Uniqueness of Sun-dried Fabric

I would like to introduce some sun-dried fabrics that are recommended for spring and summer.

What is sun drying?

Sun drying refers to drying cloth, futons, and other fabric products in direct sunlight.
By exposing futons to sunlight, you can prevent the growth of dust mites and remove moisture.
Surely everyone has pressed a futon or clothes that have been exposed to the sun against their face and felt like they “smelled like the sun…” However, this does not mean that all fabrics can be exposed to direct sunlight. Depending on the material of the fabric, some materials can be damaged, fade or discolor when exposed to sunlight for long periods of time.

Many of these items recommend drying in the shade if air drying.

(Many silk and woolen clothes have quality labels that say they should be dried in the shade.)

What is sun-dried fabric?

There is a type of fabric that is purposely sun-dried to bring out unique colors and textures.
Normal fabrics are dried by machine after dyeing, but sun-dried fabrics are actually all dried by artisans.
Because they are dried using sunlight and natural wind, they sometimes have “SUNNY DRY” included somewhere in the product name.

The appeal of sun-dried fabric

Sun-dried fabrics are made by craftsmen after the dyeing stage.
Sun-drying is done while taking into account the weather and climate of the day, so an experienced craftsman who can make the right judgement may be required.
Since no machines are used, sun-dried fabrics are finished using natural energy such as sunlight and wind, making them environmentally friendly fabrics.

Also, the finished product changes depending on the weather at the time, so no two pieces are exactly the same, and each piece is a one-of-a-kind item. Because it is handmade, there are variations in color and wrinkles, but these are also good features that cannot be achieved by machines.

The natural texture of the fabric is what makes it so appealing. You can feel the crispness, softness, and smoothness that are inherent to materials such as cotton and linen.

Fabrics that have been exposed to the natural sun and wind are truly made from nature, and the items that are made from them have a natural finish.

Recommended sun-dried fabrics

OS2095 C/CORDURA® Mini Ripstop Sun-dried Washer Finish

This is a ripstop fabric made from Cordura, so it is very strong.
The colors are mostly calm tones, so it is especially recommended for men’s items.

8111GW SUNNY DRY Broadcloth , Sun-dried, Washer-processed

This broadcloth is thin and slightly transparent, making it a light fabric.
The colors range from light, muted tones to deep, rich colors.
It is recommended for shirts and skirts in the spring and summer.

SBY5004 SUNNY DRY No. 8 Canvas Sun-dried Washer Processing

This is made of No. 8 canvas, so it is thick and sturdy and recommended for bags.
It is a washed fabric, so it has a worn-in feel as if it has been washed many times, creating a more natural impression.

TL4141 SUNNY DRY 40 Linen Sun-dried Washer Processing

This fabric is 100% linen, so it feels more natural. Enjoy the crispness and natural texture that only linen can bring out.
You can enjoy the uneven color and wrinkles, so it is recommended for jackets, pants, skirts, etc.

Precautions for drying fabric in the sun

Sun-dried fabric has a natural texture, but it does have some drawbacks.
Please be aware of these points before using it.

Also, since it takes time to produce the fabric, please consult us in advance if you plan to use a large quantity for mass production.

– As the fabric is sun-dried, both edges may be rolled up.
– Color variations may occur from batch to batch, so please be careful when cutting large quantities. While we will do our best, we can not 100% assure that all cuts will be from the same batch.
– Do not cut and sew parts from different rolls or cuts together.
– There is a possibility of uneven dyeing due to residual dye.
– Depending on the material, there may be strong wrinkles.
– Depending on the fabric, there may be areas with strong wrinkles and areas with weak wrinkles, and the finish may not be uniform.
– The finished width may vary depending on the fabric.

Summary

In this age of modernization and mass production, why not try using fabrics that have the unique qualities that only come from handcrafting?

In addition to the sun-dried fabrics introduced here, ApparelX also carries many other products.

ApparelX is a BtoB ecommerce platform for brands, tailors and the like to order from small MOQs from a variety of manufacturers in one order. And we ship worldwide!
Check out our FAQ page, Youtube, and LinkedIn if you have basic questions or looking to stay connected.
If you are looking to bulk order, custom order, or have any other questions, contact us through our contact form and a member on the Global Strategy Team will get back to you within the next business day. (Please understand that we are based in Japan and our office hours are 9am-6pm so we are only able to answer during that time).