These items are marked “(B)” and are available at 20% off:
Black (B) / Navy (B) / Nomad (B) / Olive (B)
Introduction
Winter Only Hood
We’ve enhanced our simple Only Hood design by incorporating the lightweight, warm, yet highly breathable Polartec Alpha Direct, which is a fabric that is superior at preventing water retention and maintaining its loft when wet.
At only 51 grams, it is lighter than most knit caps, but warmer, and can be used as a neck gaiter or a balaclava. Making it great for light snow situations.
For optimal layering, we recommend pairing the Light Alpha Only Hood with jackets that do not have hoods, such as our: Light Alpha Vest/Jacket, Merino Coach Jacketor the 100% Merino Pullover
2025 Model Updates
- In consideration of environmental impact, we have transitioned the outer fabric’s water-repellent treatment from C6 DWR to C0 DWR.
Layering examples
Layering with Hoodless Jackets
Combine with a non-hooded jacket or middle layer such as the Light Alpha Vest/Jacket, Merino Coach Jacket or the100% Merino Pullover.
Light Alpha Only Hood Light Gray
Active Pullover Blue
AW Hike Pants Black
THREE Slate Khaki
Light Alpha Only Hood Olive
Alpha Vest Ebony
DF Mesh Merino Long Sleeve Brick Red
Merino 5-Pocket Pants Light Gray
MINI TS White
Light Alpha Only Hood Purple 2021
Merino Coach Jacket Charcoal
Merino 5-Pocket Pants Charcoal
THREE Spruce 2021
Light Alpha Only Hood Navy 2021
Merino Shirt Brown 2021
Merino 5-Pocket Pants Sand Stone
THREE Tawny Port 2021
Light Alpha Only Hood Black
Light Alpha Vest/Jacket Purple
Winter Hike Pants Black
ONE Custom Edition Navy x White
Light Alpha Only Hood Brown 2021
100% Merino Pullover Pale Yellow 2021
Alpha Vest Ebony
5-Pocket Pants Azurite 2021
MINI2 Mustard
Form and function
Balaclava
Transforms to a simple balaclava that can completely cover the nose, a great feature for when in harsh cold conditions.
*Does not have the elastic fitting feel like most balaclava’s do.
The front length of the hood is longer than that of the Only Hood so that the neck is completely covered when worn as a balaclava.
Warmth
Although it’s not as warm as 1000-fill-power down, the Polartec Alpha Direct (85g/m²) used in the Light Alpha Only Hood is one of the best insulators available—arguably even warmer than wool. Its exceptional warmth-to-weight ratio, combined with superior breathability and water resistance, makes it an excellent choice for active use in varying conditions.
Comparative test
The below chart compares the 1000 fill power down and other insulators used in thermal clothes on the market.
- Heat retention is measured by JIS L 1096 A method, in Yamatomichi in-house test. The heat insulation property is measured from the amount of energy consumed by the heat-generating element to maintain its temperature. The maximum value is 100%.
- The values of Polartec and Primaloft fabrics are the manufacturers’ catalog specs. Other fabrics’ values are measured by Yamatomichi. 1000 fill power down includes its 7 denier nylon outer and lining.
Fast-drying
Polartec Alpha Direct offers some of the best quick-drying performance among the mid-layer fabrics we use at Yamatomichi.
Comparative test
The below chart compares the fast-drying performance of middle layer products. You can see that the Alpha Direct is not as fast-drying as the extremely fast-drying Shadow Rip (UL Shirt), but the moisture content after spin-dry is much lower than that of wool and other fabrics, and even when wet, it dries quickly if lightly wrung out or worn for some time.
*A proprietary test: We looked into the difference of the water content after a 15 minute spin-dry. The larger the value, the higher the moisture content, meaning slower-drying.
Details
Draw cord at the chin for quick adjustments.
Doubles up as a neck gaitor by tightening the draw cord.
We use contrasting colors for the hem to make it easy to identify the opening, ensuring you never struggle with where to put your head.
Material
Polartec Alpha Direct
Conventional natural down and synthetic insulators tend to contain body moisture within the clothes and as a result, can be quite stuffy. Polartec Alpha Direct, on the other hand, is so air-permeable that it can be worn even during a high level of physical activity.
Alpha Direct is also treated by Polygiene odor control which safely reduces the microorganisms and bacteria by small amounts of silver ions, achieving antibacterial and deodorizing function that well exceeds the lifespan of ordinary garments.
It is like a fleece with longer puffy hairs.
Pertex Quantum Air
To make the most of Polartec Alpha Direct’s outstanding breathability, we use Pertex Quantum Air as the shell fabric—a super-lightweight, highly air-permeable nylon treated with a durable water-repellent (DWR) finish.
To achieve its high level of breathability, Quantum Air is woven at an extremely loose density. By using low-count yarns that are less prone to friction, the fabric resists wear from rough materials like hook-and-loop fasteners. The yarns are also false-twist processed, giving the fabric a balance of light stretch, breathability, and durability.
On the inside, we apply Yamatomichi’s ultra-thin titanium sputtering—a process that bonds a microscopic titanium layer to the fabric surface. This helps retain body heat and reduce radiative heat loss while preserving the fabric’s natural feel and breathability, achieving a high-level balance of ventilation and warmth without compromise.
Size guide
Product dimensions
Unit: cm
| Size | ONE |
|---|---|
| Circumference | 47 |
| Full Height | 47.5 |
| Front Height | 26 |
・Actual measurements may vary slightly.
・Sizes may change over time as the fabric can shrink with wear and washing.
Fitting
Beyonce Circumference-57.5cm (Black)
Beyonce Circumference-57.5cm (Black)
Shiori Circumference-55cm (Navy)
Shiori Circumference-55cm (Navy)
Instructions
Care instructions
The titanium coating on the back of the fabric can gradually wear off due to friction caused by daily washing. The proper care with the right washing method can help maintain the titanium coating.*
*The amount of titanium particles washed away is minimal and considered to be harmless for the environment.
- When machine washing, set to gentle or delicate, avoid damage caused by contact with other laundry by washing separately or using a laundry net.
- Avoid bleach or detergent that contains enzymes as they might discolor the fabric due to the chemical reaction with the metal. Use neutral detergent.
- Do not soak in detergent for a long period of time as it can accelerate the delamination of the titanium coating.
- Wring gently after washing and line dry in the shade.
- Do not iron. Do not dry-clean.
- If necessary, wash to remove fuzz from the fabric before first use.
Care guide
For more detailed tips on how to take care of your Yamatomiochi products, please visit our Care guide.
Restoring loft and warmth
The lofted fibers used in Yamatomichi’s active insulation are lightweight, breathable, and provide comfortable warmth. However, with continued use, these fibers can become flattened, which may reduce warmth.
If this happens, gently brush the fibers in their natural direction using a metal stuffed-animal grooming brush. Our internal testing shows that this simple care method can help restore loft and improve warmth.
At YamatoMichi retail stores, we offer in-store brushing support, and staff can show you how to do it properly. If you’re unsure about caring for your item at home, feel free to ask us for help.
*This method helps restore loft to flattened fibers, but fibers lost through wear cannot be replaced.
The degree of warmth recovery will vary depending on the condition of the product.
Before Brushing
After Brushing
What You’ll Need
- A metal grooming brush for stuffed animals
How to Restore Loft
- Lay the area you want to revive as flat as possible.
- Gently brush the flattened fibers several times in one direction.
- Once the loft stands up again, you’re done.
Notes
- Avoid brushing too hard, as it may damage the fabric.
- Only brush when the fabric is completely dry.
- The degree of loft recovery will vary depending on the material and product.
Payment
- We only accept payment by credit card for orders from overseas.
- Bank transfer is available only to customers with a Japanese bank account.
- We accept the following credit cards: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and JCB.
- To download your receipt, please click the link included in the dispatch notice email, which will be sent once your order has been shipped.
Delivery
- You will receive an order confirmation email after completing your purchase.
- Orders paid by 15:00 JST on weekdays or 13:30 JST on weekends and Japanese public holidays will be shipped the same day. Orders paid after these times will be shipped the following day.
- Shipping and delivery may be delayed due to holiday periods, natural disasters, severe weather, high order volumes, additional order verification, or other logistical issues.
- You will receive a shipping confirmation email once your order has been shipped.
- Orders placed separately cannot be combined for shipping.
Shipping Within Japan
When purchasing this product on its own, Yamato Transport’s lower-cost Nekopos service is available.
Shipping: ¥250
- Your order will be delivered to your mailbox or parcel box.
- Nekopos shipments are not covered for loss or damage.
- Delivery usually takes one to two days after dispatch, though some areas may take longer.
- Tracking is available.
- Delivery dates and times cannot be specified.
Orders containing two or more items will be shipped via Sagawa Express. Orders to Okinawa and remote islands will be shipped via Yamato Transport.
Shipping: ¥500 / ¥950 to Okinawa
International Shipping
- Orders to North America, Oceania, and Europe are shipped via DHL. Orders to Asia, the Middle East, Central and South America, and Africa are shipped via EMS (Express Mail Service). We are currently unable to ship to Russia due to Japanese postal restrictions.
- Shipping fees and delivery times vary depending on the destination and the size and weight of your order. To check the exact shipping fee, add your desired items to your cart and enter your shipping address.
Repair
We accept repairs for all of our Yamatomichi products. For inquiries on repair services including patching the holes, repairing with extra components, or fixing the items damaged over time, please feel free to contact us from the “Repair” section of the SUPPORT page.