The "Grown-Up Climbing Pants" by a Climbing Legend: STONEMASTER's Vision for Modern Style

Legendary rock climber Mike Graham, the man who launched now-household names like the climbing pants brand "Gramicci" and its successor "ROKX," has started a new brand, STONEMASTER, to create the pants he "wants to wear now." The brand is renowned for its versatility, perfect for everything from rock climbing to daily wear.

We sat down with Hiroshi Kawamura from THREADS Inc. to dive deep into the brand's history, materials, and design specifications.

STONEMASTER Was the Name of Mike's Rock Climbing Team

"In the 1970s, Yosemite, California, was the mecca of rock climbing, and a fair number of people were already enjoying the sport. The pants they used for climbing would get scraped and torn on sharp rocks, so Mike's rock climbing team, the 'STONE MASTERS,' would wear old used jeans or military surplus pants from the US Army.

Their style was seen as so fashionable that the media flocked to them, and their look spread worldwide. This was an era when cultures like the STONE MASTERS in the mountains and 'DOGTOWN' skaters by the sea were born."

"At that time, Bruce Lee was all the rage, and Mike took notice of the incredible range of motion in kung fu pants. He incorporated a 'diamond gusseted crotch' into his own pants to create a wider range of movement, which is said to be the beginning of modern climbing pants. Establishing this now-standard definition of 'climbing pants' is considered his greatest achievement.

As the brands he created grew into global phenomena, Mike decided to 'return to his roots and make the pants he wants to wear now.' He launched STONEMASTER in 2007, naming it after the team he was part of in the 1970s."

Keywords: Packable, Pigment-Dyed, and Coordinated Sets

Now, let's take a closer look at the items. While STONEMASTER pants are packed with details for climbing, that's not all they offer. They are also designed to be enjoyed as everyday wear, for camping, and for leisure. It's not just about the specs; the style is key.

"We have a variety of items, but let's start with the iconic 'Hybrid Pants,' which are a staple of the brand. One of the signature features of STONEMASTER pants is the belt, which is designed to pass through the inside of the pocket. This detail is used in many of our models and is designed to show off a bit of personality when you tuck your shirt in. They have a wide thigh that tapers toward the hem, creating a clean, sharp silhouette.

The back left zippered pocket is also a stuff sack, allowing the pants to be packed down small. That's another major feature. If you look closely at the details, you'll see the zig-zag stitching on the hem. This is a type of stitching used on yacht sails to increase strength. The one-point embroidery on the left thigh is also inspired by this zig-zag stitch.

And the fabric is pigment-dyed. By dyeing the cotton-nylon material used in the Hybrid Pants with a technique that sprays on fine particles, we create a unique texture that allows you to enjoy how the color fades over time. We want you to feel the 'beauty of use' that comes from wearing them hard and seeing them break in.

The way they look after the color has faded is also incredibly appealing and is another defining characteristic of these pants. The combination of Mike's design with the high-quality fabrics and processing techniques from THREADS is one of the core values of the STONEMASTER brand."

The "Field Shirt," with Its Distinctive, Hand-Drawn Pocket Pattern by Mike Graham

Also in the lineup is the "Field Shirt," a staple item designed to be worn as a set with the Hybrid Pants.

"This Field Shirt is made from the same fabric and pigment-dyed in the same way as the Hybrid Pants. It also shares the packable feature, stowing away into a side zip pocket. A key design point to note is the asymmetrical chest pockets. This is because we used the pocket pattern that Mike drew freehand, exactly as it was. It's popular for its versatility, serving as a shirt jacket in transitional seasons. It also works great as a mid-layer in the winter."

Thin, Light, and Warm: The Perfect Trio of Items Featuring POLARTEC® Alpha®

After getting a look at their classic pieces, it's time to check out their top picks for this fall/winter season.

"The material we're really excited about this fall and winter is POLARTEC® Alpha®. It combines the warmth of POLARTEC® fleece with the breathability and quick-drying properties of Alpha®, making it an excellent heat-regulating material for liners. We've incorporated it into both our pants and swing top jackets.

We've also applied the pigment dyeing process we mentioned earlier to these items. Pigment dyeing POLARTEC® Alpha® is quite an unusual approach. It presented some challenges during production, like managing the dyeing temperature, but the result is a truly unique look and feel.

The swing top jacket features raglan sleeves for unrestricted shoulder and arm movement, offering a different vibe from the field shirt we discussed. The outer shell is a soft, smooth polyester, and both the pants and the jacket are designed to be packable."

The "must-wear pants" from this rock-climbing legend are not just for climbing—they're stylish enough for everyday wear. What's more, the unique materials, distinctive details, and functional design strongly convey the brand's unique philosophy. With its versatility for all kinds of situations, STONEMASTER is a brand we'll definitely be keeping a close eye on.