Skip to main content

Japan-based Goldwin Ski Apparel Crafts Olympic-level Sportswear

Tosaku Nishida, was the youngest of eight siblings. He lost two of his oldest brothers to World War II. After his oldest remaining brother left home, Tosaku was left with the responsibility of providing for his family. Despite the challenges, his experience working at a textile mill led him to found what would become Goldwin ski apparel, a world-leading sportswear brand based in Japan.

Goldwin, established in 1950 as a small manufacturing company, was originally known as Tsuzawa Knit Fabric Factory and made high-quality wool hiking socks. The team eventually began creating its own products in 1958. However, it wasn’t until the early 1960s that the company would gain attention on the global stage.

Recommended Videos

Drawing inspiration from ancient Greece and the origin of the Olympic Games, the company changed its name to Goldwin in 1963. Historically, the victors in those early games were awarded wreathes of laurel leaves and those champions were called “gold winners.” Harkening back to their roots as a knit fabric manufacturer, Goldwin eventually utilized their technology to perfect and improve the production of ski sweaters and set the standard for function, style, and sophistication on the slopes in the ’60s.

The brand was well represented at 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. Of the sixteen Japanese gold medalists that year, twelve of them were wearing Goldwin sportswear. The company maintained a steady presence in the 1968 Grenoble Winter Olympics and the Mexico City Summer Olympics, and again in 1972 at the Sapporo Winter Olympics and the Munich Summer Olympics. Over the next several decades, Goldwin would sign license agreements with (and become distributors of) other recognized brands, including Champion, The North Face, Ellesse, Danskin, and Helly Hansen.

From its humble beginnings as sock maker to now, Goldwin remains committed to creating apparel with meticulous attention to detail, minimalism, and designs of the highest quality. The company currently creates one ski collection each season, as well as two lifestyle collections per year.

Here are our three top picks from the current selection.

Ski Jacket, $419

Goldwin Ski Apparel Crafts Olympic-level Sportswear
Image used with permission by copyright holder

While it may have an ’80s retro design, it has all of the technical features in a lightweight, breathable, and packable jacket. The Primaloft insulation provides warmth and comfort from post-consumer recycled materials.

Coverall Shirt, $199

Coverall Shirt, Goldwin Ski Apparel Crafts Olympic-level Sportswear
Image used with permission by copyright holder

This classic coverall shirt is designed for work and play, a perfect testament to style and function. Features include two hand pockets, lined chest panels, and an interior pocket.

Hooded Spur Down Coat, $1,299

Hooded Spur Down Coat
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Goldwin’s down coat is designed to be at home in the mountains or navigating the urban landscape. Available in both wool and Gore-Tex fabric, the down baffle construction insures superior warmth without the bulkiness.

Editor’s Note: This article is part of The Manual’s larger Journey to Japan travel guide. Over the course of a month, our writers had the pleasure of experiencing Japan in all its forms, from high-rise bars in Tokyo to traditional tea ceremonies in Kyoto. We hope this series will not only inform, but inspire you to take your own trip to the Land of the Rising Sun.
Clay Abney
Former Former Digital Trends Contributor, The Manual
Clay Abney is a PR guru and freelance writer living in the wild and wonderful state of West Virginia, where he spends his…
Why Spokane is one of the Pacific Northwest’s most underrated outdoor destinations
Spokane is high luxury, but it's interconnected with the outdoors
View from the Numerica Sky Ride in Spokane

I've lived in Washington State for a couple of years now, but I'm still unpacking all of the great places to stay and visit. There's so much to do in the Evergreen state, and during my recent stay in Spokane, I can definitely say that there are a lot of high-end luxury experiences too. From high-end hotels like the Davenport Collection and eateries to some of the best wines in the state, you might be surprised to learn that Spokane is actually a top destination for nature lovers, too. Here's everything you need to know about the wilder side of Spokane and why you should consider coming here during your next vacation.
Outdoorsy things to do in downtown Spokane

This city is a particularly unique place because the town was built around the Spokane River. This is a gorgeous ribbon of blue that's full of waterfalls, eddies, and streams that wind their way through the city. The best place to see this is in downtown Spokane, specifically at the famous Riverfront Park.

Read more
Looking for adventure and culture? This city is the best in the world for urban hiking
Here's the world's #1 city for outdoor lovers
Rio de Janeiro

As an outdoor enthusiast, one of the top things I look for in a travel destination is proximity to the outdoors. I'm certainly not averse to pitching tents, but sometimes it's nice to mix in a bit of urban excitement to my travels. Sports Shoes, a UK running retail brand, just completed a study that analyzed the top urban areas for hikers on break. My personal favorite hiker-friendly city is Seattle, which squeaked in at number 12. The number one spot goes to Rio de Janeiro in Brazil.

The winner was decided through two primary variables: the number of hikes in the area and the average rating and reviews of those hikes. This was averaged out into a hikeability score out of 100, and the only one to get a perfect score was Rio de Janeiro. With a total of 334 hikes averaging a rating of 4.8 stars, this city is officially the world's number one urban area for hikers.
Top hikes in Rio de Janeiro

Read more
Airstream’s new Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired travel trailer is an instant classic
Two classic mid-20th-century design icons combine in this handsome, ultra-exclusive travel trailer.
An Airstream Frank Lloyd Wright Usonian Limited Edition Travel Trailer parked in the desert.

An icon of the all-American road trip meets an icon of mid-century modern architecture in the all-new 2026 Airstream Frank Lloyd Wright Usonian Limited Edition Travel Trailer. By combining Airstream's unmistakable travel trailer design ethos with Wright's Usonian principles, the result is something truly elegant, timeless, and modern. But it'll only be available to a select few.
Everything we know about the Airstream Frank Lloyd Wright Usonian Limited Edition Travel Trailer

Many of the features and design elements in this one-of-a-kind, 28-foot travel trailer are classic Airstream. But it also features a few firsts. Most notable is the dual-purpose lounge/sleep area anchored by a pair of twin beds that convert to a king (the largest bed ever in an Airstream) with the push of a button. Exclusive bolster pillows, tailored slipcovers, and quilted coverlets round out the space. The front lounge also transforms seamlessly between dinette and desk as needed, making this a true live/play/work travel trailer. The entire interior is awash in daylight thanks to 29 total windows—more than any other Airstream in history.

Read more