OD+FM Natural Indigo x Natural Sumi Selvedge Denim 6-Panel Cap

ODFM002

• Limited production run of 30 pieces
• 17.5oz. Natural Indigo x Natural Sumi Japanese Selvedge Denim
• 6 panel construction
• 100% Cotton
• Structured brim
  
• Updated Sweatband for comfort fit
• 6 stitched eyelets
• Selvedge detailing featured on rear-left panel
• 日本謹製(Humbly Made in Japan) rayon tag featured on left panel
• Single Red & White eyelets representing OD
• OD 10th Year Anniversary woven label featured in inner brim
• Adjustable Leather strap with Brass fastener

The cotton yarns used to weave the fabric of this hat are hank dyed with natural indigo, by aging craftsmen in Tokushima, Japan. With hank dyeing, the yarns are dipped repeatedly by hand (minimum of 20 times per lot) until the deep blue color of the natural indigo has settled into the cotton threading. 

The persistence that hank dyeing with natural indigo requires, guarantees a denim with a more resilient indigo color than any chemical indigo dye. The lengthy duration for the preparation of the dye, as well as a limited annual supply (only using Japanese Indigofera plant leaves) make natural indigo denim from Tokushima particularly sought after.

Traditionally, Sumi is produced from a combination of pinewood soot, animal glue and perfume. A common misconception is that the final product is a liquid, when in fact the ink is only the result of rubbing a solid ink 'stick' against an inkstone with water. Thus, the original production of ink sticks requires a painstaking process of thoroughly mixing the raw ingredients before kneading and shaping them in wooden molds. The ageing process can take from a few months to several years. 

In the case of the Tokushima shokunin (artisans) that created the yarns used to produce this denim, the soot the comes off burnt pine tree bark is combined with a natural adhesive to create a natural Sumi sukumo which is then created into a dark dye.

Inner Brim Measurement: 58.5cm (23")

Made in Osaka, Japan