Imabari x 2 Guest Towels 1963

• Gift Set in a box : 2 towels
• Woven slowly on a vintage Imabari shuttle loom in continuous use since 1963
• A uniquely dense, plush pile and a refined, weighty feel
• 100% San Joaquin long‑staple cotton prized for its fibre length, natural whiteness, and beautifully even finish. 
• Woven and finished in Imabari, Ehime, Japan, a region renowned for crafting some of the finest towels in the world. 
• Certified Imabari Towel Brand product (Certification No. 2024‑1262), guaranteeing high standards of absorbency, durability, and skin‑friendly quality

The Imabari-made shuttle loom has been in operation since the company was founded in 1963. Over the course of 60 years, this machine has undergone repeated adjustments and modifications, and has been meticulously maintained. This is the very essence of Watanabe Pile's craftsmanship. The dense pile arrangement, which can only be achieved by skilled artisans weaving at their leisure, creates a one-of-a-kind texture. Using gray heathered yarn twisted exclusively from high-quality San Joaquin cotton, the fabric has a rich, textured appearance that looks great even when simply laid out.

Key Characteristics:

High Absorbency: The towels are known for their ability to quickly absorb water, a standard tested by the "5-second rule" where a piece of towel dropped into water must sink within five seconds. 

Exceptional Softness: Imabari towels are soft on the skin, a quality enhanced by the use of high-grade cotton and the gentle, soft water found in the region.

Durability: They are also durable and maintain their shape even after repeated washing, allowing for long-term use.

Protected Brand: The Imabari Towel brand is managed by the Imabari Towel Industrial Association, and its products carry a distinctive logo with a design of the sun and ocean.

Production & Quality: 

Geographic Origin: The towels are made in Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture, a major towel production centre in Japan with a history spanning over 120 years.

Local Resources: The production process benefits from the area's favourable natural conditions, including the soft water of the Seto Inland Sea and quality cotton grown in the region.

Integrated Industry: The area features a complete ecosystem of factories, from those that spin the yarn to dye works and weaving factories, ensuring quality control at every stage.

Cultural Significance : A Symbol of Care: In Japanese culture, towels are often given as gifts to express care and gratitude for occasions like weddings, housewarmings, or as well-wishes.

Imabari towels are considered a meaningful and practical souvenir, offering a piece of authentic Japanese tradition

Material:
Yarn name : San Joaquin (long staple cotton)
Origin : California, USA

The San Joaquin Valley in California, USA, is a region surrounded by mountains with little rainfall and a warm climate. Cotton is grown here using meltwater from the Sierra Nevada Mountains, a mountain range with an elevation of over 3,000 meters. The raw material, San Joaquin cotton, is a high-quality staple cotton with a fibre length of approximately 32 mm, and its high whiteness gives it a beautiful texture.

Care: To maintain the texture for a long time, we recommend using a laundry net when washing.

Care note: Images show the actual product, but colour and texture may appear slightly different depending on your screen.

Face towel 35cm x 35cm
100% cotton (San Joaquin cotton)

Country of Origin: Imabari, Ehime Prefecture, Japan