Saint Michael shirt, and other tees that look decades old
October 17, 2026 · YTHRAL
Saint Michael is a Japanese label that makes new tees look decades old. The shirts are washed and hand-finished in Japan, and many carry religious art like angels.
If you like a soft, worn-in tee with a line that means something, the closest we make is Elysium in Bone Beige. The back reads "Glory is not given. It's earned and remembered."
Quick comparison
| Saint Michael shirt | YTHRAL Elysium | |
|---|---|---|
| Look | Faded and distressed to look vintage | Washed for a soft finish |
| Graphics | Religious art, often angels | A back print with a line about glory |
| Fit | Changes by style | Oversized, dropped shoulders |
| Fabric | 100% cotton | 240 GSM, 100% cotton |
Where Saint Michael came from
Saint Michael was started by Yuta Hosokawa, the designer behind READYMADE, with the Los Angeles artist Cali Thornhill Dewitt. It showed for the first time in Paris in January 2020.
Hosokawa has said the key idea is vintage. Each piece is dyed and washed to fade like an old tee, and some are painted by hand. The label has also worked with Denim Tears and VLONE.
Other brands with a similar feel
Who Decides War
A New York label known for stained glass art. See tees like Who Decides War.
Gallery Dept
A Los Angeles label that reworks vintage clothes with paint. See tees like Gallery Dept.
YTHRAL
This one is ours. Elysium in Bone Beige is 240 GSM, 100% cotton, in an oversized cut with dropped shoulders. It's washed for a soft finish, so it feels broken in from the first wear.
Prefer it darker? Elysium also comes in Onyx Black with a puff-printed back.
FAQ
Who founded Saint Michael?
Yuta Hosokawa of READYMADE, with the artist Cali Thornhill Dewitt.
Where are Saint Michael shirts made?
In Japan.
What brands are like Saint Michael?
Who Decides War and Gallery Dept share its handmade, vintage feel. YTHRAL's Elysium tee is washed soft with a back print.
