Upcycling at its finest! I tried kurozome dyeing service for my clothing

Are you familiar with the process of ‘kurozome’ for clothing? It is a sustainable service that revives garments that have become unwearable due to minor stains or color fading by dyeing them black.

I experienced trying the kurozome service on my spring coat. This coat had become heavily discolored due to sun exposure, stains and partial discoloration, to the point where I was considering disposing of it as there seemed to be no solution.

This article will provide a clear and detailed report on the entire process, from the application to the final result.

What is Kyoto Montsuki’s Kurozome (black dyeing) Service?

Kyoto Montsuki is a shop specializing in dyeing kuro-mon-tsuki, a traditional formal attire in Japan, for over a hundred years. They have developed a unique dyeing technique called ‘shinkuro’ (deep black processing) to further intensify the black color, and each garment is meticulously hand-treated. The kurozome service utilizes this expertise to transform your existing clothing made of cotton, hemp, silk and other materials into a beautiful black hue.

Sunburn and stains before kurozome

The garment I utilized the kurozome service for this time was a lightweight spring/summer coat that I had been wearing for about three years. It is made of 100% cotton, and its original color is navy. However, the shoulders and back had acquired a slightly reddish tint due to sun exposure. Additionally, there were unexplained whitish stains (discoloration?) on the chest area, and overall, the fabric had become somewhat whitish and worn out.

How to use kurozome service

The pricing for each item is predetermined, so you can get an idea of the approximate cost before applying. In case of indecision, you can choose a similar item as a reference. For this coat, I opted for the “Half coat, priced starting from 7,700 yen (inc. tax)” and proceeded with the sign-up.

Additionally, it is crucial to check the information provided on the garment’s care label. Although the coat I submitted for this service is made of 100% cotton, there are certain materials that cannot be dyed. To avoid damaging or losing buttons during the dyeing process, they are removed before dyeing. If you wish to have the buttons reattached after dyeing, you can indicate your preference by checking the appropriate box. I entered the necessary details, reviewed the precautions and completed the payment using a credit card.

Once you’re ready, you can proceed with shipping. In my case, since the item was a lightweight item, I neatly folded it. I sent it using the Letter Pack Light service, along with a note indicating the temporary order ID that I received during the initial sign-up.

Upon arrival at Kyoto Montsuki, you will first receive an arrival confirmation email. If any issues arise, you may receive further inquiries via email, so checking your email regularly is a good idea. At this stage, the order process is complete.

Things to keep in mind

Materials that cannot be dyed
It is possible to dye materials such as cotton, hemp, silk, wool, rayon and cupro, but there are materials, such as synthetic fibers, that cannot be dyed. Additionally, for garments made of blended or woven fabrics containing any of these materials, further consultation is required. It appears that in some cases, polyester or other synthetic fibers may be used for sewing threads, in which case, only the thread portion will remain in the original color.

Color irregularity
In cases where faded, blended or woven fabrics are present, along with invisible oil or dirt stains, the dyeing process may not result in a completely uniform solid black color.

Shrinkage and loss of shape
During the process of dyeing, the garments are stirred at high temperatures, which can potentially compromise their texture and cause shrinking. Additionally, garments with dry marks may also experience shrinkage. Specifically, items with linings, shoulder pads or interlining are at risk of losing their shape and generally cannot be dyed.

About a month later, the reborn spring coat arrived!

The overall fading, stains and sun damage have all been beautifully dyed, to the point where I can’t even tell which areas were of concern without referring to the photos I took before sending it off.

Furthermore, the overall fabric pilling has disappeared, and it now has a smooth, soft texture that feels like new fabric. Additionally, thanks to the dyeing process, it has gained water-repellent properties and is more resistant to moisture and dirt stains.

Dye your clothes black without throwing them away

As for the utilization of kurozome, it is particularly ideal for spring and summer garments that are prone to discoloration due to sun exposure, sweat and sebum. The cost of dyeing is relatively affordable, making it a great option to try. It is recommended to remove dirt and stains within your capability before sending the items for dyeing.

Timing-wise, the process of dyeing takes approximately one month. Therefore, it would be beneficial to check the condition of your clothes in advance during the change of seasons and consider black dyeing if there are any concerns.

Furthermore, due to the transformation into a deep black hue, it is possible to cover various colors and patterns. Even clothing in bright colors that were once beloved can be revived in an elegant black, offering a new charm to enjoy. You can find a variety of before and after transformations on Kyoto Mon-tsuki’s Instagram page, so be sure to take a look.

Editor’s note

When I held the finished garment in my hands, including the texture and feel of the fabric, the result exceeded my expectations, and my heart raced as if I had received a brand-new outfit. The more we wear our favorite clothes, the more they become worn out with each wash. In order to choose quality items and continue to cherish them for a long time, I realized how reassuring it is to have the option of upcycling through kurozome.

Originally published on Life Hugger.

[Reference] KUROZOME REWEAR FROM KYOTO