Persimmon Tannin Dyeing
(Kakishibu-zome)
Persimmon tannin is made from the fermented juice of unripe green persimmons and has been used in Japan for centuries. Valued for its waterproof, insect-repelling, antiseptic, and deodorizing properties, it has traditionally served as a paint, dye, and multipurpose folk remedy, enhancing the durability of homes, tools, and clothing. As a traditional wisdom of the Japanese people, its texture is uniquely distinctive, deserving the term "one-of-a-kind." The dyeing process takes over two years, and due to its difficulty, mass production is not possible.
WASUIAN's authentic persimmon tannin-dyed samue stands alongside our popular plant-dyed samue, featuring a natural deep indigo color. The dye is intentionally applied to fade over time, so we recommend hand washing. While it requires more effort to maintain compared to machine-washable items, it develops a vintage charm with each wear, fostering a special attachment as if you were nurturing the samue itself.
In this article, we will introduce how the genuine persimmon-dyed samue changes after being washed 10 times.
Washing Method
Before washing, the persimmon-dyed fabric has a unique stiffness, but it becomes softer and more supple with repeated washing. Before starting the wash, check the "washing instructions" label attached to the product. This label is a globally recognized symbol that outlines important care instructions to help you enjoy your garment for years to come. Both the jacket and pants of our samue feature this label, so please check it carefully.
When you flip the side with the size indication "L," the text indicating "Honkaki-shibu," and the label indicating "100% cotton" quality, you will see six symbols. Look at them from left to right ( ) in a clockwise direction. As a result, the following washing instructions must be followed:
- The water temperature must not exceed 40°C, and hand washing is permitted.
- Do not use chlorine-based or oxygen-based bleach.
- Tumble drying is prohibited.
- Dry cleaning is prohibited.
- Ironing is permitted at a maximum soleplate temperature of 150°C
- Dry in the shade
【Care Instructions】
For more information on laundry symbols, please refer to this article.
Preparing for Washing
First, let's take a look at the first wash. Here are the tools you will need.
- Laundry tub to prevent color transfer to other clothes in the washing machine
- Neutral detergent, which is gentle on fibers, helps to prevent distortion
① Press Washing
Fill the laundry tub with lukewarm water (use water from the sink) and neutral detergent, then press-wash the pants and jacket approximately 20 times each. Press-washing involves literally "pressing and washing" the clothing. This involves repeatedly pressing down on the clothing with your hands, releasing it (and occasionally lifting it slightly).
As you continue pressing and washing, the originally clear lukewarm water will gradually become colored.
After washing, pour the water into a clear cup to see the color.
② Rinsing and Dehydration
Following the washing, proceed to rinsing. Rinse by pressing with lukewarm water as in the washing step, then squeeze by hand to drain. The water in the bucket also turned brown during this process.
③ Air-drying
After rinsing and dehydration, stretch out the fabric to remove wrinkles and air-dry in a well-ventilated area. Air-drying means "drying laundry in the shade, away from direct sunlight." Whether indoors or outdoors, as long as it is in the shade and not exposed to direct sunlight, it is considered air-drying.
The opposite of air-drying is "sun-drying," which means drying in direct sunlight. While exposing clothing to sunlight can help inhibit bacterial growth, it can also cause fading or discoloration due to UV rays, so please be cautious.
The Appearance of the Samue After the First Wash and Drying
【Before Washing (Brand New)】
【From 1st Wash】
Compared to the new item, the color has become brighter. Since it is dyed with natural dyes, the color does not fade evenly, resulting in variations in shade. Additionally, while the fabric retains some stiffness, it has become significantly softer compared to before washing. I will continue this process for nine more washes and dries.
Washing Progress from the 2nd to the 9th Wash
【From 2nd to 3rd Wash】
Looking at the washing water in the cup, the color has faded as much as it did during the first wash. When the workwear dries, it still has a deep persimmon tea color.
【After 2nd Wash】
【After 3rd Wash】
【From 4th to 9th Wash】
After the 3rd wash, the color fading slows down, but it continues.
The 9th wash is complete. Compared to the new item, there is a significant change in color fading. The fabric has lost its stiffness and now has a very soft, smooth feel.
As the number of washes increases, the blue color of the cup becomes lighter, but it is clear that color fading continues. Based on this trend, it is expected that color fading will continue even after the 10th wash.
Compare Color Differences
A color comparison was made between the new item and the one washed 10 times. As the number of washes increases, the color and texture become more appealing.
Compare Size Differences
We also compared the sizes. Let's look at the jackets.
【 Jacket length: -10cm, Sleeve length: ±0, Cuff length: -3cm 】
Next, we compared the pants. We measured the waist, total length, and inseam,
【Waist: -5 cm, Total length: -3 cm, Inseam: -1 cm】
Based on these measurements, it was confirmed that both the jacket and pants shrink. Similar to our lineup of thick-stitched workwear, which is particularly prone to shrinking, we recommend selecting one size larger if you are unsure about sizing.
Thank you for reading this article all the way through. We hope we were able to convey the changes that occur with each wash.
Why not nurture this meticulously crafted workwear, made by Japanese artisans, into a one-of-a-kind piece that is uniquely yours?
Related Information
2001 Bushu Persimmon-dyed Samue
For customers who love persimmon tannin dye but find maintenance a bit daunting, we recommend the "2001 Bushu Persimmon-dyed Samue ," designed with the concept of "approachable persimmon tannin dye." By using a reactive dye before applying the persimmon tannin dye, we have made the color less prone to fading. Additionally, a one-wash process has been applied to soften the fabric. You can enjoy the comfortable feel and unique texture of persimmon tannin dyeing immediately upon receipt. This samue is also recommended for beginners who are just starting to explore persimmon tannin dyeing or plant-based dyeing.