
Hi, this is Kosuge, making my first appearance on the ApparelX Trend Blog. Lately, Yamamoto has been focusing on suit outer textile. As the variety of textile we handle increases, you may have questions like, "There are so many types of textile , I don't know which one to choose..." or "What's the difference between manufacturers?" So, this time, I'd like to give you a brief introduction to the suit textile fabric manufacturers featured on ApparelX !


Nikke Textile Co., Ltd. was established in 2014 as a subsidiary of Nippon Keori Co., Ltd., specializing in the planning, manufacturing, and sales of fashion textiles. Based in a factory that handles spinning, weaving, dyeing, and finishing in-house, the company constantly explores and develops new products, including its Heritage series, which revives archives accumulated over more than 120 years of history through a modern lens, and its wool denim and functional material series, which are created using the latest weaving and processing technologies. The company continues to disseminate its collections to fashion professionals around the world. (Quoted from Nikke Textile Co., Ltd.'s website)
Nikke's fabrics, which were first introduced catalog book a few years ago, have steadily gained popularity, particularly textile bespoke tailors. With the goal of creating wool products that are distinctly Japanese and Nikke-like, textile planning takes place in Ichinomiya, where their planning and development department (Nikke Creative Workshop) is located. Nikke currently offers six types of catalog book(suitable for year-round use): (Imperial Black, MAF, Design, Wool Denim, Cuba Beach, and Travel). A key feature is that they can meet a wide range of needs, from formal textile to denim. The textile with pop designs is also appealing, making them perfect for those looking for textile a little different. Also, be sure to check out Nikke's official character, Urun-san, as she's adorable.
Miyuki Keori Co., Ltd. is a leading Japanese textile manufacturer with a long history, founded in 1905. Its main factory in Yokkaichi aims to be an ecological company that is kind to the global environment, and it is conserving the environment through various initiatives. These initiatives are wide-ranging, leading to manufacturing that makes the most of nature's blessings, such as using natural soap in the raw material wool and washing process, and using groundwater instead of tap water. Miyuki Keori's vision for the future is to be a company that is kind to the planet. We will continue to strive to further reduce our environmental impact through continuous improvement.
A key feature of Miyuki Keori's fabric textile is its focus on reducing environmental impact. For example, all the water used is not typical chemically disinfected tap water, but rather groundwater originating from the Suzuka Mountains. Of course, after use, the water is purified through multiple wastewater treatment tanks and discharged through underground pipes. This is highly recommended for those who are concerned about whether both the textile and the textile manufacturing process are ethical! In addition, catalog book contains many basic textile with a British flair, making them suitable for classic suits that are not influenced by trends or fads.


Kunishima Co., Ltd. is a textile manufacturer with a long history, based in Ichinomiya City, Aichi Prefecture. Founded in 1850 (Kaei 3), it was established by its founder, Takeemon Kunishima, a samurai from Owari, with the aim of contributing to the development of Japanese industry through the textile industry. Rooted in the Owari region and having grown with the times, Kunishima Co., Ltd. continues to supply high-quality textile products to the world. The Bishu region, where Kunishima Co., Ltd. is located, is one of Japan's leading textile production areas. This region, in particular, is rich in soft water, which gives textiles a soft and rich texture, and its unique division of labor system allows for the creation of diverse textile with high levels of specialization. Leveraging this environment, Kunishima Co., Ltd. produces high-standard materials for men's clothing and a variety of textile to meet the needs of the times.
Every year, Mr. Kunishima uploads two seasonal fabric swatch books: "BEST SELECTION" and "HERDREX." "BEST SELECTION" features textile designed for business settings, making it suitable for all ages and gender. "HERDREX" is positioned as a higher-end line than BEST SELECTION, and is a textile swatch book that focuses on natural fibers and meticulous weaving. This year, a new high-end catalog book, "KUNISHIMA 1850 Exclusive," has also been added to ApparelX. The textile range in price and color, and textile in vibrant colors to suit a variety of needs.


Founded in February 1885 as a wholesale trading company for woolen fabrics, we began importing textile from England, the heartland of woolen textiles, and started selling to tailors and other businesses in Japan. We are one of the oldest wholesale trading companies in Japan to have begun the full-scale import of woolen fabrics from Europe. We have consistently maintained a commitment to the quality of our products and offer a wide selection of top-quality materials. In particular, we have been doing business with "Ermenegildo Zegna," a world-renowned men's fashion manufacturer, since 1968.
The VBC textile sold at APX are from Takaoka's original swatch book, a company with 140 years of history as a wool textile wholesaler. Vitale Barberis Canonico also has a 360-year history, and all processes are carried out at their factory in the Bielese region of northern Italy, famous for producing high-quality wool textiles. While their prices are relatively affordable compared to other long-established textile textile manufacturers, the fabrics are made with exceptional attention to detail and skill. In particular, their 21-micron wool textile are of high quality, with excellent elasticity and wrinkle resistance, allowing for beautiful silhouettes.


Owari Ichinomiya is a town that has flourished as a textile production center since the Nara period. Our company was founded there in 1912 (Taisho 1). In 1931 (Showa 6), we switched from linen and cotton to woolen fabrics, and in 2012 we celebrated our 100th anniversary. Even today, we continue to pass on the low-tech techniques of our predecessors to future generations and continue to produce valuable traditional Owari products. We have been using Schonherr looms since the early Showa period. Schonherr looms are Japanese-made shuttle looms that were introduced to Japan from the German company Schonherr. They became popular about 50 years ago, but now that high-speed looms such as air jet looms are widespread, production has ceased and there are few in operation, making them rare and valuable items that are once considered masterpieces. While many textile factories are striving to reduce production costs by introducing innovative looms, the reason why Katsuri Woolen Mills sticks to Schonherr looms is "to preserve the texture of handwoven fabrics." Although Schonherr looms are now classified as ultra-low-speed automatic looms, they have a simple structure that powers the principles of handwoven looms. With each component clattering and working like a single craftsman's hand, it performs its assigned role, gently and slowly weaving each roll of fabric without damaging the fibers. The warp threads are loosely taut, allowing for some slack, resulting in a soft, supple feel with good elasticity and recovery. Its excellent texture makes it ideal for suit fabrics, earning it high praise from customers.
These fabrics are characterized by their gentle texture and colors, woven on Schonherr looms. Looking at textile with pinhead patterns, you'll notice they aren't perfectly uniform, giving them a handcrafted feel. The textile mostly feature standard colors and patterns, making them ideal for everyday suits. We also have textile for striped trousers, so they can be used for formal occasions as well. While we don't sell swatches in APX format, you can order card samples for each color, so please feel free to take a look at any textile that catch your eye.
It's been about five years since Yamamoto started handling suit textile. We hope to be of assistance to tailors and anyone involved in manufacturing using suit textile.
Our textile lineup is constantly expanding, so please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.
*Please note that textile may be added or discontinued.
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