History

Based on advice from Japan's first professional skier, Kazuyoshi Nishimura, DESCENTE launched the RWSB, a windbreaker jacket that was compact for carrying. The name RWSB (pronounced "rausbee") is an acronym for "Rain-Wind-Snow-Break."

Traditionally, ski pants had been worn inside boots. DESCENTE developed an improved "over-the-boot" style, which combined superior performance and style to become a huge marketing success.

Professional keirin track cyclist Koichi Nakano won 10 consecutive professional sprint world championships from 1977 to 1986. The cycling wear used by Nakano combined downhill and speed skating suit technology.

From racing yacht keel technology, arena launched "Strush SR" (Super Rectification) swimwear, featuring a silicone rubber surface covered in tiny riblets to reduce water flow resistance. It was the world's first swimwear technology based on non-fiber material. The Japanese men's swimming team wore "Strush SR" suites at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.

"DIMPLEX" was a breakthrough material developed for use in downhill and ski jump suits. It employed a dimpled surface to reduce air drag at high speed.

Developed for flat racing jockeys in collaboration with the Japan Racing Association (JRA), this product provides protection during a fall through shock absorption and at the same time is ultra light and cool with the use of a new 3D honeycomb mesh material.

For the 2002 Salt Lake Winter Olympics, the renowned costume designer Eiko Ishioka was invited by DESCENTE to create a dramatic collection of garments. One of these was the Cocoon coat, which helped the athletes to focus their concentration prior to a race.

Aile Bleue swimwear was launched by arena. The design applies "biomimetics" to manufacturing to achieve smart performance based on principles derived from nature. At the 2004 Athens Olympics, Ai Shibata won gold in the 800m women's freestyle wearing Aile Bleue.

DESCENTE developed the "Forest Ranger" line of protective gear for the forestry industry. The multi-layer textile structure and high-strength felt layer combine to reduce the severity of chainsaw injuries.

DESCENTE developed "HEATNAVI" as a heat-retaining thermal material efficiently absorbing sunlight and converting it to heat. It is used extensively and is an environmentally friendly fabric.

A down jacket line based on a non-quilting manufacturing process. The product uses materials that achieve superior water resistance and moisture permeability, thereby providing a high level of wearer comfort.

"Energy Return" is a unique performance enhancing technology developed by DESCENTE that utilizes the rebound effect of strategically placed bands in racewear fabrics to increase both power output and forward momentum. It has multiple applications across a wide range of sports.

DESCENTE developed its revolutionary "Sunscreen" which prevents heat buildup within sportswear garments by efficiently reflecting the sun's heat-transmitting infrared rays. The Sunscreen layer becomes a "parasol you wear" by blocking ultraviolet (UV) rays. It is particularly suited to golf and all other outdoor sports.

DESCENTE developed "Deodash", a specialized sports deodorizing fabric. This material eliminates ammonia odor rapidly, which is caused by high volumes of perspiration generated over a short period during exercise.

Developed "Unifit Pants" for baseball. With each leg a single piece of cloth and DESCENTE's unique three-dimensional construction they have fewer seams for greater freedom of movement.
*Patent acquired for single-piece three-dimensional structure for each leg of a pair of pants (Patent No. 5651213).

Developed the "Water Slider," a new tape that controls the flow of water drops down clothing. The strategically placed hydrophilic tape attracts and guides water to reduce rainy day discomfort.

In triathlon, athletes wear a single suit for swimming, cycling and running. DESCENTE works with the multi-medal winning Swiss National triathlon team, a powerhouse in this event, to supply one suit that can provide the ideal core support functions necessary for these three varying disciplines. Nicola Spirig, a member of the Swiss team, won Silver at the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro wearing this suit. The racing suits, which aim to achieve both speed and comfort, utilize the latest technology and are manufactured in our own factory in Japan.

By developing original fabrics and making full use of our expertise in pattern design--one of our specialties--DESCENTE has developed a new kind of competitive fencing apparel that suits the Japanese body type and provides greater ease of movement. This is the first made-in-Japan apparel to be approved by the International Fencing Federation, and will be offered to members of the Japanese national team.

For DESCENTE, we have also developed the GENTEN running shoe, with the objective of training the foot to run faster, not simply to make a faster shoe. These thin-soled shoes allow improved ground contact sensation, offer excellent fit, and feature a unique bottom surface that makes it easier to gain forward propulsion.

We have developed two types, the MF (Motion Free) that focuses on ease of movement, and the CP (Control Position) that emphasizes support. The MF features a torso portion constructed out of a single part. The CP has Y-shaped grip tape across the hips, helping to prevent air pockets between the swimsuit and the torso, and controlling body position in the water.