Materials are more than just the foundation of a garment — they are the soul of the work.
We design for timelessness, not seasonality. This means we choose fabrics for how they age, how they behave, and how they live alongside the wearer over years of use. About 80% of our materials are natural fibres, sourced from local suppliers across Durban, Johannesburg, and Cape Town.
Our sourcing is rooted in deadstock and end-of-roll fabrics — forgotten bolts of cloth tucked away in warehouses, remnants from other productions, fabrics that would otherwise gather dust or be discarded. This approach allows us to work with rare and sometimes unrepeatable materials, lending each capsule its own textural fingerprint.
Here’s a closer look at each fabric in this collection — and how to care for them so they last as long as they’re meant to.
Denim (100% Cotton — Heavyweight, Medium-weight, Lightweight, Elasticated & Non-elasticated)
Denim is a tightly woven cotton twill fabric, traditionally dyed with indigo, known for its durability and ability to mold to the body over time.
Heavyweight denim is robust and structured — perfect for outerwear and work trousers.
Medium-weight denim offers a balance between structure and ease of movement.
Lightweight denim drapes more fluidly, making it ideal for warmer weather garments.
Elasticated denim incorporate a small amount of stretch for comfort, while non-elasticated versions stay true to the traditional rigid feel.
Care Guide:
- Wash denim sparingly to preserve color and structure.
- Turn inside out before washing to reduce fading.
- Cold wash with mild detergent; avoid bleach.
- Air-dry in the shade; avoid tumble drying.
- For raw or unwashed denim, spot clean when possible and avoid frequent washing to allow natural fades to develop.
Ripstop (100% Cotton)
Cotton ripstop is woven with a reinforcing grid pattern that resists tearing and ripping, originally developed for military and outdoor applications. It’s lightweight yet strong, with a subtle crosshatch texture.
Care Guide:
- Machine wash cold with like colors.
- Avoid high heat to preserve the integrity of the weave.
- Tumble dry on low or air-dry.
- Warm iron if necessary.
Canvas (100% Cotton — Lightweight)
Cotton canvas is a plain-woven fabric known for its durability and slightly textured surface. Our lightweight version offers ease of wear while maintaining resilience, making it ideal for jackets and overshirts.
Care Guide:
- Cold or lukewarm wash; mild detergent only.
- Avoid bleach or fabric softeners.
- Air-dry to prevent shrinkage.
- Can be ironed on medium heat.
Cotton Slub (100% Cotton)
Cotton slub fabric is woven from yarn with subtle thickness variations, creating a textured, slightly irregular surface. These natural inconsistencies give it a handcrafted, organic character, making it breathable, comfortable, and visually distinctive. The texture also adds depth and richness to solid colors, perfect for timeless workwear.
Care Guide:
- Machine wash cold, gentle cycle
- Wash with like colors
- Avoid bleach
- Hang dry or tumble dry low
- Warm iron if needed
Sashiko-ori (100% Cotton)
Sashiko-ori is a traditional Japanese cotton fabric characterized by its raised, textured weave inspired by the sashiko hand-stitching technique. Historically used in workwear for its durability and insulation, sashiko-ori’s intricate texture not only strengthens the cloth but also makes it warmer and more comfortable to wear. It’s ideal for jackets, trousers, and uniforms requiring both structure and flexibility.
Care Guide:
- Hand wash or machine wash cold on gentle cycle
- Use mild detergent
- Avoid bleach
- Hang dry in shade to preserve texture
- Warm iron with a pressing cloth if needed
Linen
Linen is a natural fiber derived from the flax plant, celebrated for its breathability, moisture-wicking properties, and unique slub texture. It softens beautifully with age while retaining strength.
Care Guide:
- Machine or hand wash in cold water.
- Use a gentle cycle and mild detergent.
- Hang or lay flat to dry; avoid prolonged direct sunlight.
- Iron while slightly damp for a crisp finish.
Cotton–Ramie Blend
Ramie, a fiber from the nettle plant, is known for its silky luster and resistance to wrinkling. When blended with cotton, it creates a breathable, durable fabric with a refined texture.
Care Guide:
- Cold wash with mild detergent.
- Do not wring harshly; reshape while damp.
- Air-dry for best results.
- Iron on medium heat if needed.
Taslon / Quantec (Technical Fabric)
Taslon (also known as Quantec) is a high-performance woven nylon fabric, prized for its water resistance, breathability, and quick-dry properties. It’s commonly used in outdoor gear due to its strength and versatility.
Care Guide:
- Cold wash on a gentle cycle.
- Avoid fabric softeners, which can reduce water resistance.
- Air-dry or tumble dry on low.
- Do not iron on high heat; use a pressing cloth if needed.
Oxford Nylon
Oxford nylon is a tightly woven synthetic fabric known for its abrasion resistance and strength. Lightweight yet durable, it’s often used for utility vests, bags, and reinforcement areas in garments.
Care Guide:
- Machine wash cold.
- Avoid bleach or harsh detergents.
- Air-dry or tumble dry on low.
- Low iron if required.
For Pocketing
Poly–Cotton (60% Polyester, 40% Cotton)
Poly–cotton blends combine the breathability of cotton with the wrinkle resistance and durability of polyester. For pocketing, this blend provides strength while remaining lightweight.
Closing:
Every fabric in Studio Shokunin carries both a practical function and a poetic story. By choosing materials consciously, sourcing locally, and respecting the life cycle of every garment, we hope to create workwear that not only serves you now, but continues to grow in beauty and character as the years pass.