2024.05.07

'Tough Guy T-Shirts' National Representative – What Makes CAMBER's 'Max Weight' So Durable?

At the end of the day, are T-shirts disposable? You finally get your favorite T-shirt, wear it all summer, and it's worn out. Many people have probably experienced this.

However, there are T-shirts that, despite the sun, bodily movements, and even laundry, maintain their dignified look not just for one summer, but for several years. It's the 'Max Weight' from CAMBER.

Since the 1990s, this T-shirt has been sold at 'HIGH! STANDARD', a shop in Daikanyama, Tokyo, pursuing American basic items, alongside Hiroto Koseki from HIGH! STANDARD as we unravel the secrets to CAMBER's durability.

PROFILE

Hiroto Koseki

HIGH! STANDARD Shop Manager
Loves the Made-in-USA products unique to CAMBER.

Continuing the Staunch Made-in-USA Brand

What exactly is CAMBER?

"CAMBER's history dates back to 1948 when founder Barry Schwartz's family started a fabric manufacturing plant in Pennsylvania, USA. Since 1982, they began producing T-shirts and sweat items consistent with their current lineup, and in 1992, they started their original label as CAMBER.

"Initially, they produced wear for college sports teams and training gear, but its durability became popular among workers in harsh environments."

It has been known as a brand continuing the Made-in-USA tradition since its founding.

"In the 1990s, many American brands rushed to move their production bases to other countries. However, CAMBER has insisted on American-made products, and to this day, continues production in its own factory in the US. Currently, they also produce sweatshirts and thermals. The factory is small, with about 40 workers, so production is limited."

CAMBER first made its way to Japan around the mid-1990s. At the same time, HOLLYWOOD RANCH MARKET and the parent company of HIGH! STANDARD, Seirin Corporation, began handling it. Since then, this T-shirt has always been on the shelves of HIGH! STANDARD.

"It became well-known in Japan due to the street fashion boom in the 1990s. I believe that the so-called Ura-Hara brands also made T-shirts using CAMBER's body. Even after the boom ended, it spread by word of mouth among lovers of Ameri-Casual style, and its users gradually increased,"

The Body is Super Heavyweight 8-ounce Cotton

CAMBER's flagship model in the Max Weight series is the '302', a half-sleeve T-shirt with a chest pocket.

"To indicate the specs of a T-shirt fabric, an 'ounce' shows the thickness and density. This model is about 8 ounces. Ordinary T-shirts are about 4-5 ounces, so almost twice as thick. The dense, thick fabric is less likely to lose shape or wear out, even with repeated washings, allowing for long-term use."

CAMBER's most popular model in the Max Weight series is '302'. As summer approaches, popular colors often sell out in certain sizes. Priced at 9,900 yen (tax included).

The secret to its durability isn't just the material of the body. For the neckline, a weak point of T-shirts, a thick rib is used, and it's reinforced from neck to shoulder with two-needle stitching.

"It's not well-known, but there's a thin elastic in the neck rib, enhancing its stretchability and making it more durable. This process is technically challenging and labor-intensive, making it difficult for other brands to replicate."

The heavyweight body also brings benefits to fashion.

"The 8-ounce heavyweight cotton tightens with each wash, creating a unique texture with irregularities on the surface. These irregularities create shadows that add depth. Also, the shrinkage called puckering at the stitched parts gives it a worn look."

Incidentally, Koseki prefers the aging that comes with using a dryer.

"When shrunk in a dryer, the irregularities become more pronounced. Shrinking reduces the size, so it's best to choose one size larger. But be careful not to overdo it as it can damage the fabric (laughs)."

Wearing the same T-shirt all the time might lead to boredom with the design. In this regard, '302' is basically plain and has a large pocket on the chest, helping prevent boredom and remaining unaffected by trends.