UTO's Long-Selling Cashmere Knit: The 'Angel Stole

The birth story of a cashmere knit stole that's as gentle as an "angel," crafted by Japanese artisans

The Angel Stole, spun to an exquisite softness as if to encase air, is a flagship product from UTO that leaves nearly all who touch it exclaiming, "So soft!" and "So comfortable!" This level of softness is a rare find amongst cashmere knits worldwide.

The inception of this "Angel Series" traces back to 1994, a time when I decided to make cashmere knitwear my life's work and launched the brand "House of White Cashmere." After multiple prototypes, I finally created a unique cashmere product, all thanks to a craftsman named Akizo Uchida.

Uchida, one of the most skilled knit craftsmen I've encountered, is my mentor and an object of my utmost respect. His dedication to crafting delicate 12-gauge sweaters with precision marks him as a rarity in Japan today and a source of pride for UTO.

The "Angel Series" employs a non-traditional technique of knitting thin threads with thick needles. While challenging, Uchida masterfully transmutes UTO's audacious demands into stunning products.

The knitting method of the "Angel Series" requires great caution; a slight pull too strong can easily break the thread. Because the knit is so delicate, we can hardly apply weights typically used on knitting machines. This calls for careful attention throughout the knitting process.

With sturdy synthetic fibers, cotton, or strong carded yarns, machine knitting—even complex patterns—wouldn't pose such a challenge.

Back then, to determine which company's cashmere yarn was optimal, we tested various threads. We sourced from the world's top-tier companies in the UK, Italy, China, and Japan. When I resolved to make cashmere knit my life's work, I decided to go with the yarn that Uchida deemed the best. Consequently, we chose a cashmere yarn manufactured by Toyoboshi Kogyo Co., LTD, a Japanese company, recommended by Uchida, and we've stuck with it ever since. Unlike mass production, each UTO sweater is crafted for individual customers through years of experience and skill. Regrettably, the chosen cashmere yarn was the most expensive.

I personally have been fond of the unisex scarf size from the "Angel Series" for a long time. Some I've been wearing for over ten seasons. While they have aged a bit, the softness against my neck remains unchanged. Some customers who have purchased once place orders for different colors, praising the "weightless comfort." These repeat orders bring us immense joy.

Please handle this delicate product with care. The "Angel Stole" is a registered trademark product of UTO Corporation.