Our new Shibori tees have been dyed in a studio in Stanmore that practices a slow cloth method, doing as much as possible by hand, and using sustainable and thoughtful methods where ever possible. The studio is passionate about their practice having as little impact as possible on the environment and are always researching and adapting in order to do so.

The Shibori circle design is based on a traditional Japanese ‘nui’ or stitch technique, where a circle shape has been first placed and stencilled onto the tee before being hand stitched, gathered and bound and thereby exposing just the areas to be dipped in indigo dye or de-colourant.

Each Tee is individually hand dipped into indigo, a beautiful natural dye process, where the cloth changes from once white, to luminescent yellow/green and oxidises to a familiar navy blue.  (Indigo is among the oldest dyes in the world dating back 6000 years and is known as one of the best natural dyes for its colourfastness and the unique fermentation process). 

Unlike commercial dyes, in which the process of dyeing and exhausting the dye bath is used, an indigo vat is carefully monitored and maintained. With care, a vat can be used over an extensive period of time thereby reducing the need to use large amounts of water and dye. 

The black Tees also feature a stitch circle however instead of colour being placed onto the garment it was removed. The textile colour remover was hand placed onto the stitched circle reducing the need for large water consumption and only the smallest amount of ingredients was needed to create the dye remover. Using this method of decolorant not only reduced the water needed but also maintained the integrity of the fabric.  Again the garments were dried in the sun.