Traditional crafts

Aizu cotton stole

Get your hands on some simple and lovely Aizu cotton fashion items!

  • Chimon
  • Last updated:

Aizu cotton is a traditional cotton fabric from Aizu County in Mutsu Province.
It is woven using a plain weave and is characterized by its navy blue background with white stripes. It
is durable, thick, and has a soft texture, yet it is less prone to shrinking than typical plain weave cotton fabrics.

Aizu cotton
Photo by timon

Aizu cotton has long been a beloved fabric among locals as everyday wear and work clothes, but in recent years, it seems to be undergoing new developments as a fashion item.
This time, we'll explore the charm of Aizu cotton!

What is Aizu cotton?

The origins of Aizu cotton can be traced back to the Azuchi-Momoyama period to the early Edo period.
Gamo Ujisato, who was transferred to Aizu, promoted cotton cultivation as a measure to stimulate industry.
Later, when Gamo's domain was reduced and he left Aizu, Kato Yoshiaki came to Aizu, and weaving techniques developed thanks to the weavers he invited from the Iyo-Matsuyama domain where he had previously resided.

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

The charm of Aizu cotton

The charm of Aizu cotton lies in its diverse striped patterns.
These varied stripes were created by the weavers who introduced weaving techniques to Aizu.
This is because the textiles of Matsuyama in Iyo Province, where Aizu cotton originated, are characterized by a striped pattern called "Iyo-jima." It
is only natural that Aizu cotton textiles, having inherited this technique, would also feature striped patterns.

Furthermore, indigo was produced extensively in Aizu as a by-product of agricultural work.
As a result, Aizu cotton acquired its characteristic striped pattern on a beautiful indigo-dyed navy background.
Although various colored fabrics are now produced, if you are buying Aizu cotton for the first time, why not choose a navy striped fabric to experience its history?

The appeal of Aizu cotton lies in its manufacturing process.
The warp threads are stiffened using a wheat starch solution, and the weft threads are woven into them. The tiny knots created during the sizing process create a subtle layer of air between the warp and weft threads.
This layer of air absorbs sweat and provides insulation.
This is how the cotton's greatest advantages—cool in summer and warm in winter—are achieved.

The current state of Aizu cotton

Aizu cotton is currently in a state of severe decline.
In the late Showa period, demand plummeted, causing many weaving companies to close down one after another.
Now, only two companies remain: Yamada Cotton Weaving and Harayama Textile Factory.
At this rate, the traditional culture is in danger of being lost.

However, in recent years, a brand using Aizu cotton has emerged.
That brand is iie.Lab, located in Aizubange Town.

IIE Lab Factory Store
Photo by timon

IIE Lab was born from acquiring looms from a weaving factory that went out of business and repurposing a building that was originally a kindergarten.
They are dedicated to reviving "Aizu Aoki Cotton," a traditional textile from their hometown of Aizubange-machi.

At the factory-direct shop, you'll find a wide variety of Aizu cotton products, such as stoles, blankets, placemats, and coasters, that will add a touch of elegance to your everyday life. They
also have a gacha machine selling "covered buttons" made from Aizu cotton, making them perfect souvenirs.

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

Aizu cotton stole
Photo by timon

The durable and long-lasting qualities of Aizu cotton perfectly complement the suppleness of the stole, creating a softer, more textured feel with each use.
The navy pattern, characteristic of Aizu cotton, makes it suitable not only for casual wear but also for business suits, making it a great choice for men as well.

Where can I buy Aizu cotton?

Aizu cotton can be purchased at various tourist shops in Aizuwakamatsu City.
Roadside stations, souvenir shops, and highway service areas offer a wide selection of stylish items made from Aizu cotton, perfect as a souvenir for yourself.
For those who enjoy handicrafts, scraps of the cotton are also available, making it fun to create your own Aizu cotton accessories.

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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