This Thing of Ours x norbit by Hiroshi Nozawa ‘Insect Shield’ Capsule

Written by Ali George Hinkins

As the UK’s longest carrying stockist of Hiroshi Nozawa’s label, norbit, This Thing of Ours has forged a strong bond with the Japanese brand which is built upon a shared desire to marry the disparities between urban and outdoors apparel without sacrificing the integral functionality of the product in the process. Naturally, it was only a matter of time until This Thing of Ours would match up with norbit to create some collaborative products and this has now manifested into an exclusive colourway of their Insect Shield Pants and Jacket in Black/Grey which brings them into more of an urban-tinted context. Whilst the colour of the pieces has changed, as you would expect, functionality is still at the core of the products and never far away. 

If we take a more in-depth look at both pieces, they are each made using the same lightweight polyester mesh fabric which is ideal for a humid metropolis in Spring and Summer. As well as being breathable, the mesh creates a physical barrier against insects like mosquitoes and wasps - a relatable nightmare in both the British beer garden and Hebredean heather field - which is further enforced by an odourless insect repellant that wards off any unwanted pests. Equipped with a slew of technical details between them, the Insect Shield Pants, to start, feature an integrated climbing belt, elasticated waist and cuffs, side-entry to access garments underneath and, finally, contrasting nylon reinforcements in areas that require additional durability. Lastly, the Insect Shield Jacket dons the same bespoke Black/Grey camouflage print but takes on the form of a protective outerwear silhouette instead. Functional details come in the form of an elasticated hem and cuffs, full-face protection and two pockets on the front and one on the rear which the jacket itself can be packed into. Both styles come collaboratively branded to show off those involved respectively. 

Available now in-store and online from This Thing of Ours.