Collection: MASTUSAKA-COTTON

About 'Matsusaka Cotton'

Matsusaka Cotton is said to have been born in Matsusaka, one of Japan's leading centers of spinning and indigo dyeing, when it was obliged to dedicate cotton fabrics to the Ise Shrine. The "Matsusaka Merchants" were among the first to establish stores in Edo (present-day Tokyo). The "Matsusaka merchants" were among the first to set up store in Edo (present-day Tokyo), where they are said to have generated tremendous sales of more than 50 woven fabrics per year for the city's population of 1 million at the time. However, as in other production areas, the industry has declined with the diversification of clothing, and only one company, Goso Orimono, remains and continues to produce vigorously.

Matsusaka cotton is still made using yarn dyed with natural indigo as in the past. The more it is used and washed, the deeper the indigo color becomes and the more it changes to a simple indigo blue that is very familiar to the Japanese. It is a dense fabric with a tight mesh, making it durable for everyday use. Normally, this fabric is unwashed, but in order to bring out the best of this fabric, we wash it once.

Where It’s Made

Miito textile co.
Founded in 1874. The first generation, Tsunekichi Nishiguchi, established a navy blue shop and started weaving on a loom, thus establishing the production system for Matsusaka cotton.
Currently, the fifth generation, Yuya Nishiguchi, is the sole weaver of Matsusaka cotton, which is so loved by the local community that it is even called "GISO-ORIMONO". The quality of the cotton used to be very popular in Edo (Tokyo) as "Matsusaka-Jima," and in addition to stripes, the company also produces plaid and plain fabrics. The company's strength lies in its ability to complete all processes in-house, from dyeing the threads to making the fabric.

Recommended Uses