Somebody with ZERO-TEX®
Somebody with ZERO-TEX® #05
“Somebody with ZERO-TEX®” is a serialized project that focuses on wonderful people, things, and ideas that follow their own path, regardless of genre or scene. In this installment, we had Miyamoto-san from “The Daps Famous Hood Joint” (now disbanded)—a popular Kichijoji spot that drew fans from near and far for its authentic N.Y.-style sandwiches—check out the finished uniform we created with him.
“Even when I’m standing in the kitchen and sweating, it stays dry and comfortable.”
As we mentioned previously (click here for details), Miyamoto-san received the first sample we produced and tested the ZERO-TEX® uniform in various events and settings. From the moment the interview began, his enthusiasm for ZERO-TEX® poured out like a dam breaking.
“I wore it at a rooftop event during a warm spell, and even when I was standing in the kitchen sweating, it stayed dry and comfortable, so I didn't have to worry about how I looked to cute girls—especially the 'gals' (laugh). I think the clean design helped with that, too.”
Right from the start, Miyamoto’s unique charm was on full display. But he was clearly serious about using it in the field; surprisingly, he even took it abroad to put it to the test.
“I brought it along as my sidekick when I went to a shop in Houston for some training recently. In the end, the shop canceled on me at the last minute, so I didn't use it in the kitchen there, but I traveled through Houston, New Orleans, Memphis, Nashville, St. Louis, Chicago, and Atlanta—relatively warm regions—and it was incredibly comfortable to wear even as the temperatures shifted quite drastically.”
He gave us a detailed report on how it felt to wear it in various situations.
“The overseas versions are so thin you can almost see through them, but this one is opaque, so it’s worry-free.”
Now that we’d heard his thoughts on the first sample, it was time for him to encounter the final version. Miyamoto-san first focused on the apron, noting how frequently he uses one.
“The sizing is perfect! It’s not too long, so it doesn't touch the ground when I crouch down, and it’s great that the logo doesn’t get hidden when I wear it in a front-apron style. Seriously, I have no complaints here.”
Miyamoto-san was genuinely impressed that his previous feedback had been so thoroughly incorporated. Of course, his attention wasn't only on the sizing...
“It has a loop for a towel, which is something I’ve always thought was important—it really makes you feel like you’ve got a towel handy. I have a habit of wiping grime off on the hem of my shirt, but as I’ve mentioned before, hygiene is absolutely critical in our line of work.”
Next, Miyamoto-san turned his attention to the open-collar shirt and pants he had been so eager for during our last session. He looked satisfied at first glance, and when he actually slipped them on...
“I’m not really into baggy fits, so the sizing is just right—snug but perfect. Though, I did put on a little weight after coming back from overseas... fried chicken is just the best, whether at a chain or a local spot (laugh).”
He gave it a stamp of approval, and couldn't resist trying on the pants mid-interview to see the full coordinated look.
“The pants feel great, too; there’s just the right amount of stretch, making them easy to move in. I bought some work pants over there (in the U.S.) that I wore today, and while they’re durable, the comfort is terrible. But for an 'old-school guy from the 90s' like me, this level of comfort is great. The pockets are also nice for stashing any trash that comes up while I’m working.”
He was already letting his imagination run wild, picturing himself working in his new uniform.
“People in the kitchens of New York delis wear shirts just like this, but they’re usually a bit thin—you can almost see your nipples through them. But this one is opaque, so you can wear it with peace of mind (laugh). The design has a pen slot and everything else I need, but it feels a bit plain, so it’d be fun to have a friend embroider it like a motorcycle club jacket, or go around to embroidery shops all over the country to collect patches.”
True to his sense of style, Miyamoto-san is clearly just getting started with his commitment to and pursuit of the perfect uniform!
A new shop with the ZERO-TEX® uniform!?
By the way, regarding the fact that this uniform was made for Daps, a shop that regretfully disbanded at the end of last year, we had to ask about his plans for it...
“I plan to keep wearing the uniform you made, just like the first sample. As you know, the shop has disbanded, but I’m helping out at a senior colleague’s shop now, and I wear it when I’m there.”
His answer was positive. Moreover, it seems a future project is already in the works...
“Actually, I’m planning to open a new shop within this year. I’m still in the preparation stage, so I can’t say anything definite, but it would be great to make uniforms for the new place using the ones you’ve made for me this time as a base!”
We might soon see the ZERO-TEX® uniform in Miyamoto-san’s new shop!
