Keep it long, treasure it long.

Coolness of Edo to the present day

T-shirts are essential in the summer. There are even specialized stores, so it can be difficult to find the best one for you, but there are some recommended T-shirts that are not only stylish but also comfortable. In recent years, with the incredible heat of summer, even in urban areas, you can see people sprinkling water on the ground or hanging blinds, and other traditional ways to stay comfortable according to the season. The T-shirt we are introducing is also made 150 years ago to make the Japanese summer more comfortable, and has been brushed up to suit modern times. The fabric used is a shrink-stained fabric. The fabric, which is like what we now call functional fiber, has been around since the days before air conditioning, and has excellent moisture absorption and quick-drying properties. In the hot and humid Japanese summer, this T-shirt makes you feel respect and gratitude for the craftsmanship that has been passed down since the Edo period and the wisdom of our ancestors.

Easy to pick up because it's basic

This T-shirt is the most basic shape of BIWACOTTON. This is especially recommended for those who like a crisp, dry touch, and once you get used to it, you won't be able to let it go. It has a slightly slim silhouette that is easy to wear as an inner layer, as well as by itself.

Not only is the fabric very sturdy, but the stitching is also very solid, and the sleeves and hem are double-stitched for a reliable construction. The back center is switched, making the design a little different from ordinary T-shirts. The tag on the sleeve is a subtle accent.

This plain crew neck T-shirt (unisex, short sleeves) goes well with patterned items, and it's mysterious that it looks good even when paired with bottoms. It's cute to wear it oversized, as well as just the right size. We offer 4 sizes for both men and women, so please choose the size you like. This T-shirt can be used for a long time throughout the year, whether you layer it when it's a little chilly in early spring or early autumn, or wear it alone when going out in summer.

Suteteko is reborn as a T-shirt

When it comes to shrink-sewn fabric, many people may think of suteteko pants, which are mainly worn by men, but BIWACOTTON has a simple design that never gets old, making it easy to incorporate as a fashion item. When it comes to summer T-shirts, if you find one you like, you will wash and wear it often and it will last shorter than other clothes, so you will want to have several of them, but in that respect, BIWACOTTON is a great choice because it comes in a basic variety. Even those who are resistant to chemical fibers and high-performance fibers can wear it without hesitation, so it is a good choice not only for your own daily wear, but also as a gift for Father's Day, Mother's Day, or a birthday present.

Connecting ancient Japanese techniques to the present

Biwa Cotton is a fabric developed based on the techniques of Takashima Chijimi, a traditional industry in Takashima City, Shiga Prefecture, that has been around since the Edo period.
Chijimi is an ancient Japanese cool material made to make Japan's hot and humid summers more comfortable, and it became widely used after being spread nationwide by Takashima merchants. Biwa Cotton is a fabric that inherits the chijimi manufacturing method but has evolved to suit modern clothing.
The difference between Biwa Cotton and Takashima Chijimi is the twist of the thread. Takashima Chijimi uses thread that is twisted more tightly than usual, but Biwa Cotton is twisted even further to the limit, giving it a drier feel.
The next step is to weave the strong twisted thread using an air jet loom that blows the weft thread with air, but this process is also very difficult. It is said that the strong twisting often causes the fabric to shrink during weaving. However, when you see this beautiful and stretchy fabric, you can see that it was carefully made by redoing it many times, and you will want to use it with care.

Biwa Cotton also has many other ingenious features in the manufacturing process. We will explain its three main features.

◇Feature 1: 100% genuine cotton
No synthetic fibers or fibers other than cotton are used.

Even so, Biwa Cotton stretches well and has a unique, smooth, high-quality linen-like texture that is unique to Biwa Cotton.

◇Feature 2: Comfortable coolness
The yarns are woven with gaps between them, so it is very breathable. It is also quick-drying, and the excellent water absorption of the cotton material makes it a fabric that does not stick to your skin even when you sweat.

In addition, the unevenness of the wrinkled finish makes it less likely to stick to your skin than regular cotton products, so you can wear it comfortably even in the hot summer months.

◇Feature 3: Excellent elasticity
The specially twisted yarn is woven and then shrunk in hot water to create a more stretchy fabric. It is stress-free to wear and provides a long-lasting light comfort.

Dry, light, and comfortable

"Biwa Cotton" has evolved into modern clothing while retaining the functionality of the steteco material. BIWA COTTON is made in Shiga, an area rich in water resources with Lake Biwa, and is a comfortable summer fabric that is an update of "Takashima Chijimi," which has a history of over 200 years. Our predecessors have been producing steteco fabric Takashima Chijimi for many years, but as times have changed, our lifestyles have changed, and we wanted to convey this comfort to the present day, so we decided to make a fabric that could be worn not only at home but also outside. In 2017, we developed "Biwa Cotton," a comfortable fabric with excellent stretchability while retaining the crispness unique to chijimi. The historic "Takashima Chijimi" has identified the shapes of everyday life's necessities in line with the changing times, while looking towards the future to pass on techniques and bring comfort to people.