, staying warm is important, too.

"When you’re outdoors and the weather turns suddenly, or even in the city, it’s not unusual to feel cold—like when the air conditioning is too strong on the train, or the cold air blasts in the office. In those moments, the cardigan released this time really comes in handy. It packs down small so you can slip it in your bag and throw it on whenever you feel a chill."

Starting & Ending with Comforters

Since the "PLC Excursion" series just launched in May, there’s still limited feedback from NANGA's contracted ambassadors and customers. However, many shoppers at retail stores seem very interested in these products.

"We've heard that people who pick them up in-store often ask staff various questions. During warmer months, our 'DotAir®︎'[1] products are especially popular. Many customers compare items made with 'DotAir®︎' and those from the 'PLC Excursion' line using 'SHADOW RIP®︎,' often having a hard time deciding which to purchase.

"Even though the 'PLC Excursion' series is brand new, the enthusiastic response from customers makes us confident about steady future sales."

If you’re searching for the perfect clothing to survive summer in comfort, we highly recommend trying out items from the NANGA "PLC Excursion" series.

NANGA’s manufacturing ethos is rooted in two main pillars: developing products for outdoor professionals and actively offering utility items that make outdoor life accessible to everyone. What areas does the brand want to tackle next?

"Our plan is to keep making products using 'SHADOW RIP®︎' as a staple in the 'PLC Excursion' series, season after season.

"On a company-wide level, we're working to break into overseas markets. Right now, in fact, we’re exhibiting at trade shows in Europe. It's not about instantly expanding sales volumes—it’s more about getting the NANGA name out there to international customers.

"We're also boosting brand and product awareness within the bedding industry. The sleep market has been booming in recent years, with lots of research and development on beds, mattresses, pillows, and so on.

"But compared to all those products, very few people pay attention to 'comforters.' Comforters actually play an essential role in restful sleep. As a company with roots in bedding manufacturing and a long history of feather quality research, we’re now more determined than ever to invigorate the comforter industry."

NANGA’s challenge—to bring their expertise in down and insulation not just to "outside" gear, but "inside" the home as well—is sure to keep winning fans in the years to come.