I tried washing the Awa Shijira!

I actually tried washing Awa Shijira fabric!

Hello, this is Yukiwa.

Previously introduced "How to care for Awa Shijira"

▶ Click here for the blog on how to care for your product

I kind of got the hang of it, but... I'm still a bit worried.

This time we will bring you a report on how to actually wash it!

I couldn't find a suitable kimono, so I cut a small piece of fabric from a roll of cloth and experimented.

First, prepare. Measure the size of the fabric and start.

Both pieces are 35cm x 37cm.

Compare washing with cold water and lukewarm water

This time, I tried using only water. No detergent was used.

Soak in lukewarm water (left) and water (right) and rub to wash.

By the way... while I was washing it, the kids started taking a bath! I left it on for over an hour (lol)

Please don't try this at home.

Did the color fade? It came out better with hot water!

Do you know the water in the sink?

The lukewarm water turned a pretty solid pink color.

The pink color came out in water too, but lukewarm water caused the color to fade noticeably more.

I've adjusted the colour of the image to make it easier to understand.

Drying process and changes in finish

I squeezed it out and let it dry overnight.

For ready-made kimonos, do not wring them out like you would a rag.

We recommend lightly folding it, wrapping it in a bath towel, placing it in a laundry net and lightly spin-drying it.

When drying, be sure to dry in the shade.

Results! How much did the fabric shrink?

I just patted it with my hands and hung it out to dry, so it looks a little warped, but...

The size shrank by about 5mm to 1cm in both length and width!

The charm of Awa Shijira is that the shrinkage adds to its flavor

We have deliberately not ironed it, leaving the unique bumpy texture of shijira intact.

The texture seems to be more pronounced after soaking in water.

Summary: How to dress in a kimono is up to you

The piece of cloth we washed this time was square, but in the case of a kimono, there is a possibility that the entire piece will become distorted.

However, I think it's also fine to think of it as a flavor and enjoy it.

"Don't worry about the small details. Wear it a lot and wash it moderately."
That's the great thing about cotton kimonos and yukatas.

Whether you choose to wash it yourself or ask a professional, we hope you can find the right balance for you and your kimono❄

Click here for Awa Shijira woven kimonos