D E V I S E  F A C T O R Y

DEVISE FACTORY is a casual brand that we have been dedicated to for 23 years, crafting high-quality clothing with passion. It was founded by Nakajima, who worked in sales for a children’s clothing brand, and Hayashi, a former vintage clothing buyer.

We originally started as a children’s clothing brand, inspired by the idea of creating durable garments that evolve beautifully over time—clothes we would want our own children to wear.

As our children grew, we wanted to create clothing that people of all ages and genders could enjoy. Since 2017, we have specialized in adult-sized T-shirts and sweatshirts.

Delivering Clothes That Carry Memories

DEVISE FACTORY began as a children’s clothing brand, rooted in the concept of “durability and the beauty of aging.”

We wanted to create warm, long-lasting garments that could be passed down among siblings, preserving family memories.
The photo above shows a T-shirt that three siblings wore continuously for 13 years.

Before mass production became the norm, craftsmanship required time and effort. However, this meticulous approach resulted in high-quality garments that could be worn for years.

At DEVISE FACTORY, we use rare, century-old loopwheel knitting machines that produce just 1 meter of fabric per hour—an extremely slow but precise process that ensures the durability of the fabric.

Modern machines can knit up to 25 meters per hour, but by taking our time, we create fabrics with a rich texture and a beautifully evolving patina.

Our garments are designed to be passed down from adults to children, from siblings to the next generation. Rather than wearing out, the fabric gains character and becomes even more stylish over time.

These are clothes that mold to the body with wear, evolving uniquely for each wearer.

 

The Sweatshirt Worn for 16 Years by Three Siblings

See the full collection of aging samples here.

The Origin of DEVISE FACTORY
Lessons from Children

DEVISE FACTORY began as a children’s clothing brand,

creating durable clothes we would want for our own children.

While making durable fabric on a vintage knitting machine,

the founder’s daughter said, “It’s rough and hurts!”

That small comment taught us an important lesson: durability alone isn’t enough — softness matters too.

Since then, we’ve been creating fabrics that are strong
yet soft, bringing that same spirit into garments for adults.

This is where DEVISE FACTORY began.

Blending Vintage with Modern Craftsmanship

DEVISE FACTORY garments are made using an exclusive recipe that fuses 1950s–60s vintage aesthetics with modern techniques.

With our experience as a former vintage clothing buyer, we carefully recreate the unique textures, fading, and natural irregularities of vintage fabrics. We specify yarn count, fiber blends, and machine settings in meticulous detail to achieve the perfect vintage feel using traditional loopwheel knitting machines.

However, we do not simply replicate the past. Instead, we embrace the best elements of both old and new.

For example:
• T-shirts are slightly thicker than vintage ones for a more substantial feel.
• Sweatshirts and hoodies maintain the vintage structure but feel softer and more comfortable than their older counterparts.
• Zippers are designed with both durability and functionality in mind, using a double-opening design.

Rather than blindly recreating the past, we respect vintage craftsmanship while adapting designs to modern sensibilities.

 

DF Original Colors, Handcrafted by Artisans

DEVISE FACTORY colors are carefully mixed by Japanese artisans, achieving hues that capture a timeless vintage feel.

We don’t simply dye fabrics—we design the color itself.

Our inspiration comes from antique clothing, vintage accessories, and aged objects found in thrift stores and flea markets worldwide.

We study the subtle fading, muted tones, and deep patina that develop naturally over decades, extracting these nuances to create unique shades that feel nostalgic yet fresh.

Although we use traditional over-dyeing techniques, we ensure the colors do not lean too “Japanese” or too “Western.” Instead, we strike a perfect balance, offering hues that resonate globally.

“This color just feels special.”
That’s the kind of color experience we strive to deliver.

Prints That Evolve with Wear

DEVISE FACTORY prints are not designed to stay perfectly crisp forever.

Instead, our artisans carefully adjust ink absorption, dilution, and application pressure to create prints that gracefully fade over time.

Most brands focus on “long-lasting prints that never fade,” but we believe the beauty of imperfection is what makes each garment unique.

Like denim that fades beautifully over time, our prints develop a unique character as they age.

Each garment tells a story—a personal journey reflected in its evolving texture.

Left: Unworn | Right: Worn for 11 Years
Even after 11 years, the aged print gains a one-of-a-kind vintage charm.

FOUNDERS

 

Born in Osaka. Started his career managing warehouse operations at a major apparel company.
Later worked in sales for a children’s clothing brand before founding DEVISE FACTORY in 2002.
Hobby: Watching boxing matches

Born in Osaka. Worked as a vintage clothing buyer, traveling internationally to source unique pieces.
Co-founded DEVISE FACTORY in 2002.
Hobbies: Photography, motorbikes

During the early years of our children’s clothing brand,
we involved our own children in product planning and photoshoots.