Kachiiro Indigo Cotton Kimono

Vintage Japanese kimono, selected for its textile quality, craftsmanship, and wearability. Traditionally worn as robes, these garments lend themselves naturally to contemporary dressing.

• Era: Mid-late Shōwa period (c. 1950s–1980s)
• Textile: Thick, homespun cotton, dyed multiple times in a natural indigo vat to achieve the deepest indigo shade. Known as Kachiiro (victory color), Japan’s darkest blue-black indigo was worn by Samurai beneath their armour for luck and strength. Achieving this near-black shade requires a laborious process of 15 to 24 separate dips, with full air oxidation between each immersion. This extreme repetition builds heavy layers of pigment like lacquer, which historically reinforced the fabric's strength and naturally repelled insects.
• Silhouette & fit: This piece in a more narrow, unstructured cut with angled sleeves and a stiff drape. Designed as a one-size form that layers easily and moves across seasons and body types.
• Styling: Traditionally worn as robes, these pieces can be worn open over dresses or tailored separates for everyday ease, or styled as a statement layer for evening and occasion wear. They are equally suited to display as textile art when not in use.
• Condition: As vintage textiles, signs of age and wear are expected. Small stains, repairs, fading, loose stitching, or minor tears may be present and are part of each garment’s history.
• All orders come lovingly packed in recycled silk bags