Get simple and wonderful Aizu Momen fashion items!

Aizu cotton is a traditional cotton fabric handed down in Aizu County, Mutsu Prefecture.
It is woven using a plain weave method and is characterized by a navy blue background with white stripes. It
is strong, thick, and has a plump texture, but is also less likely to shrink than regular plain weave cotton fabrics.

Aizu cotton has long been loved by locals as everyday wear and workwear, but in recent years, new attempts have been made to use it as part of fashion culture.
This time, we will explore the appeal of Aizu cotton!

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What is Aizu cotton?

The birth of Aizu cotton dates back to the Azuchi-Momoyama period to the early Edo period.
When Gamo Ujisato was transferred to Aizu, he recommended cotton cultivation as a way to promote industry.
Later, when Gamo's domain was reduced and he left Aizu, Kato Yoshiaki came to Aizu in his place and invited weavers from his previous domain, Iyo Matsuyama, where he had lived, and weaving techniques were developed.

This is how Aizu cotton, which has been highly valued in the Aizu region as everyday wear and workwear, was born

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The charm of Aizu cotton

The appeal of Aizu cotton lies in its colorful stripes.
These colorful stripes were created by weavers who introduced weaving techniques to Aizu.
This is because textiles from Matsuyama, Iyo Province, where Aizu cotton was produced, are characterized by stripes known as "Iyo stripes." It
is only natural that cotton textiles from Aizu, which were introduced to the area, would also feature stripes.

Aizu also produced indigo as a by-product of farming.
This is why Aizu cotton is characterized by its beautiful striped pattern on a navy blue background, which is dyed with indigo.
Nowadays, textiles are produced in a variety of colors, but if you are purchasing Aizu cotton for the first time, why not try one with a navy blue background and stripes to get a feel for its history?

The appeal of Aizu cotton also derives from its manufacturing process.
The warp threads are firmly starched with wheat starch liquid before the weft threads are woven in. The tiny knots created during the starching process create a subtle layer of air between the warp and weft threads.
This layer of air absorbs sweat and provides heat retention.
This is how its greatest benefits, cool in summer and warm in winter, are born.

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The current state of Aizu cotton

Aizu cotton is currently in a state of severe decline.
In the late Showa period, a sudden drop in demand led to weavers going out of business one after another.
Currently, only two companies remain: Yamada Cotton Weaving Company and Harayama Textile Factory.
If this continues, the traditional culture is in danger of being lost.

However, in recent years, a new brand using Aizu cotton has been born:
iie.Lab, located in Aizubange Town.

IIE Lab was established by acquiring looms from a closed-down textile manufacturer and reusing a building that was formerly a kindergarten. The company
is focusing on reviving the "Aizu Aoki Cotton" tradition that has been passed down in the local Aizubange town.

The factory-run shop sells a wide variety of Aizu cotton products that will add a touch of color to your everyday life, including scarves, lap blankets, placemats, coasters, and more. They also
have a capsule machine with "walnut buttons" made from Aizu cotton, making them perfect souvenirs.

I actually bought a scarf and it was even more stylish than I imagined!

The strength and long-lasting qualities of Aizu cotton are perfectly matched with the suppleness of the scarf, and the more you use it, the softer and more tasteful the texture becomes. The
navy blue pattern, which is a characteristic of Aizu cotton, matches not only casual fashion but also business suits, so it is recommended for men as well.

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Where can I buy Aizu cotton?

Aizu cotton can be purchased at various tourist shops in Aizuwakamatsu City.
At roadside stations, souvenir shops, and highway service areas, you can find stylish accessories made with Aizu cotton, making them the perfect souvenir for yourself.
Scraps of Aizu cotton are also sold for those who love handicrafts, so you might have fun making your own Aizu cotton accessories.

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IIE Lab.<Information>

• Name: IIE Lab. Factory Store
• Address: 205 Aoki Miyata, Aizubange-cho, Kawanuma-gun, Fukushima Prefecture, 969-6511
• Phone number: 0242-23-7808
• Official URL: http://iie-aizu.jp/

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