Feel the nostalgia and freshness of the renewal.
-What was your impression when you first saw "Retro X"?
Kai: When I was working at a vintage clothing store, my boss proudly showed me a cool fleece he had bought in the U.S. It was the "Retro X". Unlike the "Retro Cardigan" and the "Glissade," the "Retro X" had a cool design with nylon side pockets. The coloring was also exquisite, just like Patagonia.
-What kind of coloring was it?
Kai: The light blue-ish body with purple piping. It was nice that Retro X had a coloring not seen in other products in the lineup. Also, there was a large tag with "P.E.F." on the lining, which was also innovative.
-The tag explains that the "Retro X" is equipped with a "Performance Enhancing Film" that improves wind resistance and heat retention. That was a major feature of the Retro X.
Kai: Fleece is supposed to let the wind blow through, but the "Retro X" is equipped with a windproof film, so I was surprised that even though it is fleece, it does not let the wind blow through and can be worn as outerwear.
-The new "Retro X" is lined with a 100% recycled polyester taffeta fabric instead of a windproof film to ensure wind resistance. This marks Patagonia's goal of eliminating virgin polyester from all of its products by the end of 2025, and using only recycled polyester.
Kai: Patagonia has been using recycled materials in its fleece since 1993, and I was aware that it was different from other brands, but to use recycled polyester in all of its products is truly amazing.
-How do you feel about the fit?
Kai: It's softer and easier to move around in because it doesn't use windproof film. I also like the sleeve pattern like a football T.
-Y joint sleeves have the effect of increasing the range of motion of the shoulders and arms and preventing the hem from sliding up. The overall silhouette is slightly looser.
Kai: I always choose a large size for [Patagonia], but the renewed "Retro X" might be just right in size M. The silhouette is like wearing an old Patagonia. The body is wide and the sleeves are not too long.
The "Classic Retro Cardigan" was introduced in 2000 as the successor to the "Retro Pile Cardigan. The "Classic Retro X Jacket," renewed this season, is based on this design.
-The design of the "classic retro cardigan" is revamped in its silhouette and the placement of the zipper on the breast pocket has been changed from vertical to horizontal.
Kai: Our generation misses it, and the younger generation seems to find it fresh. I guess this is what I mean by "updated. The look hasn't changed much, but I think the materials and silhouette have improved.
-The color variation has increased from four to six colors.
Kai: I really like this Forever Grey, which is a similar color to the "Glissade". The lining coloring is also very austere. Patagonia's coloring is Sea Green and Eggplant, and I enjoyed memorizing them when I was in my 20s.
-Patagonia has a great color scheme, doesn't it?
Kai: I heard from an older colleague who is familiar with Patagonia that the color scheme of their items is inspired by something in nature, such as flowers, minerals, or cityscapes, and that the naming of their items is derived from that. It's great, isn't it?
![Serialized 【, What's the NEW VINTAGE?"] Vol.112 "Anonymity = Freedom to Enjoy" Patagonia's Minor Bottoms.](https://www.houyhnhnm.jp/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/nv_112a-700x394.jpg)
