In a previous post, we introduced our blog “How Indigo-dyed Samue Changes After Washing, Vol. 1,” where we shared what happens when you wash authentic indigo-dyed samue for the first time.
This article is the sequel to that feature, continuing our in-depth look at how these traditional garments evolve with repeated washing.
Click here to revisit the previous blog, which explains what indigo-dyed samue are and provides step-by-step instructions on how to wash them properly.
Previous blog
In the previous blog, we shared the results of the first wash, which was done at our workplace. Since then, the samue have been washed at home by our staff, and we’ve now completed the fourth wash.
We’ve been carefully photographing the samue after each wash, and in this post, we’re excited to share how the color and texture have changed over time.
This time, we’ll also take a closer look at:
- How the color has faded compared to when the samue were brand new
- Whether there have been any changes in size or fit
Please see how this authentic indigo-dyed samue continues to evolve with each wash.
【 2nd Wash 】
Although the location changed, we continued to hand wash the samue using a laundry tub, just as we did in the first wash. We filled the tub with lukewarm water and a neutral detergent, then gently pressed the jacket and pants about 20 times.
After washing, we poured the water into a clear glass for comparison. This time, the water appeared slightly lighter in blue than it did during the first wash, showing a gradual decrease in color runoff.
left: 1st Wash / right:2nd Wash
With the change in washing location, we discovered that rinsing in a slop sink, like the one shown in this photo, is much more convenient.
After rinsing, we proceeded to spin-dry and then air-dry the samue in the shade. For more details on spin-drying and shade drying, please refer to our previous blog post, “Vol. 1”.
【 3rd Wash 】
Next, we moved on to the third wash. This time, we hand-washed the samue by pressing it in a bucket, and we observed a different reaction from the previous washes.
When the fabric was first soaked in lukewarm water, the water turned a yellowish color.
After pressing the fabric a few times, the water gradually changed to a light green shade.
This yellow or green discoloration is likely caused by indigo pigment that hasn’t fully bonded with the fabric fibers—remaining on the surface and then gradually dissolving into the water during washing.
There is a limit to how much dye a fiber can absorb, so any excess dye remaining on the surface will eventually wash out and fade over time. When fabric dyed with indigo comes into contact with air, it oxidizes and turns that signature beautiful indigo blue.
After about 10 rinses, the water turned a navy-like color.
Toward the end of the rinse, blue water continued to come out.
We also noticed that after the third wash, there was some blue color transfer inside the bucket.
Here is the final color of the wash water—it was lighter than after the second wash, indicating that the amount of excess dye is gradually decreasing with each wash.
left: 2nd Wash / right:3rd Wash
【 4th Ｗash 】
Now, let’s take a look at the results of the fourth wash. As with the third wash, soaking the samue in lukewarm water gradually turned the water a yellowish hue.
After a few more rounds of gentle pressing, the water shifted to a green color.
With around 20 additional press washes, the water became closer to a navy blue shade. For comparison, during the third wash, we saw a noticeable blue tint appear after just 10 presses.
Even during the rinse stage, blue-colored water continued to be released.
The water after the fourth wash ended up being more green than blue, and the overall color of the runoff was noticeably lighter than in previous washes—demonstrating the gradual fading of excess dye over time.
Here are the comparison photos of the water after each wash, displayed left to right from the first to the fourth wash. You can clearly see the increasing presence of green tones, starting from the third wash onward.
【 Compare with a New Product 】
We compared the color of a brand-new samue with one that has been washed four times.
In the photo below, the left is the new item, and the right is the washed samue. We also placed a pair of thread scissors in the middle as a color reference.
While the difference may be subtle in the photo, the washed samue appears noticeably brighter in person. The fading caused by repeated washing brings out a softer and more lived-in character, highlighting the natural charm of indigo-dyed fabric.
【 Comparing the Size of the New and Washed Samue 】
Lastly, we compared the sizes of a brand-new samue and one that has been washed four times (both in size L). We began with the jacket, placing the washed piece on top of the new one.
When measuring the overall length and sleeve length, the new jacket measured 79 cm, while the washed one measured 74 cm—a 5 cm reduction in length.
The sleeve length also decreased by 2 cm, from 75 cm to 73 cm.
Next, we compared the pants in the same way, laying the washed pair on top of the new one.
We recorded the following size differences:
- Waist: -5 cm
- Total length: -3 cm
- Inseam: -1 cm
These results confirm that both the jacket and pants shrink with washing. If you're unsure about sizing, we recommend choosing one size larger for a more comfortable and lasting fit.
Thank you for following along with our Indigo-dyed Samue Washing Experiment Series.
This concludes our detailed report on how authentic indigo-dyed samue change through repeated washing.
We hope this inspires you to appreciate the beauty of indigo’s color transformation and to enjoy the charm of our indigo-dyed samue, crafted with care and tradition by skilled Japanese artisans.