What is Takashima Chijimi? The traditional fabric I learned about at Muji that makes summer comfortable

Hello. This is Akisuke.

A little while ago, I was looking at new product information from MUJI Labo and found something that caught my eye.

"Easy pants made with Takashima Chijimi fabric"

Since it's called "Chijimi" (shrunken), I imagined it must be a fabric that looks shrunken, but I didn't know specifically what it was or what it was like.

The product description says it has "moisture absorption and release, breathability, and quick-drying properties," and since it's an item that will be sold soon, I assume it's a cool material suitable for summer, but I'm curious, so I'll look into it a bit.

What is Takashima Chijimi: The wisdom of "coolness" that has continued since the Edo period

When I looked it up, I found that "Takashima Chijimi" is a traditional craft, a cotton fabric that has been made in Takashima City, Shiga Prefecture, since the Edo period. It is also designated as a national traditional craft.

The name "Chijimi" comes from the unique shibo (wrinkles/unevenness) that appears on the surface of the fabric. This shibo is the greatest feature of Takashima Chijimi and is the mechanism that makes it feel cool.

The secret to its coolness lies in "high-twist yarn"

So, how is this shibo created, and how does it generate coolness?

It comes from a special yarn called "high-twist yarn." For Takashima Chijimi, the weft yarn uses "high-twist yarn," which is twisted 1.5 to 2 times more strongly than regular yarn.

After the fabric is woven, the strongly twisted yarn is soaked in hot water to remove the starch, which releases a large force that tries to return to its original state all at once.

At that time, the yarn shrinks intensely, which creates permanent shibo throughout the fabric. This shibo creates a small space (a layer of air) between the fabric and the skin, so it doesn't stick to the skin, achieving a smooth and comfortable feel.

The mechanism of Takashima Chijimi's coolness

· Smooth feel → The shibo reduces the contact area with the skin.

· Good breathability → Air passes through the gaps between the shibo and the weave.

· Moisture absorption/release and quick-drying properties → The shibo absorbs sweat through capillary action and dries it quickly over a large surface area.

Peace of mind as a material: The gentleness of 100% cotton

Another thing that personally gave me peace of mind is that traditional Takashima Chijimi is basically made of 100% cotton. By adding this shibo structure to cotton, which already has excellent moisture absorption, the comfort in summer seems like it will be significantly improved. I thought it was a material that even people with sensitive skin could choose with confidence.

Could it actually be used all year round? Its surprising potential

Before looking into it, I completely thought of it as a "summer fabric." However, its excellent moisture absorption and release properties suggest it might actually have the potential to be useful regardless of the season.

For example, on those days in early spring or early autumn that are "comfortable but a bit sweaty," neither too cold nor too hot. Takashima Chijimi quickly absorbs and dries sweat, preventing "sweat chill." Also, the crinkles (shibo) in the fabric itself trap air, which can be expected to provide a light heat-retaining effect. In other words, it can be seen as a reliable material that helps regulate body temperature throughout the year.

I thought that perhaps Muji's decision to use it for their "Easy Pants"—an item they want you to wear casually and for a long time, both at home and out—might have been made with this "year-round comfort" in mind.

Summary

I couldn't have imagined it from the name "Takashima Chijimi," but it turned out to be a functional, traditional fabric that is the crystallization of Japan's climate (hot and humid summers) and the wisdom of artisans.

It is not just a "cool fabric"; that coolness has a physical mechanism and history behind it, and the material offers the peace of mind unique to natural materials. Thinking about it that way, I'm becoming even more interested in Muji's new pants.

See you next time.