Creating clothes to break away from the world where one truckload of clothing is disposed of every second
Before we even realized it, the clothes we wear every day have become so affordable and easily obtainable. However, this global fast fashion culture is at a major turning point. While clothing production is said to have nearly doubled since 2000*1, the length of time consumers wear their clothes has halved*1. In other words, the reality is that people in the 21st century are wearing more clothes and throwing away more
This is caused by the massive consumption of water during production, the enormous amount of carbon dioxide emissions, and the massive amount of waste generated by consumers. In fact, the fashion industry is the second largest consumer of water in the world, and it is said that the fashion industry is responsible for 10% of the carbon dioxide emitted by human activity*1. It is also said that the global fashion industry generates 92 million tons of waste per year*2
*1: BUSINESS INSIDER
*2: BRING HP
If we continue in this state of affairs, the Earth may one day become literally uninhabitable for humans. This is no joke, and I'm sure you're all starting to sense that the Earth is already beginning to go downhill. No one wants to see a future where the casual annual chat of, "Was it really this hot in the summer?" has suddenly become a serious problem
BRING is a new brand from Japan that has developed a unique technology that allows them to collect unused clothing, recycle it into raw materials in their own factories, and turn it into clothing again, repeating this cycle over and over again.The brand aims to implement a circular economy that will create a sustainable global environment in society
Outdoor Gearzine has been keeping an eye on BRING since last year's base layer feature, when we introduced their autumn/winter knitwear, WUNDERWEAR, made from a blend of merino wool and recycled polyester. This time, BRING has provided us with a variety of items that can be used in the mountains, mainly in spring and summer, and we've checked out their capabilities for outdoor activities and more
*The author is offering this product on the condition that the review is reviewed in accordance with the policy of this site
table of contents
- What is BRING?
- Detailed review
- WUNDERWEAR AOYAMA T-shirt: A functional and stylish merino wool T-shirt perfect for summer living, travel, and the trails
- DRYCOTTONY Mountain Aloha Shirt: A new genre, the "Aloha Mountain Shirt" - not only stylish but also functional
- WUNDERWEAR “ONE” 50/50: Underwear with a comfortable fit and feel that's so comfortable you'll want to wear it every day
- WUNDERWEAR SOCKS: Stress-free merino blend socks that are perfect for everyday wear but can also be used on the mountain
- Summary: Comfortable, highly functional, stylish, and sustainable. BRING is one of the trends that outdoor wear should aim for in the future
- Learn more about and purchase BRING products
What is BRING?
Among the fibers used in clothing, polyester is the main material, accounting for approximately 60% of fiber production. BRING has developed a unique technology to recycle polyester from its garment state into sustainable raw materials, and then remake it into thread, fabric, and clothing. Polyester is a lightweight, durable material with low water absorption, quick-drying properties, and excellent durability, making it a popular choice for outdoor activities
While there have been methods for recycling PET (polyester) bottles into fibers up until now, there have been few ways to recycle the regenerated fibers further, and recycling could only be done once. However, BRING has developed BRING Technology, a chemical recycling method that can be continued "over and over," which is what sets it apart. BRING uses this unique technology to define the field and purpose of each piece of clothing, such as "when, what for, who will wear it, and what experience it will provide," and aims to create clothes that can survive in everyday life and in nature
This time, we tried out the following four items from BRING, with the intention of using them for summer mountain climbing
- WUNDERWEAR AOYAMA T-shirt (photo left)
- DRYCOTTONY Mountain Aloha Shirt (photo right)
- WUNDERWEAR “ONE” 50/50
- WUNDERWEAR SOCKS
Detailed review
WUNDERWEAR AOYAMA T-shirt: A functional and stylish merino wool T-shirt perfect for summer living, travel, and the trails
The WUNDERWEAR series is a line of comfortable, highly functional underwear made from a blend of BRING Material™, a sustainable polyester recycled using proprietary technology from recycled clothing and other materials, and high-quality natural merino wool. My first encounter with BRING was with the fall/winter base layer from this series. The WUNDERWEAR AOYAMA T-shirt is a short-sleeved T-shirt for spring/summer from the same series, and the designer's desire to wear it for both activities and everyday use is reflected in the name "AOYAMA" and its stylish, instantly recognizable design
I am 176cm tall and weigh 63kg and wear size M/L
The fabric, made of almost half wool and half polyester, combines the supple, naturally moist feel of natural extra-fine merino wool with the light, smooth, and refreshing feel of polyester for an indescribable comfort. The reason I don't give up on merino wool, even in the summer, is because of its unique, pleasant feel against the skin
I wore the M/L size, and the fit was just right, with the width being a little wider than mountain wear. As the name suggests, it's "all-gender" and is certainly made to look comfortable on both men and women. In addition to the relaxed fit, the moderate stretch and firm kickback mean there's absolutely no stress, even when making big movements during activities, and there's nothing to complain about in terms of comfort
Short stitching on the sleeve and body hems creates an elegant look
Some people may think that wool will be too hot in the summer, but wool has a natural moisture-regulating function, so when the temperature and humidity inside the garment rises, the fibers will work to maintain a constant temperature and humidity.In addition, the quick-drying properties and excellent breathability of the blended polyester made it comfortable even in hot environments
I also sweated a lot in the mountains under the hot sun, but the sweat didn't stay there for long and dried quickly. When I wore it on a hike, my back, which was in contact with the backpack, was soaked with sweat, but I didn't feel any discomfort like the shirt was sticking to my skin, and after a while it returned to its original smooth feel and I didn't even notice it
Of course, from the perspective of wear for rigorous mountain climbing, the design could be a little more skin-tight, but this is more than compensated for by the sophisticated and versatile design, which can be worn from around town to the trail and even after descending the mountain. With the help of wool's natural odor-resistant properties, when my family and I went on a trip to Asahikawa this summer, I was able to wear just this one garment from sightseeing in Furano to hiking up Mount Asahidake without any discomfort whatsoever
It's great to wear as a single layer in hot outdoor situations, as an inner layer under a windshell, or as a layer with underwear in spring and autumn. Also, while wool sometimes shrinks when washed, I've been able to confirm that this product doesn't shrink at all even after multiple washes
In conclusion, it's perfectly fine for mountain climbing, hiking, and other summer outdoor activities, except for more extreme activities
DRYCOTTONY Mountain Aloha Shirt: A new genre, the "Aloha Mountain Shirt" - not only stylish but also functional
If there is such a thing as "buying a shirt for its jacket" in the world of mountain gear, then this was definitely that. The design makes you want to wear it at first glance, the silhouette is sophisticated and suitable for everyone, and the feeling of security when you put it on is amazing. It's a playful aloha shirt to wear in the mountains, a true "aloha mountain shirt."
Of course, functionality is also important, such as whether the clothing can actually be worn in the mountains
Aloha shirts are originally meant to be worn in hot places, and their shape makes them suitable for outdoor activities in hot seasons, such as low mountain climbing in the summer, as they are also suitable as a jacket because they have a clean neckline and don't trap air. Unlike the thin, smooth fabric of typical "aloha shirts," this shirt is made from 100% recycled polyester, but is knitted with "DRYCOTTONY" yarn, which has a cotton-like feel and excellent moisture absorption and quick-drying properties. This gives it a natural, comfortable fit, quick-drying properties that allow sweat and moisture to escape, and even UV protection
You might think that a short-sleeved aloha shirt alone wouldn't be much of a layering piece, but when I put it on over the T-shirt, the thick fabric and voluminous collar blocked the wind while providing just the right amount of relief from the chill, making it a perfect piece to wear. Of course, it's short-sleeved and has an open collar, but the fabric doesn't restrict the natural flow of air, and the dot buttons on the front make it easy to ventilate, so it helps me control my body temperature better than I'd expected
If there is one drawback, it is that it is a little heavy due to the thick fabric used. It is hardly noticeable for gentle activities, but it may be a concern for more active and demanding activities
However, despite these drawbacks, it's hard to give up the comfort and style that only a thick, loose fit can provide. With a design like this, it's perfectly suited to being worn not only on the mountain but also in the city, making it incredibly versatile. Of course, it can be washed in the washing machine without any worries if it gets dirty, making it extremely versatile for both mountain wear and everyday wear
No matter how hot it is when hiking, it's always more comfortable to have something on top of your base layer to block the wind on the ridge. This unique "mountain aloha" jacket is comfortable and safe to wear on such days, and will surely bring a breath of fresh air to your summer mountain style
Print design featuring motifs of hikers, trail runners, and mountains. Illustrator Sasaki Hisae
WUNDERWEAR “ONE” 50/50: Underwear with a comfortable fit and feel that's so comfortable you'll want to wear it every day
I actually just found out about this for the first time, but WUNDERWEAR underwear is probably the most popular BRING item among outdoor enthusiasts
The fabric is a blend of half merino wool and half polyester, so (as I wrote in the T-shirt section) it combines the comfort of wool with the durability and quick-drying properties of synthetic fibers, providing comfort and functionality suitable for the outdoors
Above all, these pants are incredibly comfortable thanks to their three-dimensional knitting, which allows for a light, fluffy feel that doesn't stick to the skin, and the WHOLEGARMENT® knit, which eliminates stitching all the way down to the waist, reducing roughness against the skin. The micro-ridges in the fabric create a layer of air that acts as an insulating layer, keeping the temperature of the skin constant in both hot and cold weather. Of course, the wool's odor-resistant properties also work well, so they won't feel uncomfortable even if you wear them for days on end on long trails. Another great thing about washing them is that you can just throw them in the washing machine without having to worry about the details
The model I tried this time was the "ONE" 50/50 type, which is seamless all the way to the waist and is 50% wool and 50% synthetic, but if you prefer a tighter fit around the waist, you can also choose the flat elastic type, and for those who prioritize comfort and warmth over sweat management, you can also choose a model with a blend ratio of 70% wool and 30% synthetic. In my case, I chose the 50/50 WHOLEGARMENT model as it is for summer use and will be used both in the mountains and on the streets
WUNDERWEAR SOCKS: Stress-free merino blend socks that are perfect for everyday wear but can also be used on the mountain
Since this was a good opportunity, I requested to try out the entire WUNDERWEAR series, and they accommodated, so I also tried out these merino wool and recycled polyester blend socks
The pop color scheme and simple, solid color design are rare for mountain socks. They're made from a blend of polyester, nylon, and polyurethane, and the ribbing around the instep, arch, and shin provides plenty of stretch in both directions, giving them a secure fit without being too tight. They're incredibly comfortable for everyday use
However, when hiking or running, you need stronger support than usual to keep your feet in place even with strong pressure, cushioning to withstand impacts, and reinforced toes and heels to withstand abrasion. While the fabric construction and comfort of these socks are certainly suited to outdoor use, they don't seem to have been designed with that in mind. For this reason, I wouldn't say I'd actively use them in the mountains, but I do plan to use them as outdoor workwear, or for activities like camping and walking that are an extension of my everyday travels
Summary: Comfortable, highly functional, stylish, and sustainable. BRING is one of the trends that outdoor wear should aim for in the future
It's true that BRING isn't a purely mountain-focused manufacturer, but now that the high functionality of outdoor products has become so widely known in the apparel industry and among general consumers, it's inevitable that items that take outdoor functionality into account and can be used both in the city and in the mountains will be created. I also think that brands like BRING, which have a respect for nature and a strong awareness of social issues, will continue to increase all over the world, and as users, we need to encourage these brands to continue producing good products and help nurture them
I tried out four items this time, and I think you've seen that each one has excellent functionality that makes them suitable for mountain climbing, although to varying degrees. I hope that you'll use this review as a reference to identify the pros and cons of each item and use them outdoors, so that you can enjoy mountain climbing in a way that suits you best
Learn more about and purchase BRING products
For more product details, please visit the BRING official website
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