Comfort that Wears the Climate, Arriving from 4 Production Areas. New Items such as Shiga Waffle Cross Arrive from Fabric Brand 'Futo'

KINTO Co., Ltd., which plans and manufactures lifestyle items, will sequentially release 7 new items from its fabric brand "Futo", which uses fabric as a tool to comfortably color daily life. The items, including waffle cloths, cut-and-sew shirts, and bags, make use of the unique characteristics of four production areas: Shiga, Wakayama, Gifu, and Nagano. They will be available starting April 24, 2026, at the KINTO Online Shop, KINTO REC STORE Tokyo, and specialty stores nationwide.

Background of Waffle Cross Development: Prototyping with a Shiga factory in search of ideal comfort The starting point of the project was an encounter with the waffle fabric woven by Shiga linen. Aiming for an ideal piece that is easy to use casually every day and has a functional balance, we repeated prototyping with the factory many times. While pursuing water absorption and quick-drying properties, we discovered that 100% linen presented challenges for daily use. Therefore, we arrived at a "blended weave" with cotton for the warp and linen for the weft. By finely adjusting the yarn thickness and repeating prototypes, we created an amazingly light texture despite its plushness. Rather than a fluffy towel, we aimed for a tool that lightly accompanies daily life—one that wipes quickly and dries immediately.

Accumulation of Handwork and Wisdom that Leverages the Texture of Materials In manufacturing the products, we focused on every step to make the material's texture the main character. The natural color is left undyed, preserving its natural hue, while the gray linen utilizes a technique called "skein dyeing". This is a manual dyeing method where yarns are bundled into loops and soaked in dye, allowing the dye to penetrate deep inside the yarn while maintaining its natural texture. Thanks to a unique weave structure, the design shows more linen on the front and more organic cotton on the back, achieving a texture tightly packed with yarn in every square. Additionally, we aimed for sustainable manufacturing that does not waste local resources, such as inventing cutting methods to minimize leftover fabric generated during the production process.

FUTO Waffle Cross WCL A waffle cross that combines the softness and absorbency of organic cotton with the quick-drying and durability of linen. The Kotoh region, east of Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture, has been a linen weaving production area since the Muromachi period. Inheriting this tradition, it was carefully woven. Available in four sizes: hand towel, face towel, bath towel, and a half blanket that can also be used as a lap blanket. Because it touches the skin directly, it is an item particular about materials and comfort.

Sizes & Prices: 360x360mm ¥2,420 820x320mm ¥4,400 1180x540mm ¥8,580 1400x1000mm ¥17,600 Colors: Off White, Natural, Gray

FUTO Cut & Sew Short Sleeve PCO A cut-and-sew garment dyed with pigments at a dyeing factory in Gifu Prefecture, a technique inherited at limited sites in Japan. By fixing pigments to the surface of the fibers, unique unevenness and faded looks are created, resulting in a texture that looks as if it has been worn for many years. In addition to black, blue, and sand beige, white is also layered with pigment to express a dry texture. The layer of pigment also makes it less transparent. Price: ¥13,200 Sizes: 1, 2, 3 Colors: Pigment White, Sand Beige, Ash Blue, Ash Black

FUTO Cut & Sew Short Sleeve TCO We have tailored a new short sleeve using Wakayama's loopwheel knitted fabric. The fabric is a thin material with a fine yarn count, different from the long sleeve. It features ultimate softness and a beautiful drape. Through simple design and delicate sewing, the goodness of the material is fully brought out. Available in three colors: White, Black, and Melange Gray. Melange Gray is appealing for its profound color unique to heathered yarn. Price: ¥14,300 Sizes: 1, 2, 3 Colors: White, Black, Melange Gray

FUTO Drawstring Bag NL A drawstring bag has been added to the whole garment knit bag series. It is a convenient size for lightly carrying small items needed for a short outing, such as a smartphone and keys. A 3WAY design that can be used exactly as is like a sacoche worn diagonally, closed like a pouch, or tied as a handbag. You can enjoy changing how you hold it according to the scene and attire. Price: ¥6,050 Colors: Ivory, Coyote, Dark Green, Black