We're excited to introduce one of the rarest and most exclusive tees we've ever seen. Each unit represents the pinnacle of craftsmanship, taking up to a year to produce in extremely limited quantities. Dyed with premium Japanese Natural Indigo from the 'Polygonum tinctorium' plant, following the traditional "Aizome" method, where leaves ferment naturally for over 100 days without chemicals. Cotton yarns are hand-dipped daily for 30 days, creating rich, vibrant indigo hues "Aizome" is renowned for. Each tee undergoes meticulous hand-dying, ensuring a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.
Made from extra-long staple Zimbabwe Cotton grown indoors and hand-picked, known for its exceptional strength and silk-like softness. Fabric is slowly woven on vintage machines. Once woven and sewn, each tee is hand-dyed at Momotaro's Aizome workshop, undergoing numerous dips, washes, and air oxidations to achieve its unique color. Every shirt is distinct and unique due to the hand-dyeing process. At Redcast, we've never seen such a special and vibrant indigo finish.
Indigo, the world's oldest dye, was introduced to Japan 1,500 years ago. Initially worn by nobility during the Heian period, it later spread to commoners in the Edo period. Known as "Japan Blue" globally, indigo has been beloved in Japan for centuries, symbolizing good fortune during the Meiji era.
This tee is pricey due to the labor-intensive and time-consuming Japanese indigo dye process. Leaves are meticulously gathered and fermented under straw mats for months, requiring precise conditions. The resulting "sukumo" serves as the base for indigo dye, a process carried out manually over large vats to achieve deep, lasting blues through multiple dips.
Aizome process:
- Grow Ai (藍 in Japanese, which is Natural indigo) leaves from March to July/August and cut the leaves in summer.
- The cut leaves are fermented for 100 days to make Natural indigo dye.
- Hank dye each t-shirt by very skilled craftsmen in the Momotaro Aizome workshop. Dyeing process: dip, squeeze, and wash.
All Momotaro tees run smaller in size compared to your regular American size. Typically, if you wear a size M in American t-shirts, you will need to select a size L in this. However, individual body types can vary, so, as always, we recommend consulting our size chart for the perfect fit.
Momotaro is a Japanese denim brand that was founded in Kojima, Okayama in 2005. The brand's philosophy is centered around the concept of "Made by Hand Without Compromise", which reflects their commitment to using traditional techniques and high-quality materials to create their products. They work with skilled craftsmen in Kojima to produce their denim, and place a strong emphasis on attention to detail and quality control.
