The Samurai Jeans SIS25-101 Kakishibu Indigo Sweatshirt is a deeply characterful piece that showcases Samurai’s mastery of traditional Japanese dyeing and heavyweight knit construction. Made from the brand’s original 14.5oz sweat fabric, this sweatshirt is densely knitted using 30-count open-end yarns that are rope-dyed with natural indigo, resulting in a fabric with a firm, dry hand and a distinctly rugged texture.

The open-end (air-spun) yarn construction traps small pockets of air within the fibers, giving the fabric both structure and breathability while enhancing its durability. The same indigo-dyed yarn is used throughout, including the ribbed cuffs and hem, ensuring consistency in aging and wear over time. After knitting, the garment is overdyed in kakishibu (persimmon tannin), a traditional natural dye used in Japan since the Heian period. This process adds warm, earthy undertones while increasing antibacterial properties and improving colorfastness.

As the sweatshirt is worn and exposed to air and sunlight, the kakishibu reacts naturally, allowing the color to deepen and evolve into a rich, complex patina unique to each piece. The result is a sweatshirt that ages beautifully, gaining depth and character much like raw denim.

Construction details are equally meticulous. The garment features ribbed cuffs and hem, a ribbed “V” gusset at both the front and back of the collar, and is sewn using 4-needle flatseamer construction for durability and comfort. The fabric cutting blade is intentionally adjusted so that hints of the kakishibu dye appear on the surface, highlighting the natural variation inherent to traditional dyeing methods.

Finished with a one-wash treatment and made entirely in Japan, this sweatshirt is a true expression of Samurai Jeans’ dedication to natural materials, time-honored techniques, and garments designed to evolve with wear.

Fit Notes: This sweatshirt runs smaller than standard American sizing. If you normally wear a size M in American jackets, we recommend choosing a size L in this model. As body types vary, we always suggest checking our size chart to ensure the best possible fit.