Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Outdoors

Japan-based Goldwin Ski Apparel Crafts Olympic-level Sportswear

Clay Abney
By

goldwin ski
Image used with permission by copyright holder

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.

Recommended Videos

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.

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.
Topics
Clay Abney
Clay Abney
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Clay Abney is a PR guru and freelance writer living in the wild and wonderful state of West Virginia, where he spends his…
Ditch the GPS: How to navigate using a map and compass
Don't worry, it's really not that difficult to find your way or location the old-school way
Fingers holding a map and compass in the outdoors

GPS devices and GPS apps for your phone and even navigation watches with GPX files are nearly foolproof today. But what about when you run out of battery or your waterproof device isn't as waterproof as you had hoped? Even worse, what if you spend your entire trip with your head buried in your GPS without taking the time to get to know your surroundings?

Here at The Manual, our number-one backpacking essential for every outdoor adventure is the humble map and compass. It's no use just buying these items and stuffing them into your backpack. First, you need to learn how to read a topographic map and know what all the twisting bits do and what the numbers mean on your compass. It can all look quite confusing, so we're going to demystify the art of how to navigate using a map and compass and let you go old school, ditch the GPS, and get to know your surroundings intimately.
Know the parts of the compass

Read more
A beginner’s guide on how to read a topographic map
Learn how to read and navigate with a topographical map from an expert
Reading a topographic map

Before you’ve packed your bags and before you’ve gassed up the wagon, there’s the little issue of figuring out where you’re actually going to go and -- more importantly, if you're going to be outdoors -- the type of terrain that's there.

One of the best ways to do that is to peruse a map of the region that goes a little further than just showing you a layout of the park. A topographic map introduces you to the peaks and valleys and gives you an understanding of how difficult the terrain might be in the area where you’re headed. It was originally developed as a way to depict counties and cities before the U.S. military used it in World War I.
Where to begin

Read more
These are the essential outdoor knots every outdoorsman should know
A well-versed arsenal of knots is a must-have for any outdoorsman
A reef knot is tied against a tree

There's almost no end to what you can achieve armed with a length of rope and an arsenal of outdoor knots to tie it together. If heading into the backcountry, you should always be prepared for survival. While part of that is carrying the right gear, you must know how to use it effectively. You wouldn't take your woodcutting axe without giving it a few practice swings at home, so why would you expect to tie the right knot without practice?

There is an adage among those who don't know what to do with rope: if you can't tie knots, tie lots. If you don't know what you're doing, keep tying until your rope feels secure. It works, sometimes. But in a significant way, these people are missing out. Knots, like backcountry navigation skills or making a fire, are part of being an outdoorsman. Outdoor knots come in different shapes and perform various tasks; some are quick, some secure, and others are designed to be untied quickly. These eight are the essential outdoor knots to learn first, so grab a rope and upskill your outdoor self.
Bowline knot

Read more