“Smooth,Sarashi Shirts”
Sparkling sunlight filters through the trees, you can hear the birds of summer, and a refreshing breeze brushes your cheeks – the season of bright sunshine has arrived. Sarashi shirts feel smooth and light in the breeze, along with a touch of playfulness. Our classic summer clothing balances comfort and style for casual outings, trips to cafes, and the like.
Sentiment of Being Made in Japan
Kamawanu values its craftsmanship being in Japan.
Sarashi shirts and Kamuri are made in Gifu, a prominent production area for apparel in Japan. Recently, the number of factories and artisans in Japan has been decreasing year by year due to production being outsourced overseas. Even if producing in Japan means that the production output is limited, we believe that it will lead to protecting the future of handicrafts by artisans. We wish to be a brand that can empathize with producers, not only users. It is with this sentiment that we continue to produce our Sarashi shirts.
Sarashi shirts and Kamuri are made in Gifu, a prominent production area for apparel in Japan. Recently, the number of factories and artisans in Japan has been decreasing year by year due to production being outsourced overseas. Even if producing in Japan means that the production output is limited, we believe that it will lead to protecting the future of handicrafts by artisans. We wish to be a brand that can empathize with producers, not only users. It is with this sentiment that we continue to produce our Sarashi shirts.
About “Chusen” Dyeing Technique
The “Chusen” dyeing technique, which is named after the appearance of fabric when dye is applied to it, has continued for over 100 years since the Meiji Period, and the technique has remained unchanged and been passed down by Japan’s artisans.
There are various processes involved in Chusen, and everything is carried out by division of labor. From the creation of the stencil used for dyeing the pattern to the application of paste, dyeing, washing, and drying, the craftsmanship and teamwork between artisans are vital for the series of tasks. The mixing of dyes and adjusting the consistency of paste are skills cultivated over many years of experience. Dyeing such as “Bokashi” (gradation dyeing) and “Sashiwake” (dyeing multiple colors at one time using one stencil) are characteristic of Chusen. It is thanks to the handcrafted process that unique variations and depths are created in the appearance of the colors’ nuances and patterns.
“Sarashi” shirts and “Kamuri ” are clothing made from “Tenugui towel” (Japanese traditional cloths) dyed through Chusen. The appealing characteristic of the fabric, which is dyed thoroughly down to the threads, is that it is non-sided. This means that even if you can see the inside of a shirt when it is worn, it is the same as the beautiful outer fabric. Sarashi shirts reflect the techniques of the artisans and make every day feel special.
There are various processes involved in Chusen, and everything is carried out by division of labor. From the creation of the stencil used for dyeing the pattern to the application of paste, dyeing, washing, and drying, the craftsmanship and teamwork between artisans are vital for the series of tasks. The mixing of dyes and adjusting the consistency of paste are skills cultivated over many years of experience. Dyeing such as “Bokashi” (gradation dyeing) and “Sashiwake” (dyeing multiple colors at one time using one stencil) are characteristic of Chusen. It is thanks to the handcrafted process that unique variations and depths are created in the appearance of the colors’ nuances and patterns.
“Sarashi” shirts and “Kamuri ” are clothing made from “Tenugui towel” (Japanese traditional cloths) dyed through Chusen. The appealing characteristic of the fabric, which is dyed thoroughly down to the threads, is that it is non-sided. This means that even if you can see the inside of a shirt when it is worn, it is the same as the beautiful outer fabric. Sarashi shirts reflect the techniques of the artisans and make every day feel special.
Voice from the Factory
Sarashi shirts* are made using approximately eight Tenugui towels, and Kamuri use around five.
The width of a Tenugui towel is approximately 33cm, which is only around 1/3 the width of a typical shirt fabric. Further, there are minor differences in the sizes of fabrics that have been through the dyeing process once. Irons are used as an extra touch to help make the fabrics. Finally, a one-wash process is carried out that reduces shrinkage after the work is completed. This is how Tenugui towel made Sarashi shirts and Kamuri are finished. We hope you enjoy the slightly different appearance of each piece of clothing.
The width of a Tenugui towel is approximately 33cm, which is only around 1/3 the width of a typical shirt fabric. Further, there are minor differences in the sizes of fabrics that have been through the dyeing process once. Irons are used as an extra touch to help make the fabrics. Finally, a one-wash process is carried out that reduces shrinkage after the work is completed. This is how Tenugui towel made Sarashi shirts and Kamuri are finished. We hope you enjoy the slightly different appearance of each piece of clothing.
*Sarashi shirts in size XL use nine Tenugui towels, and long-sleeve Kamuri use six