Imabari Towels: 7 Things to Know about Japan's Iconic Towels

by Laura Miyasaka | CRAFT

Sakura Imabari Towels by Imabari Kinsei, available at Japan Objects Store

On Shikoku, Japan’s fourth-largest island, amidst the lush nature lies the mecca of Japan’s towel industry: Imabari. The bright red, blue and white logo of Imabari Towels is easily recognizable across the nation, and internationally, as a guarantee of Japanese high quality.

In this article, we take an in-depth look at what makes Imabari quality, how Imabari towels get their signature softness, high absorbency and fast drying capabilities, and further, how the environment of the city of Imabari makes their towels a safe, low chemical choice for your home.

1. What are Imabari Towels?

Monori Imabari Towels by Imabari Kinsei, available at Japan Objects Store

Made from a careful selection of cotton, Imabari towels are sought after across the nation. The towels come from the seaside city of Imabari in Ehime prefecture, but not every towel made in Imabari can have the Imabari label. In fact, towels have to pass a set of stringent tests to meet the quality standards set by the Shikoku Towel Industrial Association. Tests evaluate water absorbency, resistance to piling and light, and overall durability so that the towels will last for years to come.

Imabari towels are highly valued for their high quality, and particularly for their superb water absorbency and fast drying capabilities.

2. The History of Japanese Imabari Towels

Imabari has been delivering high-quality towels for over 120 years, and today almost 200 factories twist and dye yarn, and fabricate within the city. But why does this all take place in Imabari? Well, a hundred years ago, Imabari, a city facing the Seto inland sea, was a busy transportation hub and therefore, welcomed innovative textile machines and improved weaving techniques which accelerated towel production. So much so that in the 1960s, Imabari’s towel industry boomed and overtook Osaka in the volume of towel production.

Today, Imabari produces more than 60% of Japanese towels and Imabari towels are a representation of Japan’s high standards when it comes to quality and service with a great deal of dedication and care taken in their manufacture. This is incorporated into the Imabari brand and logo which consists of bright red, white and blue, with the sun rising over the sea.

3. What Makes Imabari Towels Unique?

Monori Imabari Towel by Imabari Kinsei, available at Japan Objects Store

Imabari towels are renowned for their soft, light-weight and slim characteristics. There is a large variety of towels with different levels of thickness, fluffiness and colorful designs that never fade, so a towel can be found for everyone.

Moreover, Imabari has exceptionally high standards for all its products. To ensure that a high quality is always met they have a 5 second rule. In this check they place the fabric in water to see whether or not it will sink within 5 seconds. Only fabric that sinks within 5 seconds passes the test and can be branded an Imabari towel.

Other tests such as the pile test and durability test mean that the towels have a strong reputation to last a long time and are soft and smooth, ideal for delicate or sensitive skin.

4. What are Imabari Towels Made From?

Sakura Imabari Towel by Imabari Kinsei, available at Japan Objects Store

Imabari towels are made from a careful selection of cotton, quite often organic cotton, and very little chemical processing takes place in their manufacture. In fact, towels undergo no heavy bleaching, making them gentle on the skin and a safe choice for babies and children. For this reason, Imabari towels are often gifted to new parents. Moreover, the towels undergo little chemical processing due to the underground water from the Soja river that flows through Ehime and water from the sacred Mount Ishizuchi, which has soft water with very few impurities. This water is used in the manufacture of Imabari towels and contributes to their super soft texture. The soft water is gentle on the yarn and allows the fabric to take on bright colors that last while keeping the texture soft and luxurious.

5. How are Imabari Towels Made?

With over a hundred manufacturers producing Imabari towels, each towel is made differently according to the thread’s quality, thickness, and material. The range of possibilities depends on the fabric, the craftsmen and the techniques applied such as Jacquard print and embroidery. Local manufacturers pride themselves in their original weaving techniques and creative designs. One unique technique used in the manufacture of Imabari towels is called Sakizarashi Sakizome which means the yarn is dyed first and ensures that the towels have vivid, bright colors that last even after being washed again and again.

As for the process being the manufacture of Imabari towels, first, the thread is bleached to remove impurities and oil, but heavy bleaching is not necessary due to the low level of impurities. Afterwards the thread is dyed or left pure white before being set on a loom and made into a towel.

For the Imabari brand, it is important that in the manufacture of their towels, each step is carried out by a professional with care and dedication to ensure high quality.

6. How to Care for Your Imabari Towel?

To ensure your Imabari towel lasts and retains its high quality, it is advised to machine wash on gentle setting using cold water and mild detergent. Also, avoid bleach and fabric softeners as they may take from the quality. After washing, hang dry or tumble dry on a low heat setting.

7. Where to Buy Imabari Towels?

When looking for an Imabari towel, look for their famous bright red, white and blue logo for the Shikoku Towel Industrial Association’s stamp of approval that it meets their high standards. Alternatively, visit one of the stores on our list below where you can find Imabari towels both online and in Japan. Purchase them as a gift for the special people in your life or as the perfect gift for yourself.

Online at Japan Objects: Get Imabari quality towels delivered to your door with Japan Objects, such as this luxurious Imabari towel gift set or this cherry blossom design towel set, both of which come in a wooden gift box.

Imabari Towel Store in Tokyo: If you are in Tokyo, you can visit the Imabari store in person where a towel sommelier will assist you in choosing the perfect towel. This store is just a five minute walk from Omotesando station (see map) and has a range of towels from hand towels for the perfect souvenir to bath towels for your home.

Imabari Towel Head Office in Ehime: If you find yourself in Ehime prefecture where the towels are made, why not head to Imabari city and to Imabari’s head office. There you can feel the different textures of towels and learn about the history and manufacture of Imabari towels in person. The store is approximately ten minutes by taxi from Imabari station (see map).

Japan has perfected the art of towel making, taking an everyday item to something you’ll want to tell your friends, family and neighbors about! And by finding the Imabari logo, it is a fool-proof way to ensure high quality, every time.

Do you own a Imabari towel or want to add one to your collection? We would love to know what you love about Imabari towels in the comments.