Discover a New Style of Japanese Attire at REZEN Kyoto

Nestled on Kyoto's Shinkyogoku-dori Street, REZEN Kyoto may have the appearance of a small temple, but step inside and you'll find a sophisticated and unique space where Japanese and Western styles blend. Our brand name combines 'RE,' signifying 'again,' with 'ZEN,' reflecting our mission to offer borderless fashion that fuses Japanese culture with modern sensibilities.

Our designs are inspired by the beautiful seasons of Japan—featuring motifs like spider lilies, chrysanthemums, lotuses, and cherry blossoms—as well as cultural themes such as Kabuki and Onmyoji. These themes are reborn as unisex, black-based items, incorporating traditional elements like haori jackets, hakama pants, hakama skirts, and Japanese-style shirts, all updated with contemporary designs and accent colors. For international visitors exploring Kyoto, a piece from our collection is sure to become a special memento of your journey.

In this column, we will share the characteristics of our materials, basic daily care, and simple tips for looking after your garments while traveling, so you can enjoy your special piece from REZEN Kyoto for years to come. We invite you to fully enjoy our 'Wa-Mode' fashion, both in your daily life and on special occasions.

REZEN's Japanese-Modern Fusion Fashion: The First Step to Long-Lasting Wear

REZEN Kyoto's items are 'Japanese-modern fusion fashion,' designed to integrate traditional 'Wa' (Japanese) elements into a contemporary lifestyle. These garments may feature materials and designs that differ slightly from typical Western clothing. As a result, some of our international visitors might wonder, 'How should I care for this?' or worry, 'Will I damage the clothes I bought as a souvenir from Kyoto?'

In particular, clothing that incorporates elements of the traditional Japanese 'kimono' often carries the impression that it must be difficult to care for. However, rest assured. REZEN Kyoto's items are designed with modern daily use in mind. With the right knowledge and a little care, you can wear these beautiful clothes comfortably for a long time.

Here, we will introduce the general properties of the materials used in our clothing and propose basic care methods with concrete steps. We hope that through this care, your REZEN Kyoto clothing will become an irreplaceable part of your wardrobe.

The Allure of Materials in REZEN's Japanese-Mode Items

REZEN Kyoto's 'Japanese-modern fusion fashion' utilizes a variety of materials to achieve both functionality and design. For instance, polyester-based fabrics that create rich drapes are wrinkle-resistant and quick-drying, making them perfect for stylish travel wear. When blended with natural fibers like cotton, they gain a soft texture and moisture-wicking properties, ensuring a comfortable fit.

Many of our items are characterized by their black base, accented with vibrant colors and Japanese motifs. To preserve the beauty of these delicate designs for a long time, understanding the properties of each material is crucial. For example, hakama pants or skirts with pleats may be made from materials sensitive to heat, requiring special care when ironing.

Generally, our Japanese-mode fashion items may use the following materials:

• Polyester: Wrinkle-resistant and quick-drying. It holds its shape well, making it suitable for daily wear and travel.
• Cotton: Soft to the touch and highly absorbent. Its breathability ensures comfortable wear.
• Rayon: Known for its smooth texture and luster. It is a delicate material, so care must be taken to avoid water damage and friction.
• Other Blended Fabrics: By combining multiple fibers, we create more functional and beautiful textiles that leverage the best qualities of each material.

Getting into the habit of checking the care label on your REZEN items is the secret to enjoying them for years to come.

To Our International Visitors: Easy Care Tips for While You Travel

For international visitors who have purchased an item from REZEN Kyoto during their sightseeing, how to care for it on the road can be a particular concern. Here are some simple tips to keep your precious clothing in good condition while staying in a hotel or moving to your next destination.

The Basics of Minimal Care on the Go

1. Airing Out After Wear: After a day of wear, hang the garment on a hanger in your hotel room and let it air out overnight near an open window or in a well-ventilated area. This helps remove moisture and sweat, preventing odors and wrinkles from setting in.
2. Simple Wrinkle Solutions: For minor wrinkles, hanging the garment in the bathroom for a few hours after a hot shower can help them fall out naturally due to the steam. A portable wrinkle-remover spray is also very convenient.
3. Spot Cleaning: If you get a small stain while out, gently dab the area with a soft cloth dampened with water immediately. Avoid rubbing vigorously, as this can damage the fabric.
4. Smart Packing: To prevent creasing when packing in a suitcase, lay the garment on top of other wrinkle-resistant clothing or roll it up. While compression bags are useful, be cautious when using them with pleated items.

Daily Care to Make Your REZEN Unisex Items Last

REZEN Kyoto's unisex items, such as haori, hakama pants, and Japanese-style shirts, are designed for everyday wear. However, regular care is essential to maintain their charm and functionality over time.

1. Pre-Wear Preparation: Before wearing, a light pass with a clothing brush can remove dust and lint. This small step is especially important for our black-based items, where dust can be more noticeable.
2. Proper Storage: After wearing, store the garment on a hanger that fits its shoulder width. This is crucial for preventing haori and shirts from losing their shape. Hakama pants and skirts can be folded and stored in a drawer, but hanging pleated items will help maintain their lines. Choose a cool, well-ventilated place away from direct sunlight.
3. Regular Washing: Wash your items as needed, following the instructions on the care label. While excessive washing can wear out the fabric, keeping garments clean is vital for their longevity.

Washing at Home: Protecting Your Cherished REZEN Items

While many REZEN Kyoto items are made for home care, some may require delicate handling depending on the material and design. Always check the care label and follow its instructions carefully.

How to Read Japanese Laundry Care Symbols Correctly

Clothing in Japan is required to have pictorial care labels. These symbols are a vital source of information for preserving your garments.

• Washing Tub Symbol: Indicates if home laundering is possible and the maximum water temperature. The number shows the temperature, and more lines underneath mean a gentler cycle is needed. A hand in the tub means hand wash recommended.
• Square Symbol: Shows drying instructions, such as whether tumble drying is allowed, and recommendations for shade drying, flat drying, etc.
• Iron Symbol: Indicates if ironing is possible and the maximum temperature. Fewer dots mean a lower temperature is required.
• Triangle Symbol: Specifies bleaching instructions.
• Circle Symbol: Denotes dry cleaning options.

Understanding these symbols will help you care for your clothes at home with more confidence.

Basic Washing Steps for REZEN Items

1. Check the Care Label: First, always check the care label inside the garment. Note whether it's hand wash or machine washable, the maximum water temperature, etc.
2. Pre-treat Stains: For soiled areas like collars and cuffs, gently pre-treat by dabbing with a diluted neutral detergent or lightly tapping with a brush before washing.
3. Turn Inside Out and Use a Laundry Net: To prevent damage from friction and to maintain the garment's shape, turn it inside out and place it in a laundry net. We recommend using separate nets for items with embroidery, embellishments, or delicate fabrics.
4. Use a Gentle Cycle: If using a washing machine, select a gentle setting like the 'Hand Wash,' 'Delicate,' or 'Delicacy' cycle. Use a neutral detergent that does not contain bleach.
5. Rinse and Spin: Rinse thoroughly to ensure no detergent remains. Use a short spin cycle, as prolonged spinning can cause wrinkles.
6. Drying: Reshape the garment and hang it to dry in a well-ventilated, shady area away from direct sunlight. Haori and shirts should be on hangers, while hakama pants and skirts may be best dried flat. Avoid using a tumble dryer, as it can damage or shrink the fabric.
7. Ironing (If Necessary): If wrinkles are a concern, iron at the temperature permitted on the care label. Use a pressing cloth and iron on the reverse side to minimize damage to the fabric. For pleated items, gently iron along the pleats or use a steamer to smooth out wrinkles.

Just as a 'kimono experience' brings the joy of wearing special attire, we hope you will cherish your REZEN Kyoto fusion fashion through careful, daily attention.

Enrich Your Kyoto Experience with REZEN Kyoto

REZEN Kyoto's 'Japanese-modern fusion fashion' transcends gender and time, offering the joy of wearing Japanese culture and tradition. For our international visitors, it can be enjoyed as a unique 'kimono experience,' discovering a new facet of Japan against the beautiful backdrop of Kyoto's streets.

At our temple-like store on Shinkyogoku-dori, you can find your own special piece in a sophisticated and unique atmosphere. Our haori, hakama pants, and Japanese-style shirts are perfect for both daily wear and for dressing up on a special day in Kyoto.

By following the basic care instructions we've shared, you can enjoy the special clothing you found at REZEN Kyoto for a long time, preserving its beauty. We hope that your wonderful memories of Kyoto will remain as vibrant as your garments.

Please visit us at REZEN Kyoto to find 'Wa-Mode' fashion that expresses your style. We sincerely hope that your chosen piece will enrich your daily life and your future travels.

We at REZEN Kyoto look forward to welcoming you.