Indigo-dyed Linen Fundoshi

This is a fundoshi (traditional Japanese loincloth) made from 100% hemp fabric, dyed with pure indigo using sukumo (fermented indigo dye) made from field-grown Japanese indigo.

The hemp fabric offers a crisp, refreshing feel when new, and softens with age, which is the charm of hemp cloth. ☆
Hemp also has antibacterial properties and strong purifying powers, which is why it has been traditionally offered at shrines and used for sacred ropes.

The waistband is made of 100% cotton fabric with a traditional Japanese pattern.
The hem is left unsewn to allow for airflow.
Any threads that appear after a few uses can be trimmed, and they will eventually settle down.
We believe fundoshi are underwear that promote health from body to mind by freeing you from constriction.

Indigo also has numerous benefits, including: antibacterial, deodorizing, insect repellent, detoxification, relief from cold sensitivity, and improvement of atopic dermatitis.
In the past, samurai dyed their undergarments and underwear with indigo to prevent the growth of bacteria and the festering of wounds, and even wrapped torn indigo-dyed cloth around wounds.
Just as food is absorbed through the skin, clothing also greatly affects the body.

We want to create indigo-dyed clothing that is gentle on the body and mind, using the traditional methods of Japan's wonderful craftsmanship. ☆
Size: Width approx. 32cm, Length approx. 95cm
        Waistband approx. 150cm

☆What is Pure Indigo Dyeing?☆
This is a method of creating dye by fermenting Japanese indigo leaves into sukumo and then fermenting it over time using only the power of microorganisms with lye.
After the dye is prepared, it is maintained with only lye, shell ash, and wheat bran.
True Hondate Shoai-zome (pure indigo dyeing) has no color transfer and a gentle color fade. It also has medicinal properties such as antibacterial, deodorizing, insect repellent, and UV protection.
It also has far-infrared effects, providing excellent heat retention.
These effects are said to be due to the microorganisms residing in the dyed fabric.

There are several types of indigo dyeing. Some methods use chemical agents to easily prepare the dye in a short time, or add glucose or starch syrup during the preparation process to quickly reduce the dye and achieve a dark color in a short period.
Indigo dyeing done with these methods tends to have significant color bleeding and transfer, and often results in a dark, almost black color. (Recently, some products seem to be color-fixed using chemicals.)

Clothing dyed with Shoai-zome feels very comfortable on the skin, and I personally love and use it.
The materials are safe even if ingested, so they are also safe to return to the earth and do not pollute the planet.

We hope you will experience the comfort of Shoai-zome! ♪