FEATURE | TIE UP

Translated By DeepL

The unchanged part of the changed baggy shorts.
Baggies shorts get NetPlus®︎.

The unchanged part of the changed baggy shorts.

Patagonia's longtime staple, the "Baggies Shorts," which come in two styles, 5" and 7", and boast a wide variety of colors, are now available in "Net Plus," a fabric made from recycled fishing nets. We asked two people who have been loyal users of "baggy's shorts" for a long time, artist Jerry Ukai and Hideaki Makino, who works at a select store and is known as a serious runner, to talk all about the appeal of these shorts.

  • Photo_Hiroyuki Takenouchi
  • Text_Shinri Kobayashi
  • Edit_Keisuke Kimura

My Baggies shorts started with trail runners , My Baggies shorts.

Jerry Ukai is an illustrator who enjoys mountaineering and living in the mountains in Japan and other parts of the world. He is a multi-talented writer who is also an expert at writing. Recently purchased a house in the Yatsugatake area, and enjoys living in the mountains on weekends with his family.jerry_ukai

When do you wear "baggy shorts"?

Jerry:I want to wear my everyday clothes and the clothes I wear when I go to the mountains together. . So I wear "baggy shorts" when I paint, when I work, when I go for a short run or climb a mountain.

When did you start wearing "baggy shorts"?

Jerry:I think it was around 2010 when people started wearing "baggy shorts" to climb the mountains around me. I did some research, and until the 2000s, the prevailing theory was that you had to wear long pants to climb mountains, or you would get hurt. However, it was probably around 2008 when trail runners suddenly began to attract attention, and when I saw them running in shorts, I realized that it was OK to climb mountains in shorts! . and I realized. The people around me were wearing 5-inch "baggy shorts," so I thought that 5-inch shorts were cooler, so I copied their style and started wearing them, too.

You have given us an interesting glimpse into the history of mountaineering and trekking clothing.

Jerry:In the beginning, it was mostly Europeans who were active in trail running. They were dressed in white, but then American trail runners started coming out, and they were flashy and cool. That must have been an influence.

Do you have any memories of the mountains you climbed with "Baggies Shorts"?

Jerry:I have memories of climbing various mountains, but lately I've been with my kids all the time, so I haven't been able to get up there very often. . I would like to see those high mountain views again.

Do you wear them when you paint at home as well as in the mountains?

Jerry:. yes, I have a pair of "baggy shorts" that are very stained with paint. I also have a pair of "baggy shorts" that I have stained a lot with paint. . I also run in these for everyday life and even for a short run.

Do you have a favorite color?

This year's lineup of "baggy shorts" includes both standard and bright patterns.

Jerry:I like flashy things, and I think they are good from a designer's point of view, but the seasonal ones don't suit me in any way (smiles). . today it's red, but I think my choice is mostly blue-gray.

Are there any other aspects that you find attractive?

Jerry:I thought the fabric was nice and matte. There was a time when another brand came out with inexpensive swim shorts that could be used in everyday life, and everyone went that way, but I still didn't like the glossy look. . So everyone eventually came back to "baggy shorts" (laughs).

In relation to fabrics, the "baggy shorts" are made of "Net Plus," a fabric made from recycled fishing nets.

Jerry:It's a very good thing, and I support Patagonia's environmental stance immensely. I like the idea of a large company taking action on environmental issues independently of politics. Of course, it would be nice if individuals could take action to the extent that they can. In fact, I have stopped buying plastic bottles and started carrying my own water bottle. As for mountaineering, I'm a UL hiker, but I use a heavy French vintage water bottle. It's frustrating because I've been competing with myself for grams to reduce the weight, but I thought it would be fun.

What kind of brand image do you have of Patagonia?

Jerry:It was like "America. When I was a poor college student living on Mejiro Street, I used to go to the first Patagonia store in Mejiro. I wanted a "Das Parka" or something like that. . I also like Yvon Chouinard's way of thinking and attitude. I think it's great that you can see the face of an icon, or rather, the face of an individual. Also, from an artist's point of view, it's great that he works with Jeff McFetridge, who is a hero of our generation.

Jerry, you have collaborated with many brands, providing illustrations for them.

Jerry:Of course. about 20 years ago, a friend of mine said to me, "A designer is in charge of designing the world, not the paper. Therefore, you should work for a company that is making a good move in the world. As much as possible, I look carefully at what kind of brands are out there, and in that sense, I think Patagonia is a good brand.

INFORMATION

Patagonia

www.patagonia.jp

Learn more about Patagonia's Net Plus

www.patagonia.jp/netplus

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