Description

This ELS Recycled Cotton Slub T-Shirt combines three different sources of cotton fiber: lightweight recycled cotton collected during the yarn-spinning process, recycled cotton made from offcuts of the brand’s Double Heavyweight T-shirts, and premium extra-long staple cotton.

The 280 GSM jersey fabric is knitted slowly at low tension, creating a soft and bouncy handfeel while maintaining a substantial weight and richly textured slubby surface. Subtle irregularities throughout the fabric give each garment a distinctive character.

The Crewneck T-Shirt features a modern athletic fit, a binder ribbed crewneck collar, and Union Special flat-seam construction along the sides. From fabric production to garment sewing, the entire manufacturing process is completed in Japan.

Amami Natural Dyeing and Dorozome

Each T-shirt is naturally hand-dyed in Amami, an island chain in southern Japan with a centuries-old dyeing tradition. The Sharinbai tree, native to Amami, has long played an important role in the region’s traditional dyeing practices.

The wood of the Sharinbai tree produces a natural dye with a warm, rosy tone. Using techniques passed down through generations, skilled artisans hand-dye each garment individually, giving every piece its own subtle variations and character.

To complete the process, artisans use dorozome, Amami’s renowned traditional mud-dyeing technique. The garment is repeatedly immersed in iron-rich mud baths. With each cycle, minerals bond more deeply with the fibers, gradually darkening the color.

After many rounds of dyeing and mud immersion, the shade develops layer by layer until it reaches an almost black tone. This exceptional depth of color can only be achieved through the time-intensive, hands-on dyeing process.

The rich slubby texture of the fabric interacts beautifully with the natural dye. Because different areas of the yarn absorb color at slightly different rates, the finished garment develops a deep, dimensional appearance with natural variations throughout.

Extra-Long Staple Cotton Characteristics

Longer Cotton Fibers

Extra-long staple cotton fibers typically measure more than 36 mm, allowing them to be spun into smoother, finer, and more consistent yarns.

Exceptional Softness

The longer fibers create a smoother yarn surface, giving the fabric a soft, refined, and slightly silky handfeel.

Superior Strength

Longer fibers form a more stable yarn structure, improving the fabric’s resistance to pulling, tearing, and everyday wear.

Greater Durability

The stronger fiber structure helps the garment maintain its shape and condition through extended wear and repeated washing.

Reduced Pilling

Fewer fiber ends are exposed on the yarn surface, helping reduce pilling, fuzz, and surface wear.

Enhanced Dye Absorption

The smooth and consistent yarn structure allows the fabric to absorb dye more evenly, producing richer and longer-lasting color.

Smoother Fabric Surface

The clean surface of long-staple yarn creates a smoother, more refined appearance with a premium finish.

Details

• 280 GSM / 8.25oz per square yard jersey fabric
• Blend of recycled cotton and extra-long staple cotton
• Low-tension, slow-knitted construction
• Rich slubby fabric texture
• Natural Sharinbai hand-dyeing
• Traditional Amami dorozome mud-dyeing
• Modern athletic fit
• Binder ribbed crewneck collar
• Union Special flat-seam side construction
• 100% cotton
• Japanese fabric
• Made in Japan

Size Chart

Measurements are taken with the garment laid flat. Slight variations may occur due to the natural hand-dyeing and production process.