Since the introduction of cotton seeds in the Muromachi period, the Ise region became a major producing center of cotton, endowed with soil, water, weather, etc, and gained evaluation as the finest cotton.
It was sold as one of the specialty in the road of Tsu and souvenir of Ise Shrine, and was used regularly by people all over the country as a daily wear from Edo to the prewar. It made the economic base for the Ise Merchants at the time.

However, the demand for Isemomen Cotton dropped sharply amid the development of chemical fibers and changes in the clothing culture after the war, and it is extremely valuable as the manufacturer, Usui Orifu Co., Ltd, is the only last one now. Made from the finest cotton yarn in Japan and using the same machine that has been used since the Meiji era, it is born from a manufacturing method that is the same as it was at that time. While ordinary cotton becomes harder when washed, Isemomen Cotton becomes more textured as it is washed.

Isemomen cotton is a traditional fabric that remains unchanged since the Edo period.
It is narrow fabric made using the same old production method, with an extremely soft touch and the homespun texture of an old fabric. The secret lies in its loosely twisted threads: instead of strongly twisting the threads, it is woven slowly by age-old looms so that the threads resemble the state of raw cotton, which are then fixed by natural paste.
Only one roll (13 meters) can be woven in a day using a single machine. When the natural paste is gradually washed off, the threads return to cotton-like state, so the fabric becomes softer. This soft touch is the charm of Isemomen cotton.

Kyoto stripes, Hachihachijo, Kataha, Yatara lattice...etc, the characteristic of Isemomen Cotton also has beautiful patterns like the above., beautiful traditional stripes and lattice pattern. From the pattern and pattern name, you can see the fashion and historical background of the time.
It is important to convey these traditional patterns to the present, also we try to dye Isemomen Cotton with the patterns and colors that are born from the current Japanese lifestyle to create the things necessary for everyday life. It can be said that it is a very important work for Japanese designers with their natural acts. The true meaning of the collaboration between SOU・SOU and Isemomen Cotton is here.
From the old time, we use traditional techniques, and also make something incorporating contemporary essences. It is good to feel the identity of the Japanese.
Also, it's not special but good for daily use. The succession of traditional techniques and the development of local industries, the such above things we think should be blended naturally into the lives of that age.
At SOU・SOU x Isemomen Cotton, we would like to propose new possibilities for this traditional material.