Executed with the same unwavering commitment to excellence as our traditional TYPE A-2, this Indigo model is an unparalleled landmark garment from The Real McCoy’s. The challenges in creating a piece of this nature are such that the precise combination of conditions and expertise required to achieve it may never be replicated — making this genre-defining garment a singularly important entry into The Real McCoy’s archive, a pièce de résistance.

Indigo garment dyeing, or 藍染 (aizome), is not merely a traditional dyeing technique; it's a sophisticated art form with a particularly deep connection to Japanese culture and lifestyle. This practice is a testament to the Japanese dedication to craftsmanship and respect for tradition.

The process of indigo dyeing in Japan is a complex and labor-intensive one. It begins with the fermentation of the indigo plant, known as 蓼藍 (tadeai), to create a water-soluble dye base called 蒅 (sukumo). This base is then mixed with ingredients such as wood ash lye, sake, bran, and lime to further promote fermentation. The garment is repeatedly dipped into this mixture and then oxidized, a process that must be repeated numerous times to achieve the deep blue hue. For the leather on our TYPE A-2 / INDIGO DYED this process needs to be repeated over a dozen times to obtain the desired shade.

The creation of an indigo-dyed A-2 flight jacket, a product that did not historically exist, is a bold expression of respect for this tradition. The resulting deep blue horsehide is a marvel of natural materials and repeated dyeing, a symbol of the meticulous care and patience required in this craft.

Indigo dyeing in Japan transcends mere coloration; it's a cultural heritage that epitomizes the Japanese ethos of precision, patience, and reverence for nature. The rich blue color, achieved solely through natural materials and painstaking effort, is a tactile manifestation of these values. In an era increasingly dominated by synthetic materials and mass production, the art of 藍染 stands as a beautiful reminder of the profound connection between human creativity and the natural world.

The lining is a tradition Japanese pattern expression, Kasuri, regularly used by Kimono makers, it involves binding certain sections of the slub yarn to resist dye. The yarn is dyed and woven in a way that the patterns appear slightly blurred, resembling a form of ikat weaving. The term "Kasuri" comes from the Japanese word "kasureru," meaning "to blur." This technique is celebrated for its complexity and the unique, ethereal quality of the results.

Maintaining the meticulous craftsmanship evident throughout the garment, the internal labels are hand-stamped on fabric that's woven using a power loom. Following the stamping process, the fabric is then hand-washed and dried to achieve a well-acclimated finish.

Horsehide, Vegetable Tanned, Indigo Dyed

Cotton Kasuri Dyed Lining

40s Bell-Shaped Front Zipper, Nickle Finish, Cotton Tape

Cotton Ribbing

Cotton Sewing Thread Construction

Made in Japan