Shibori Dyed Yukata Kimono

Tie-dying, or “shibori”, dates back to the eighth century in Japan. Applying shibori techniques to informal cotton kimonos, or “yukata”, originated in Owari prefecture in the late 17th century and they have since endured as summer garments. The dazzling indigo pattern seen here was created by using two different shibori techniques. The wider stripes with dark bands were produced by tying the fabric in order to resist the dye. The narrow stripes were made by cinching up lines of stitches for dying and then removing the thread afterwards.