Collection: SENSHU-GAUZE

About'Sensyu-mensya'

It is said that the towel was first imported into Japan in year 5 of the Meiji Period (1872). From there, in Meiji 20 (1887), Enjiro Satoi developed the manual towel loom within the village of Sano-mura (now known as Sano-shi) in Japan’s Tochigi Prefecture. Senshu-mensha, due to the exceptional gauze weaving technique passed on through generations of Senshu towel manufacturing, is known for realizing not only a gentle texture, but also for a remarkable lightness and thinness that has yet to be seen in any other towels variants to date. Among Senshu-mensha variants is‘Niju-han,’ a style completely unique to our factory. Using 20-count yarn, Niju-han is woven carefully while keeping the fabric texture in the middle of the three-layer gauze at half roughness. Normally, cotton cannot absorb water in its natural state, as it is home to oils, wax, and other impurities. For that reason, one must perform‘sarashi,’ which is the process of removing such impurities by bleaching the fabric through leaving it out in the sun. Within the production region of Senshu, they engage in the process of ‘sarashi’ after weaving and finishing the fabric itself, as opposed to proceeding with weaving after bleaching the yarn first. By bleaching the fabric after it has been woven together, the material’s capacity to absorb moisture increases, while at the same time providing for an outstanding texture that is pleasant to the touch.

Where It’s Made

SHINTO TOWEL
First established in Meiji period year 40 (1907). Although SHINTO TOWEL is old and established firm existing since the towel manufacturing trade first began in the Izumisano area, SHINTO TOWEL is currently under the guidance of a president who is still in his 30’s. Under the freshness of his youth and his direction, the towel production process—starting from planning and going into production—is handled entirely in-house.

Recommended Usage

The fabric possesses a width of about 90 centimeters—meaning one can use Senshumensha as a towel-blanket, or as a blanket for use in summer. Gauze fabrics are often associated with spring and summer clothes, but we recommend using ‘Niju-han’ as a fabric for fall and winter western-style clothes. The fabric possesses a sturdy thickness while also allowing for pockets of air to develop between the layers of fabric—leading to a warmth and sensation that is not overly cool to the touch.