Five Plus One is our weekly series of buyer’s guides. We pick a specific category and dig up five great options along with one that’s a little outside the norm.
I’ve never tried to hide my affinity for sashiko, Japanese running stitches embedded throughout a piece of fabric, and while I prefer to see them age as jacket or a pair of pants there is also something compelling about sashiko shirts. Whether the shirt is entirely covered in sashiko or just features an intricate, sashiko design, the stitching adds an element of textural interest that is sure to make these shirts a quick favorite.
1) Pure Blue Japan: Sashiko Shirt
Pure Blue Japan’s Sashiko Shirt is a 98%/2% cotton/polyurethane blend shirt with all the great features you’d expect. With chainstitch runoff, black resin buttons, and indigo garment dyeing, this made in Japan shirt is one of the most compelling options on the market.
While not everyone will like bleeding indigo dye wherever they go, those of you who want next level fades will love this shirting option.
Available for $230 from Mildblend.
2) Taylor Stitch: The Cash Shirt
While sashiko is generally only seen on the most expensive shirts, Taylor Stitch’s The Cash Shirt is surprisingly affordable. At only $125, this 9oz. indigo-dyed sashiko shirt is a great option for just about everyone with its tailored fit, double needle construction, and buttoned chest pocket.
If you’re interested in getting a sashiko shirt but aren’t sure how much you’ll actually wear it this is the obvious choice.
Available for $125 from Taylor Stitch.
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3) Momotaro: Sashiko Linen Shirt
If you want to don sashiko but aren’t interested in wearing full indigo then Momotaro’s Sashiko Linen Shirt may be just the ticket. Made in Japan from a 83%/17% cotton/linen blend, this ecru toned sashiko shirt features resin buttons, double needle construction, and chainstitch runoff.
Whether you wear this shirt with raws or chinos it will certainly add an interesting element to your outfit.
Available for $195 from Blue Owl.
4) Studio D’Artisan: Sashiko Dobby Shirt
Studio D’Artisan’s Sashiko Dobby Shirt is available in three different colors, making it by far the most varied offering on this list. Made in Japan from 100% cotton dobby cloth with sashiko stitching, this is the kind of shirt you buy in one colorway before waking up one morning and finding you own every color offered.
Available for $187 from Denimio.
5) Nine Lives: Kalamazoo Sashiko Workshirt
Nine Lives is well known for the beautifully designed and crafted garments, and their Kalamazoo Sashiko Workshirt is a great introduction to those qualities. Made from an 18oz. indigo dyed sashiko fabric, this ultra heavyweight shirt is the real deal.
With snapped closure, gunmetal hardware, and reverse-seam chest pockets, this is the kind of shirt you wear for years and years.
Available for $565 from Division Road.
Plus One – Studio d’Artisan: Dyed Sashiko Workshirt
It turns out Studio d’Artisan is the producer of more than one amazing sashiko shirt. Their Dyed Sashiko Workshirt is a bit different, featuring sashiko as ornamentation rather than completely covering the garment. It’s made from 11oz. fabric with two chest pockets, nut buttons, and indigo dyed yarns.
While it might be a little flashy for some, the attention to detail of the fabric is just phenomenal and I hope all can see its intrinsic beauty.
Available for $279 from Corlection.
