Ren String Sample

Japanese sundried typewriter fabric.

Composition: 87% Cotton 13% Linen

Width: 140cm

Weight: 150gsm

Colour: String is a warm, creamy white with delicate natural-looking slub marks running throughout the fabric. The fine lines create a softly textured, almost calico-like appearance, giving String an organic, beautifully imperfect character. Ren’s signature washed-back finish enhances the natural quality of the colour and texture, while the subtle variations reflect the handmade, human-led production process. String is a warm, understated neutral with a relaxed, earthy feel, clean enough to be versatile, but with plenty of natural character.

*Colour is never exact on screen. Please order a swatch if unsure.

Quality: Produced in the Enshu region of Japan, this quality is made using traditional, labour- intensive methods designed to preserve the natural texture and character of the fabric. From washing and dyeing to spinning, sewing and drying, much of this process is carried  out by hand. Rather than relying on a fixed colour recipe, each dye bath is carefully mixed by an experienced craftsman, using their eye and judgement to achieve the desired colour. The fabric is then naturally dried in the Enshu sun and wind, giving Ren its distinctive  texture, subtle variations and beautifully lived in character.

THE CHARACTER Because Ren is made in small batches using traditional methods, no two productions are exactly alike. You may notice subtle colour variations, uneven dyeing, dye  streaks, wrinkle-like marks, occasional natural fibre residue or small imperfections in the  surface. These are not flaws, they are evidence of the human-centred process. Even the weather leaves its mark. On rainy days, freshly dyed fabric is temporarily stored in a controlled fridge to prevent bacterial growth,  before returning to the sun when the weather clears.

THE PRODUCT Ren was developed to beautifully showcase its surface texture. Its clean, tactile finish makes it particularly suited to garments where the fabric itself is part of the design. We love it for easy shirts, relaxed trousers, oversized tees, dresses and everyday pieces that only get better with wear.

THE PROCESS

• SMALL 20M BATCHES The mill produces  approximately 1200m per day, with fabric moved through the process in 20m batches.
• DYED BY EYE Each colour is individually mixed by an experienced dyer. There is no rigid recipe. Pigment and water are adjusted by hand according to the craftsman’s judgement.
• NATURALLY SUN-DRIED After dyeing, the fabric is spun and carefully handled before being hung to dry naturally. Drying takes an hour, depending on the weather.
• HANDLED BY HAND Fabric is moved, folded and sewn together by hand throughout the process to prevent twisting and maintain its character.
• POWERED BY THE SUN The mill operates using solar power working with the natural conditions of the Enshu region rather than against them.

Shrinkage: <3%

Care instructions: Gentle Machine Wash. Drip Dry or Tumble Dry. Warm Iron. Dry Cleaneable.

Milled Origin: Japan. All our Japanese cottons meet the Oeko-Tex standard, we only use mills which are certified and checked yearly. Potter Textiles has been in the business for 25 plus years and built up a solid relationship with the mills we work with and sourcing agents. We really pride ourselves on this as we know we can trust the mills we use for quality and standard.