What is WHOLEGARMENT?

Typically, a knitted garment consists of separate parts— the front and back body panels and the sleeves—which are sewn together afterward.

In sharp contrast, SHIMA SEIKI’s revolutionary WHOLEGARMENT knitwear is produced in one entire piece, three-dimensionally, directly on the knitting machine.

Consequently, it requires no expensive, time-consuming post-production labor*, realizing a whole new kind of knitwear that would otherwise require highly skilled sewing labor or even be too complicated to sew.

Seam-free "second skin" fit and comfort, in addition to the sustainable benefits of knitwear that consumes only the material required to produce a single garment, makes WHOLEGARMENT the "ideal knitwear."

* Some designs may require partial stitching.

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Shoulders

Dimensional shaping creates clean shoulder lines and produces a garment that conforms better to the shape of the body.

Sides

Seams no longer interfere with the continuity of the knit fabric from front to back. In addition, for garments with complex patterns using multiple pieces, 3D shaping using knitted-in darts creates a beautiful silhouette with flowing drape.

Neckline

Knitted-in necklines and collars create a refined and sophisticated look.

Under Arms

No seams under the arms eliminates the bulky discomfort of typical sewn knitwear.

Wide Range of Knitting

Deeper necklines

With better control over flechage, deeper necklines can be produced. New capabilities in WHOLEGARMENT knitting allow new styles that help increase the attraction of knitwear.

Intarsia-like knits

Changing colors while using short-row technique yields designs that mimic intarsia patterns without sacrificing production efficiency.

Dimensional structure patterns

Spring-type moveable sinkers allow for the production of dimensional fabric effects such as pintuck or ottoman stitches.

3D pants

3D pants can be knitted with more fabric on the front of the legs to form a natural bend at the knees, as well as other measures to increase comfort and form a more attractive silhouette.

Knitting-in decorative elements

Flechage can be used to increase the amount of frill, ruffles and other details.

Knitting-in decor

A new generation of basic items

The refined capability of WHOLEGARMENT knitting is most apparent in basic styles whose faults if any are difficult to hide.

Low gauge

WHOLEGARMENT knitwear can be knit in low gauges as well, with coarse texture and a hand-knitted look.

Jacquard

Jacquard knits can be knit efficiently using two systems.

Half-cardigan stitch

Reverse applications of half-cardigan stitch yield structures with volume. Efficiency is also ensured by using two systems.

Evolution of WHOLEGARMENT

Taking advantage of 3D knitting, everything from simple pullovers to brand new types of knitwear can be produced with special features unique to WHOLEGARMENT such as unprecedented fit, comfort and extended range of motion. Elements that normally require complicated sewing such as drape and shirr, as well as browsing effects for creating volume, can be knitted in. High productivity and efficiency, reduced dependence on labor as well as savings in resources makes WHOLEGARMENT knitting the ultimate form of knit production.

Beautiful flares and pronounced drapes

With 3D knitting based on patterns, flared skirts and dresses with multiple pattern pieces can be knit without seams. Hem width can be adjusted using flechage or short-row technique for producing silhouettes exactly as intended. Bold and elegant drapes can be created as well.

Elegance unique to WHOLEGARMENT

For lace patterns and transparent designs, seams are inevitably noticeable. However when produced as a WHOLEGARMENT item, the elegance of transparency itself can be enjoyed to its fullest.

Inlay technique

Weaving specialty yarn through knitted fabric yields a unique product that blends the soft stretch of knits with the sophistication of wovens (Select WHOLEGARMENT knitting machines can be fitted with the inlay carrier option for efficient inlay knitting).

Combining different materials

WHOLEGARMENT knitwear can perform changeovers in knit patterns, structures, textures and materials. Changeovers can also be performed for knitting-in special functional yarns in key positions for extra added-value. For example, moistureabsorbing, quick-dry material can be used under the arms, or soil-resistant yarns can be used at the collar and cuffs.

Airdrobe (Air + Wardrobe)

WHOLEGARMENT knitwear using inlay technique is surprisingly light and comfortable. Jackets, coats and suits that are traditionally woven can now be produced as knitwear. By knitting on its side, stretch in the horizontal direction is combined with non-stretch yarn in the vertical direction that helps Airdrobe maintain its shape.