It’s suddenly gotten so hot, hasn't it?
The weather in Nagoya today is a complete 180 from the rain and wind on Saturday—the first day of last week’s "Mori, Michi, Ichiba 2017." However, since last Sunday was just as sunny as today, I used the excuse of testing out the Contour Stole Pro from PRIRET to thoroughly enjoy the festival. I’ll be posting about that on the blog later, but we are also currently planning a ride for next week heading toward the Hashi-no-Shita Music Festival 2017!!
Kiryu City in Gunma Prefecture is gaining attention from outdoor enthusiasts. Kiryu weaving, said to date back to the Nara period, is a silk textile renowned alongside Kyoto’s Nishijin-ori.
The Contour Stole, woven in Kiryu City using traditional shuttle looms, possesses features that make it worthy of being called a "mountain stole."
In terms of appearance and fabric feel, it has a vibe similar to a slightly oversized *tenugui* (hand towel). By blending silk and cotton, it provides durability, a soft touch, and moisture-wicking quick-dry properties. Additionally, by utilizing the antibacterial and UV-resistant qualities characteristic of silk, it’s an all-season, all-round item.
The double-weave *futsū-ori* technique used for the Contour Stole can only be achieved with a shuttle loom. While the latest looms can weave over 1,000 meters a day, the shuttle looms used for these stoles can weave less than 10 meters daily. Due to this low productivity, these machines—and the skills required to operate them—are gradually disappearing.
One reason the Contour Stole continues to be woven with *futsū-ori* despite this low productivity is that creating a layer of air between the fabrics results in a stole with excellent quick-drying properties. This air layer is also useful for heat retention during winter, and the unique texture and feel created by weaving slowly and carefully is another key attraction.
Furthermore, because it is hollow, it can be used not only as a stole but also as a neck gaiter. It expands the range of uses from a hand towel or regular towel to a stole and a neck gaiter. Also, since silk is UV-resistant, it’s great for sun protection.
By the way, the brand name PRIRET is a portmanteau of "Private" and "Secret." They create goods in their hometown of Kiryu based on the concept of secretly making things they want for themselves. Perhaps due to this local pride, the printed contour lines are those of Gunma’s famous peak, Mount Akagi. It’s said that this print requires expert craftsmanship to change the colors on each side of the double weave. The brand tag even features the silhouette of Mount Akagi and the Morse code for S.O.S.
This is a handy item not just for hiking, but for camping, festivals, and of course, when you’re out on your bike. If you want to avoid getting a sunburn this season or are just looking for the perfect hand towel, we highly recommend it!!