Maekake Apron: Kyoto General Store

The traditional Japanese shopkeepers’ apron or 'maekake' is ingrained into Japanese culture, and has been since as far back as the Edo period. Usually dyed with indigo and woven from heavyweight cotton, maekake were historically worn by staff at small manufacturers, stores and breweries throughout the country due to their durability. The company logo would be emblazoned on the front.

Worn around the front of the body and tied at the hips, they’re now making a comeback with a resurging appreciation for Japanese utilitarian and workwear design.

These aprons have their own distinctive heavyweight cotton feel and have been crafted to feature a defining fringed hem and contrasting waistband.

These pieces are contemporary and have been woven to feature the image on both sides.