Cotton 70%, Polyester 30%
Fused Interlining
Italian Spread Collar
French Placket
Button Cuff
Dobby
Without Pocket
Made in Japan

JAPANESE SHIMANAMI COTTON

Our commitment to Japanese craftsmanship has inspired a fully domestic project, from cotton cultivation to production, using premium extra-long staple cotton. This initiative not only produces world-class shirts but also reduces energy use and CO2 emissions. Grown in Ehime's warm climate, we named this cotton "Shimanami Cotton."

Sustainability Goals

Utilizing unused farmland: Revitalizing abandoned farmland to grow domestic cotton and support regional communities.
Building a domestic supply chain: Completing every production step in Japan for superior quality.
Reducing environmental impact: Addressing issues like water use, pesticide pollution, and deforestation.

Our Efforts

Low-water cultivation: Growing cotton with natural rainfall to save water.
Organic farming: Avoiding pesticides and chemical fertilizers for eco-friendly production.
Community collaboration: Reviving unused land and supporting local development.

Shimanami Cotton blends tradition, quality, and sustainability for a better future.

A light blue dress shirt draped over a chair.

"An Easy-Care Shirt That Feels Like 100% Cotton"

Driven by this vision, we developed J-TECH EASY CARE (formerly Known as PALPA Premium)—a special yarn made by wrapping cotton around recycled polyester. After three years of development and seven years on the market, it has become our No.1 best-selling fabric, loved for its exceptional comfort and durability. With only cotton touching your skin, it delivers the natural feel of cotton with a refined sheen. Comfort, functionality, and sustainability—this proudly Japan-made shirt offers it all. Experience the difference today.

※ As of January 2025, "PALPA" has been renamed "J-TECH EASY CARE".

Easy Care in 3 Simple Steps

Man in a suit standing confidently in a modern interior space.

The Easy-Care Shirt is the perfect companion for busy professionals. Simply wash and dry as usual—no extra effort needed. If wrinkles are a concern, a light ironing will do the trick. Enjoy a crisp, clean look effortlessly, without the hassle.

Washing, hanging, and wearing a white dress shirt with a tie.

1. Wash
Machine washable just like a 100% cotton shirt. Turn inside out and use a laundry net to extend the life of the fabric and buttons. Gentle cycle recommended.

2. Dry
After spinning, gently smooth out wrinkles and shape the shirt before hanging. This helps reduce wrinkles as it dries.

3. Wear
Wrinkles naturally relax as the fabric dries. Ready to wear the moment you take it off the hanger.

Features of J-TECH EASY CARE

Light blue dress shirt hanging on a hanger with a collar.

Flowing white fabric on a light background.

Wrinkle Resistance

Unlike conventional wrinkle-resistant fabrics that rely on surface coatings or resin treatments, J-TECH EASY CARE achieves the same effect through its unique yarn structure.

It has earned a 3.5 rating on the Wash & Wear scale, ensuring long-lasting easy-care performance even after repeated washing.

Quick-Drying

The outer cotton absorbs moisture, while the inner polyester speeds up drying—combining the best of both materials.

As a result, it dries three times faster than a 100% cotton shirt. Even on humid days, during overnight washes, indoor drying, or when damp from sweat or rain, you’ll notice the difference.

A man in a light blue shirt and polka dot tie.

Close-up of cotton bolls on a cotton plant.

Aesthetics

Many wrinkle-resistant shirts can have the shiny appearance typical of synthetic fibers. However, J-TECH EASY CARE features cotton on all parts that touch the skin or are visible on the outside, giving it a natural, refined sheen.

Designed for those who appreciate the comfort and texture of cotton, this easy-care shirt combines both elegance and functionality.

Of course, it retains premium details like Japanese craftsmanship, flat-felled seams, and natural shell buttons.

Environmental Consideration

The core of the yarn is made from recycled PET bottles, while the outer cotton is blended with high-quality Australian cotton. This minimizes the use of bleaching agents (chemicals) and reduces water consumption during washing, achieving "Less Chemical & Less Water."

Additionally, this unique structure allows us to reduce the use of cotton by approximately 30%, making it a more sustainable choice.

Wash & Wear (W&W) Performance

W&W performance refers to the measure of how much wrinkle remains after washing.
It indicates the fabric's ability to maintain a smooth, neat appearance with minimal effort post-wash.

Generally, a rating of 2.5 or higher is considered suitable for wearing straight out of the wash. With a 3.5 rating, J-TECH EASY CARE delivers exceptional wrinkle resistance, making it an ideal choice for dress shirts that maintain a sharp, smooth look without extra effort.

Comparison with Standard Wrinkle-Resistant Shirts

100% Cotton × Chemical Treatment

Easy-care properties are added through chemical treatments or resin processing. While labeled as 100% cotton, the fabric tends to feel stiff and has an unnatural texture. Over time, with repeated washing, the wrinkle resistance diminishes, leading to a loss in its long-lasting performance.

100% Polyester

While 100% polyester is easy-care and resistant to wrinkles, it tends to have a sporty look and is less suitable for dress shirts. The fabric lacks the natural feel of cotton and may not provide the refined appearance expected in more formal attire.

Polyester Blend

Easy to maintain while retaining some of cotton’s texture. However, since the polyester fibers are exposed, it has a slightly unnatural appearance and a firmer feel against the skin.

J-TECH Easy Care Yarn

With a polyester core wrapped in cotton, this unique structure offers a natural look and texture while maintaining its wrinkle resistance even after washing. Traditional easy-care shirts often required compromises. But with Kamakura Shirt’s easy-care shirt, you no longer have to sacrifice appearance or functionality.

Yarn Structure of J-Tech Easy Care

Selected for METI’s "Manufacturing Supply Chain Reconstruction Support Project"

With its selection for the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) initiative, Kamakura Shirts partnered with Unitika Tokiwa Factory in Okayama, known for its top-tier spinning technology in Japan. After three years of development, this collaboration led to the creation of the world’s first J-TECH EASY CARE yarn, which was patented in 2019. This innovative yarn features a recycled polyester core wrapped in cotton, combining Indian premium cotton with high-whiteness Australian luxury cotton in a unique blend, achieving both functionality and a refined look.

Dobby Shirts