Tailored for the Game
Stretch Four and Antibiotic Smile transform everyday workwear into functional, graphic-driven pieces inspired by basketball, craftsmanship, and the rhythm of daily life.
Words Mian Centeno
Photos courtesy of Antibiotic Smile
September 3, 2026
The best collaborations often begin with a shared passion.
For Stretch Four and Antibiotic Smile, that passion is basketball—not just as a sport, but as a culture shaping everyday life, creativity, and community.
The two brands recently revealed the Manila launch of the Stretch Four x Antibiotic Smile capsule collection, bringing together contemporary design and bold graphic storytelling.
Presented at Dormhouse in Casa Avandy, the collection reflects a playful balance between style and function, proving that clothing can move seamlessly from work to recreation.
The roots of the collaboration traces its roots back to Setagaya, where Antibiotic Smile founders and siblings Jethro and Ses Olba first visited Stretch Four owner Tomohiro Hoshi’s workshop in 2024.
The experience left a lasting impression, reminding them of the neighborhood jersey makers and small workshops familiar to many Filipinos.
“Kasi, the first time we set foot sa Japan nung 2024—that's our first time—we went to Hoshi's workshop or atelier. So, na-inspire kami,” Jethro shared in an exclusive interview with ArtPlus Magazine.
“And nakakatuwa lang isipin na sa Pilipinas, may ganoon din tayo. May mga workshops din tayo. And if you remember, ‘di ba pag may mga liga, nagpapagawa ng mga jersey sa neighborhood niyo.”
That shared appreciation for craftsmanship became the foundation of the collection.
Stretch Four’s carefully considered silhouettes became canvases for Antibiotic Smile’s unmistakable illustrations, resulting in pieces that feel expressive without losing their everyday practicality.
One of the collection’s standout pieces is the illustrated tote bag. For Ses Olba, it perfectly captures the lifestyle that inspired the collaboration.
“We wanted to focus yung idea na illustration for this one,” he explained. “There’s this guy who came from work. As you can see, yung outfit ng character on that tote bag is naka-suit and tie with a polo. And siguro, that's the beauty and our love for basketball. After work, we're still there to play the game of basketball.”
The idea extends to the collection’s button-down polo and roster shirt. Inspired by Hoshi’s own experience as a Japanese salaryman, the garments were designed for people who head straight to the court after work.
According to Jethro, Tomohiro wanted clothing that could perform without sacrificing style.
The polo features side gussets that allow greater movement while preventing the fabric from lifting during play, creating a shirt that looks polished enough for the office yet flexible enough for a quick game.
The graphics further reinforce the collection’s playful personality.
Among its defining motifs are the siblings said grandpa’s performing a classic basketball pick-and-roll, a visual created by Tomohiro that reflects Stretch Four’s philosophy of keeping things simple, effective, and enjoyable.
Beyond the garments themselves, the collaboration celebrates a mindset: Basketball becomes less about competition and more about the friendships, rituals, and moments that happen around it.
That same spirit shaped the atmosphere of the Manila launch. The event brought a piece of Setagaya to the local creative community last July 24 and 25 at the Dormhouse, Casa Avandy, encouraging guests to experience the relaxed authenticity that inspired the collection from the very beginning.
As Ses described it, “Very authentic lang siya. Wala nang kailangan pang isipin. Like, you don’t need to be performative. You just do you.”
For those looking to experience the collection, the pieces are available through Stretch Four and Antibiotic Smile's official social media accounts.
