Indigo-Dyed Nanakoori Shirt
Kyoya Dye Works short-sleeve shirt, perfect for summer heat
The fabric is Nanako-weave, also known as basket weave, a plain weave with a distinctive, loose texture resembling a basket’s grid. The threads are woven in bundles, creating small gaps that enhance breathability, making it perfect for summer.
The neckline can be adjusted with the button at the chest, allowing for versatility in various daily situations. This simple design makes it a pullover shirt you can wear anywhere.
A silhouette that adapts to the wearer
By carefully crafting the sleeve attachment, the fabric stays smooth at the sides, creating a beautiful silhouette that molds to the wearer’s body. The size is designed to be slightly larger than standard women's sizes to accommodate both men and women, but thanks to this tailoring method, it offers a comfortable fit and flattering look without any discomfort.
Dyed in our own factory
Indigo dye, also known as "Japan Blue," is one of the most familiar colors in Japanese life.
Though indigo may seem like a luxury item today, it was once a common color, with many households owning an indigo vat (aiga-me) and regularly re-dyeing clothes as part of everyday life. It was a color deeply rooted in the daily lives of the people.
Like denim, indigo dye offers the joy of aging over time. Each piece fades uniquely, allowing the wearer to create a one-of-a-kind item through wear. And when the color fades, you can always re-dye it to enjoy a fresh look, making indigo dye a truly versatile and enduring choice.
There are two types of indigo dyeing: natural indigo, made from plants, and synthetic indigo, commonly used in denim. Both have their unique appeal.
Natural indigo creates a deep, earthy hue, while synthetic indigo is more affordable and easier to apply to dark colors.
At Kyoya Dye Works, we use synthetic indigo to offer high-quality, accessible products that can be worn and enjoyed for years. When the color fades, simply re-dye to keep enjoying your garment.
Due to the hand-dyeing process, each piece may have slight variations in color. Additionally, the nature of indigo dyeing can result in some color irregularities. We hope you appreciate these unique characteristics as part of the charm of your garment.
About our natural fabric
At Kyoya Dye Works, we primarily use "natural" (unbleached) fabric to create our clothing. The natural texture of this fabric connects nature with human life, making it the perfect material for our creations. Moreover, the process of finishing the fabric involves minimal use of chemicals and human intervention, which reduces its environmental impact.
However, due to the natural processing of the fibers, small fibers or fragments from the original plant may remain in the fabric. This can sometimes cause slight color variations or fading during dyeing. While we check for noticeable issues such as significant color fading during inspection, minor color differences due to the fabric's natural characteristics are considered part of its charm and are shipped as-is. Thank you for your understanding.
"Using what is available" — A traditional Tohoku craft embedded in the "saki-ori" loop
The loop at the back of the neckline is made from "saki-ori," a woven fabric created from leftover material during production. It symbolizes Tohoku's respect for resources and can be used as a hook to hang items. *Note: Since it's made from leftover fabric, the color of the saki-ori may differ from the photos.