The Studio D’Artisan “Bengara” Reverse Weave Sweatshirt is crafted using Bengara dye, an earthy red pigment derived from ancient iron-rich soils. This deep, warm red has been cherished for centuries in Japan, not only for its distinctive beauty and richness but also for its functional durability. An ecological & sustainable form of dyeing, the main element within Bengara dye is iron oxide, which is combined with water to create the dye that is hand-kneaded into the garment to coat the fabric with the earthy rust-red color tone. With applications spanning well beyond apparel, Bengara was often used to color lacquerware, ceramics, and even the external wooden walls of traditional Japanese dwellings. One of the defining characteristics of Bengara-dyed denim is its exceptional longevity. Unlike plant-based dyes, Bengara is highly resistant to fading and color change, allowing it to retain its rich, earthy hue over time. This makes it one of the most durable and sustainable dyeing techniques, ensuring that the fabric’s unique character only deepens with age and wear. Paying homage to an iconic garment that has solidified its place in athletic & urban street culture, the Champion Reverse weave sweatshirt has been revered in Japan for decades as the pinnacle of Americana, treated similarly to the Levi’s 1947 501xx in terms of cultural relevance. Originally developed by Champion back in 1938, athletic coaches were looking for ways to commercially launder large quantities of sports garments without having to deal with the stress of shrinkage & degeneration over time. Champion developed the Reverse Weave in response, a vertically knit fabric that when sewn into a garment would minimize shrinkage and maximize durability. The Studio D’Artisan “Bengara” Reverse Weave Sweatshirt is now available online.