Don’t be fooled by this apron’s stunning design—it’s actually been used as a functional piece of workwear for centuries in Japan. They’re produced in Toyohashi, Aichi Prefecture (the last remaining area of production in Japan) and made from durable cotton that’ll stand up to frequent use. These aprons from Anything Co. are made on century-old Toyota shuttle looms (yes, the car company, which originally started out as a loom manufacturer). They’re colored with a rich indigo using resist-dyeing techniques, which allows the original white shade of the fabric to come through in the design and not bleed or fade over time. We love how the color fades a bit with use—typically, this is a sign in Japan of well-worn beauty. The thick belts are also colored with white and red, both considered lucky colors, and are sturdy enough to offer lower back support when tied in a traditional fashion.
Maekake have been worn by pub workers and craftsmen since the 14th century, typically showcasing a business’ logo across the front. They’re made from thick cotton and feature a fringe across the bottom, which hearkens back to the ornamental garments worn by sumo wrestlers.
We test everything we sell. Here’s how we’d use this.
Tie it like so: Rest the apron at the top of your pelvis. Breathe in deeply, then release your breath lightly. Wrap the belts tightly across your back, bringing them around to the front. Tie the belts securely in front below the navel—this positioning is thought to focus and balance energy as well as offer back support.
Do not use bleach or fabric softener. Do not tumble dry. Do not wash in warm water. Wash separately from whites, as the dye may transfer onto other fabrics. May shrink slightly after wash due to the nature of the fabric. Suitable for waist sizes up to 37 inches.
On purchases of $125+ in the contiguous 48 states.
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