Tenugui is a unique towel : quick guide to Japanese textiles

Todaya, Japan

For lovers of Japanese products, few things are as iconic as the country’s unique and elaboratetextiles. At the top of the list are tenugui  - hand-dyed Japanese cottontowels, and furoshiki  – wrapping cloths. Created using painstakingtraditional hand-dyeing techniques that have been refined over centuries, these items havealways represented an important part of Japan’s cultural heritage.

Classic Ume Yashiki Print

Traditional Japanese textiles have kept pace with modern life

Changing times have not spelled the end for traditional Japanese textiles. They’re now morepopular and relevant than ever. Today’s growing focus on environmental sustainability is fuellinga resurgence of interest in these ancient traditions, with innovative and creative new uses fortenugui and furoshiki emerging all the time.

Let’s start with a closer look at tenugui. While the word itself comes from te (hands) and nugui(wipe), wiping your hands is just one of many things you can do with this traditional Japanese towel.

From traditional towel to versatile modern accessory

Measuring around 33cm by 90cm, these super-soft, versatile rectangles are always reversibleand are made from 100% pure cotton. There’s really no limit to what you can do with a tenugui.You can use it as:

- A simple wrapping cloth

- A scarf, bandanna or belt to accessorise your outfit

- A wall hanging for your home


Big Wave from Hokusai



Handmade Japanese textiles in a huge variety of designs

Here at Japan Originals, our huge textile range features colourful tenugui and furoshiki that havebeen carefully hand-made using centuries-old dyeing processes.

Need some advice on how to use your tenugui? Thought up an original use for your furoshiki? Get in touch and tell us about it!



Traditional Dye



Saffran Dye