A thousand years of Japanese tradition, worn close to the skin.

For a thousand years, Japanese people have lived alongside washi. To write. To wrap. To protect. And now, this piece — to wear.

WASHI PAPER KNIT translates the structural strength of washi fiber into the form of a knit. An original yarn blending Mino washi fiber with cotton and rayon is knitted in a 5G (fifth gauge) tenjiku stitch.

FABRIC

Why we turn washi into yarn.

Washi fiber has a structure unlike any other. Its cross-section is nearly hollow, with a fine, uneven surface texture. That structure creates a layer of air — gently regulating body temperature while resisting stuffiness. The fibers also resist static charge, making static electricity rare. These are not properties added through processing; they are inherent to the fiber itself.

The challenge was that washi fiber cannot be spun into yarn on its own. Only by combining it with 42% cotton and 27% rayon does it gain the strength and flexibility needed to become yarn. The 31% washi fiber is then added to the blend. This composition is not a compromise — it is one answer to drawing out the full potential of washi.

The knit structure is a 5G (fifth gauge) tenjiku weave. The finer the gauge, the more compressed the fibers become, and the characteristic texture and airiness of washi begin to disappear into the fabric. The openness is intentional — a deliberate space. This season, the fabric weight has been increased, allowing the piece to be worn comfortably from autumn through winter.

DETAILS

Honest to the material.

The dyeing method used is garment dyeing — dye is applied to the finished knit piece after construction. Subtle variations in depth between fibers, shadows cast by the stitch structure. The fact that it does not dye evenly is what makes this work honest. Garment dyeing carries a concern for color transfer, but through the high dyeing expertise of the production team, the finished pieces achieve virtually no bleed. Being able to layer this knit freely with other garments — that, too, was one of the requirements.

Colorways include TOKUNO BLUE and a range of colors inspired by the Botanical Dye series, all finished through garment dyeing.

This piece is made by Marusho Knit, based in Mitsuke City, Niigata. From knitting and sewing to inspection, washing, and finishing, every process except dyeing is carried out in-house. Driven by the desire to oversee each step with their own eyes, they have built their own facilities for washing and finishing as well. Advancing through each process with their own eyes on every detail — that commitment is what supports the comfort of this piece.

The texture of the washi fiber conforms more and more to the body with wear. The crisp, papery feel you notice at first gradually shifts over time. It is not that the material changes — it is the fiber finding its fit with the person wearing it. Comfortable throughout the day, indoors and out. That is the simplest reason to choose this knit.

LINEUP

From the same yarn, two forms.

In this piece lives both the strength of a fiber passed down over a thousand years, and the craft of the artisans who gave it form. Please pick it up and feel for yourself how washi settles against the skin.