The best knitwear is equal parts engineering and artistry. At WvG, we use WHOLEGARMENT® technology for select garments, developed by Shima Seiki in Japan, to produce sweaters that are knit entirely in three dimensions — no panels, no seams, no excess.
Instead of linking separate pieces together, each sweater emerges from the machine as a single, continuous form. The result is a seamless garment that fits better, wastes less, and lasts longer.
What Is WHOLEGARMENT® Knitting?
WHOLEGARMENT® knitting eliminates side seams and linking. Every sweater is knit whole — directly from cone to finished form.
This seamless process has two major advantages:
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Comfort: Without ridge seams, the garment moves naturally and feels smooth against the skin.
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Efficiency: There are no fabric offcuts or trimmings, reducing waste by up to 30%, according to Shima Seiki. For high-value fibers like cashmere, that efficiency isn’t just technical — it’s essential.
How It Compares: Cut-and-Sew vs. Fully Fashioned vs. WHOLEGARMENT®
Not all knits are created equally.
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Cut-and-sew knitwear is made from flat fabric panels that are cut and stitched, often leaving bulky seams.
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Fully fashioned knitwear improves on this by shaping each panel before linking, but assembly is still required.
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WHOLEGARMENT® goes a step further, knitting the entire sweater in one continuous motion — no linking, no seams.
The difference is visible in drape and feel: seamless sweaters conform naturally to the body, distributing tension evenly for a cleaner silhouette and superior durability.
Why 6-Ply Changes Everything
“Ply” refers to how many strands are twisted together to form a single yarn. A 6-ply yarn uses six, creating more density, structure, and warmth.
When combined with WHOLEGARMENT® construction, the effect is distinct:
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The added weight gives the sweater substance and presence.
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The even tension across the body minimizes stretching at high-stress points like the shoulders and elbows.
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The seam-free design prevents bulk while maintaining incredible comfort.
WvG’s 6-ply WHOLEGARMENT® knits balance mass, drape, and softness — engineered to feel substantial yet effortlessly wearable.
Precision Tooling and Small-Scale Production
WvG partners with Italian workshops equipped with Shima Seiki machinery configured for small, high-precision runs. This allows for:
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Low production minimums
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Tight quality control
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Individualized programming for each size and stitch pattern
Each garment is knit to exact specification, then inspected and finished by hand — preserving both the precision of technology and the warmth of craftsmanship.
Common Questions
How does WHOLEGARMENT® differ from fully fashioned knitwear?
WHOLEGARMENT® knitting produces a complete garment in one piece. Fully fashioned knits still require assembly and linking after the panels are shaped.
Does seamless knitwear stretch out less?
Yes. Because stress is distributed evenly throughout the fabric, the shoulders and seams retain their shape longer.
Technical Takeaways
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Seamless construction = no weak points or friction seams
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6-ply yarn = density, warmth, and superior structure
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Shima Seiki technology = waste reduction and precision shaping
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Italian finishing = softness, refinement, and durability
Together, these elements define WvG’s approach: precision engineering elevated by artisanal finishing.
Experience It Yourself
Explore the Cashmere Collection to see our WHOLEGARMENT® knits in production, and feel the difference that seamless construction and 6-ply density make.