Banshu ori is one of Japan’s famous textiles, and is a popular fabric in the handmade world. Of course, there are various ready-made products, and there may be cases where items that you used casually were made with Banshu ori fabric.
Therefore, in this article, we will carefully select and introduce Banshu ori, including an overview, recommended apparel, items, and even handmade kits.
What is Banshu Ori?
Banshu -ori , which has been handed down in the Kita-Harima region of Hyogo Prefecture, is a yarn-dyed fabric that boasts some of the highest quality in the world. Although it has a natural texture, it is characterized by being expressed using rich colors, and it is said that it accounts for about 60% of the national share of yarn-dyed cotton fabrics in Japan. (as of 2018)
In fact, it is a well-known traditional craft in the world and has a reputation for high quality, so much so that it is adopted by various apparel brands.
Recommended apparel for Banshu-ori
Banshu weave is most commonly used in apparel. In this section, we will introduce the most recommended ones.
A cool and easy-to-match cotton/linen stole
Breathable stole made of cotton and linen blend. It is recommended to wear it around your neck in spring and autumn to beat the chill. The colors and textures are gentle and easy to match with natural outfits. There are five colors to choose from: white, light pink, beige (pictured), red, and green.
| Product name | cotton linen stole |
| Price (tax included) | 5,400 yen |
| Product page URL | https://cloth-communications.com/?pid=169497547 |
| Store name | clocomi |
| Store homepage URL | https://cloth-communications.com |
A stole that feels cool to the touch, perfect for summer
A stole made of fabric that feels cool to the touch. It’s hard to tell when it’s wrapped around your neck, but when you unfold it, it’s almost square. You can wear it cool even in the hot summer months, and it is lightweight and comfortable to wear. This item has many benefits, such as helping to prevent sunburn.
| Product name | Contact Cool Ice Cotton Stole Square |
| Price (tax included) | 4,900 yen |
| Product page URL | https://cloth-communications.com/?pid=169497080 |
| Store name | clocomi |
| Store homepage URL | https://cloth-communications.com |
Genuine indigo dyeing scarf made with natural materials
This indigo stole is all hand-dyed. It is made with natural materials and is environmentally friendly. Because the dyeing and washing are repeated many times, the color does not fade easily and can be used with confidence. A unisex item that can be worn by both men and women. It will also make a great gift.
| Product name | Genuine indigo stole |
| Price (tax included) | 14,300 yen |
| Product page URL | https://cloth-communications.com/?pid=165422118 |
| Store name | clocomi |
| Store homepage URL | https://cloth-communications.com |
soft double gauze scarf
A double gauze stole with a block check pattern in warm colors. It’s soft to the touch and warms your neck. The color is also autumnal, and it is an item that you want to wear when it feels a little chilly in autumn. It is also recommended as a gift.
| Product name | Block check double gauze scarf |
| Price (tax included) | 4,900 yen |
| Product page URL | https://cloth-communications.com/?pid=157481093 |
| Store name | clocomi |
| Store homepage URL | https://cloth-communications.com |
The natural hat which is hard to be stuffy
Natural hat. The deep brim not only blocks the sun, but also has the effect of making your face look smaller. It has good breathability, so it won’t get stuffy, and you can wear it stress-free. It can be folded compactly, so it is not bulky and is a great companion for going out.
| Product name | Handwork workshop dungaree UV hat |
| Price (tax included) | 5,478 yen |
| Product page URL | https://www.cecile.co.jp/detail/YF-1813/ |
| Store name | cecile |
| Store homepage URL | https://www.cecile.co.jp |
Discerning men’s shirt
All patterns are handwritten, so the natural bulges and curves that match the body line are reflected, making it extremely comfortable to wear. In order to make the collar look more three-dimensional, the delicate shape and the position of the buttons have been adjusted in millimeters down to the smallest detail. Everything is finished by Japanese craftsmen, and it goes without saying that the quality is high.
| Product name | ROCOCO American Oxford Classic Button Down Shirt / American Fit / Men’s / Long Sleeve Plain / Made in Japan / US OXFORD BD SHIRT / Cool Biz |
| Price (tax included) | 13,200 yen |
| Product page URL | https://item.rakuten.co.jp/rococostore/010368-2-05/ |
| Store name | ROCOCO |
| Store homepage URL | https://www.rakuten.ne.jp/gold/rococostore/ |
ultimate trunks
Trunks made with attention to detail, such as reproducing the fabric seen in vintage wear in the 1930s. In particular, the elastic at the waist is made without needles, so even when it is shrunk, it does not become uneven, and it is less likely to cause rough skin, making it extremely comfortable to wear. It’s not something you show to others, but since you’re going to wear it every day, why not choose something that’s stress-free and relaxing?
| Product name | Ultimate trunks, maybe this kind of thing Olde Homesteader Trunks Woven Boxer Indigo Discharge Dot Stripe Olde Homesteader WOVEN BOXER Gift Present MADE IN JAPAN Made in Japan Item No. B001-IND |
| Price (tax included) | 5,280 yen |
| Product page URL | https://item.rakuten.co.jp/moonloid/b001-ind/ |
| Store name | MOONLOID |
| Store homepage URL | https://www.rakuten.ne.jp/gold/moonloid/ |
Comfortable double gauze pajamas
Made of double gauze, these pajamas are comfortable to the touch and have a gentle texture that allows you to relax. Once you wear it, you will become addicted to the softness that makes you feel as if you are wrapped in fluffy cotton. It has excellent moisture retention and breathability, so it can be worn all year round. Recommended for those who want to improve the quality of their sleep.
| Product name | Non-twisted yarn double gauze pajamas made in Japan (100% cotton, Banshu weave, recommended as a gift) |
| Price (tax included) | 6,390 yen |
| Product page URL | https://www.cecile.co.jp/detail/NW-1119/ |
| Store name | cecile |
| Store homepage URL | https://www.cecile.co.jp |
Comfortable Nuno Zori
Cloth sandals finished with breathable banshu weave. This item is hand-knitted by Taka’s grandmother, who has a lot of skill. It is also worth noting that there are no two pieces that are exactly the same in terms of design and color as they are made using banshu weave fabric. It is also very popular as a gift. You can use your leg muscles as you walk by holding the thong with your toes, so it is also recommended for those who often work from home.
| Product name | Domestic hand-knit cloth sandals. All handmade one-of-a-kind items. The more you wear it, the more comfortable it will become. For indoor use only. Prevents athlete’s foot and bunions. Straw sandals for women, grandmother’s handmade healthy cloth sandals, fashionable, healthy, slippers, indoor, indoor shoes, cloth sandals for summer, cloth sandals, washable, Banshu weaving, ladies’ handmade, letter pack correspondence, product number nunozouri_1 |
| Price (tax included) | 2,500 yen |
| Product page URL | https://item.rakuten.co.jp/adachi-jozo/00011/ |
| Store name | Adachi Brewery |
| Store homepage URL | https://www.rakuten.ne.jp/gold/adachi-jozo/ |
Recommended items for Banshu weaving
Apparel is not the only item made using Banshu weave.
Two-tone cute handkerchief
A handkerchief with a cute two-tone color. The deformed cute shark pattern is stylish. The top and bottom have different colors, so if you change the way you fold it and change the color you see, you can change your mood and make every day fresh. Of course, it also absorbs water, so it is easy to use. In addition to the “blue x yellow” in the image, there are “pink x gray” and “navy x beige” colors.
| Product name | [Handkerchief] itsumo handkerchief -SHARK- |
| Price (tax included) | 748 yen |
| Product page URL | https://cloth-communications.com/?pid=134806266 |
| Store name | clocomi |
| Store homepage URL | https://cloth-communications.com |
Convenient Furoshiki
A stylish furoshiki with a combination of brown, khaki, and white colors. Because it is large, it is sure to be useful in a variety of situations, such as wrapping lunch boxes, sweets for gifts, and using it as a simple eco bag by tying it. The furoshiki furoshiki has stylish colors, so you can use it confidently every day without feeling old-fashioned.
| Product name | 210911 [Banshu-ori furoshiki brown x khaki check pattern] 70 x 70 cm |
| Price (tax included) | 1,100 yen |
| Product page URL | https://iro-ori.com/products/detail/16 |
| Store name | iro-ori |
| Store homepage URL | https://iro-ori.com |
simple tenugui
A hand towel made of double gauze that has both moisture absorption and breathability. It can be used anytime regardless of the season. They can be used for a variety of purposes, such as dishcloths around the kitchen or towels for sweaty children, so it’s a good idea to have several.
| Product name | Tenugui White Check |
| Price (tax included) | 1,944 yen |
| Product page URL | https://cloth-communications.com/?pid=130364600 |
| Store name | clocomi |
| Store homepage URL | https://cloth-communications.com |
Yumekawa-style sacoche
A pink-blue, dreamy, fairy-tale sacoche. Isn’t it a color that sticks to those who have high fashion sensitivity? Perfect for everyday outings, as well as outdoor events such as camping. Recommended for those who want to keep their clothes simple, but want their bags and accessories to be flashy.
| Product name | Irodori Sacoche Pink Blue Diagonal Border Shoulder Bag Original Fabric Banshu Woven |
| Price (tax included) | 6,930 yen |
| Product page URL | https://minne.com/items/32979686 |
| Store name | PUPULAUKKU’S GALLERY |
| Store homepage URL | https://minne.com/@pupulaukku |
Easy-to-match shoulder tote bag
A tote bag with a peanut-like color that is easy to match. It has a long handle so you can carry it on your shoulder. The point that is glad that it is light as it is made in one piece. It’s the perfect size to easily fit an iPad and a long wallet vertically.
| Product name | [Banshu weave] original fabric peanut color |
| Price (tax included) | 1,500 yen |
| Product page URL | https://minne.com/items/31454700 |
| Store name | TODATORA3493’Linen |
| Store homepage URL | https://minne.com/@todatora3493 |
Kutari Eco Bag with Plaid Pattern
An eco bag made from cotton poplin fabric with a light and smooth texture. The gusset changes depending on what you put inside, so you can see various expressions such as flattened or plump. Since it is made in one piece and has no lining, it can be folded compactly, so you can keep it in your bag. The color that makes you feel a retro texture makes you look fashionable.
| Product name | -Banshu Ori- Large Check/Kutari Eco Bag (Large) Cotton Poplin |
| Price (tax included) | 1,480 yen |
| Product page URL | https://minne.com/items/33210198 |
| Store name | massy’9 |
| Store homepage URL | https://minne.com/@hirota1594 |
Zori sandals and bag set to match Japanese clothing
Retro-modern sandals and bag set. I can’t say anything about the texture as if I had slipped back in time to the Meiji and Taisho eras. An item that you will want to coordinate with your favorite kimono. The bag is wide enough to easily fit a long wallet and has excellent storage capacity.
| Product name | |
| Price (tax included) | 8,980 yen |
| Product page URL | https://item.rakuten.co.jp/753ya/10018163/ |
| Store name | Kimono Nagomiya |
| Store homepage URL | https://www.rakuten.co.jp/753ya/ |
Recommended handmade kits for Banshu weaving
Banshu-ori is a popular fabric in the handmade industry. In this section, we will introduce various handmade kits using Banshu weave.
Style kit to make with one’s own hand
This kit is recommended for those who want to give a handmade bib with love to a baby who is about to be born, or a baby who has just been born. It can be sewn by hand as well as with a sewing machine. You don’t need a pattern paper, and the pattern is already drawn on the fabric, so it’s safe even for beginners.
| Product name | Bow Tie Boy – Stykit Fanfare |
| Price (tax included) | 2,420 yen |
| Product page URL | https://cloth-communications.com/?pid=109229038 |
| Store name | clocomi |
| Store homepage URL | https://cloth-communications.com |
Handkerchief kit to decorate with sashiko
A handkerchief kit with a very cute sashiko finish of cotton linen banshu weave. We will use the three colors of white, pink, and gray properly and do prickly needlework. Since the check pattern of the base fabric is used as a square, there is no need to draw or copy the design. If you have sashiko needles, sewing scissors, and needles, you can easily work on it.
| Product name | Kit | Sashiko Banshu-ori handkerchief “Cross flower embroidery” |
| Price (tax included) | 1,400 yen |
| Product page URL | https://minne.com/items/28355718 |
| Store name | Azuma Maiko |
| Store homepage URL | https://minne.com/@azumamaiko |
mask kit for men
A mask kit for men that can mass-produce 16 pieces. It has a calm color and is easy to use for everyday use. The masks are small and easy to make once you learn how to make them.
| Product name | [For men] You can make 4 types of masks using the high-quality Banshu weave fabric that Japan is proud of. |
| Price (tax included) | 2,799 yen |
| Product page URL | https://item.rakuten.co.jp/auc-my-mama/0720/ |
| Store name | MY mama |
| Store homepage URL | https://www.rakuten.ne.jp/gold/auc-my-mama/ |
summary
We have carefully selected and introduced the famous Japanese dyeing and weaving, Banshu – ori , including a general explanation, recommended apparel, items, and handmade kits.
Banshu weave is used for various apparel and items due to its high quality. Perfect for yourself or as a gift. If you haven’t been particular about fabrics until now, why not take this opportunity to incorporate Banshu-ori into your life?