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ApparelXに掲載されている商品情報やトレンド情報を発信しています。
Oct 28, 2024

"washi" material born from tradition

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Hello.
This is Kimura from the ApparelX trend blog.


Did you know that in recent years, materials made from mixed washi have started to appear in apparel as well?

We are now seeing many brands incorporating washi in their 25SS collections.


This time, we will introduce you to the characteristics of washi material and its textile!


What is washi?

Washi washi refers to paper made using traditional Japanese methods.

It is a handmade paper made mainly from plant fibers and has a history spanning more than 1,300 years.

Compared to typical Western paper, washi is strong, light and flexible, and has been used in many aspects of arts, crafts and everyday life.

Recognized for its beauty and functionality, washi was registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2014.


How to make washi washi thread

1) Cutting the washi: Cut the washi into thin, uniform widths.

② Twisting: Several pieces of cut washi are bundled together and twisted to create a strong thread. This process increases the density of the fibers, giving them strength and flexibility.

3) Finishing process: The twisted washi thread can be used as is, but it may also be dyed or waterproofed.


Characteristics of washi thread

Lightweight

washi thread is very light, and because the fibers of washi contain air, it has a fluffy finish. Therefore, it is suitable for lightweight clothing and miscellaneous goods.


Strength

washi thread is stronger than it looks. Traditional washi washi is also thin but resistant to pulling, and washi thread inherits this characteristic. In particular, durability is increased by tightly twisting fine fibers.


Breathable and moisture wicking

The fiber structure of washi is highly breathable and absorbent. This makes clothing and fabrics made with washi thread cool and comfortable to wear even in the summer. It also absorbs and evaporates sweat easily, maintaining a dry feel.


Quick drying

While it is hygroscopic, washi thread also has excellent quick-drying properties and easily releases moisture. This makes it easy to dry and comfortable even if you sweat or get wet. Antibacterial and deodorizing effects washi has a natural antibacterial effect, and this property is also inherited by washi thread. It suppresses the growth of bacteria and has a deodorizing effect, so it can be used as a material for clothing and interior decoration to keep it clean.


Environmentally friendly

washi thread is made from the natural material washi and is attracting attention as a sustainable product. It decomposes naturally after use, so it has a low environmental impact. washi itself is also recyclable, making it an eco-friendly material.


Softness and touch

washi thread is known as a soft, skin-friendly fiber. It is lighter than cotton or linen and has a silk-like smoothness, making it suitable for clothing and towels that come into direct contact with the skin.


Introducing products featured on ApparelX

OJE353213 Linen washi high density weather cloth

In order to create a vintage-like atmosphere, the material is densely woven with 40/linen warp threads and washi paper weft washi , with the intention of creating lightning creases, scuffs, and fading . The addition of washi gives the material a crisp, dry feel. The finishing process is also particular about the weaving process, in order to create a hard, washed look.

We also offer OJE353211 (natural color) , OWE35420 ( dyed with persimmon tannins), and OWE35381 ( dyed with binchotan charcoal) using the same fabric.

Weather cloth is a high-density material, so when you consider the amount of thread used, it can end up being too heavy, but by adding washi, the weight can be reduced, resulting in a textile with just the right amount of volume.



ST6600 washi weaving

"washi woven" material provides comfort. Absorbent and refreshing to the touch.

It is textile of 100% washi, which has a rough texture. It will become more flexible as you use it, allowing you to fully enjoy the quality of washi.



WS300 Cotton/ washi Duck Air tunbler

" thread " is a thread used for Japanese washi that has been manufactured in Japan since ancient times. It has little fuzz, is highly absorbent and quick-drying, and is very light. It is characterized by the unique firmness and dry texture of paper. It is made into a natural material by air tunbler processing. The raw material, Manila hemp, grows quickly and is considered an eco-friendly material that is good for the earth and has excellent carbon dioxide absorption.

The air tunbler processing gives the textile a natural wrinkled texture and softness, which brings out the softness of the washi even more.



ODA67042 CURETEX washi Canvas Fanage

This canvas textile is made using CURETEX, a washi fiber developed with knowledge from Japan, and is "friendly to both people and the environment." It is a 100% washi canvas textile that makes use of Japanese quality and wisdom. This textile is a product that utilizes the dry touch unique to washi and is processed using the washer processing that Hamamatsu is good at.

By using washi on canvas, this textile combines the best of both worlds: lightness and volume.

Because it has a sturdy textile, I personally recommend it as an outerwear piece that will allow you to enjoy the changes that occur over time, such as fading.



35455 Yarn-dyed cotton/paper Panama dobby dungaree

A medium-thick dobby material made from environmentally friendly washi thread "OJO+®" and twisted cotton yarn. It has the characteristic firmness and dry texture of paper.

It is lighter than it appears, and has been washer processed to give it a more natural, rough look.

[Material provided by] Oji Fiber Co., Ltd.

This is a textile fabric that combines the lightness and breathability of paper, the coolness of Panama weave, the three-dimensional design of dobby weave, and the casual texture of dungaree .

Combining both aesthetic design and functionality, it is recommended as a shirt or outerwear for summer that is cool and comfortable to wear.



35453 Yarn-dyed cotton/paper dungaree , washed

A medium-thick dungaree made from environmentally friendly washi thread "OJO+®" and twisted cotton yarn. It has the characteristic stiffness and dry texture of paper.

It is lighter than it appears from the outside, and the rough, natural look is accentuated by the washer processing.

[Material provided by] Oji Fiber Co., Ltd.

The washi-blend dungaree textile ( a plain weave textile similar to denim, with a thread warp thread and white weft thread ) comes in a variety of colors and has a casual yet sophisticated look that is very appealing.



KYC219-D2 Cotton washi yarn-dyed stripes

The moderate firmness and lightness of paper, as well as the smooth, dry texture make this washi blend material perfect for spring and summer. The washer finish gives it a natural, sun-dried look.

The cool washi material and light check pattern are recommended for women's items such as fluffy skirts and dresses.


FJ650030 KAMIKIJI® Bear Top

This is a jersey jersey made with washi . The color names are also traditional.

The textile is highly absorbent and quick-drying, and has a crisp feel, making it perfect for T-shirts and cut-and-sew tops that you'll want to wear directly against the skin.


lastly

Thank you for reading to the end.

Have I been able to convey some of the appeal of washi textile?

If you are interested, please check out ApparelX's [washi] page !


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