Kamakura Shirts' Tie
“We want to offer high-quality ties worthy of our premium shirts.” With this idea in mind, Kamakura Shirts’ neckties were born. A tie is an essential item in business settings, conveying a sense of propriety and bringing the entire outfit together with a refined finish. Here, we introduce the four key principles behind the craftsmanship and attention to detail that define Kamakura Shirts’ neckties..
What It Means to Be Hand-Sewn
Each Kamakura Shirts tie is carefully sewn by hand, one by one, by skilled artisans. Passing the needle through the fabric and adjusting the tension of the thread as they work is a process that can only be mastered through years of experience. This meticulous handwork allows the tie to knot beautifully, creating a soft, full-bodied shape with natural dimension.
An equally important part of the artisan’s role is to subtly adjust the stitching method according to the fabric’s thickness, weave, and suppleness. By sewing with an awareness of the tension applied during wear, the tie maintains its shape over time, resulting in a piece that can be enjoyed for many years. Such precise adjustments are impossible to replicate in mass-produced, machine-made processes.
There is a limit to how many ties a single artisan can produce, and it is said that handmade ties account for less than 10% of all ties produced domestically. Prioritizing quality over efficiency, this unwavering commitment is the very essence of the craftsmanship embodied in Kamakura Shirts’ ties.
The Use of Authentic Hand Bar Tacks
Kamakura Shirts’ domestically made ties embody a philosophy of never compromising on details, even in areas that are not immediately noticeable. A prime example of this is the use of the hon-kan-nuki, often regarded as a hallmark of truly fine neckwear. The hon-kan-nuki is a three-dimensional, hand-sewn reinforcement applied to the reverse side of the tie tip. While it adds a subtle decorative touch, its primary function is to absorb stress placed on the tie and enhance overall durability. Because the artisan must carefully judge the thread placement and tension, this process demands both experience and a finely tuned sense of craftsmanship.
By deliberately choosing time-intensive construction for parts that remain largely unseen, Kamakura Shirts creates ties that offer lasting reliability and peace of mind, pieces designed to be worn and trusted for years to come.
About the Slip Stitch
The loop of thread visible on the reverse side of the wide blade (or narrow blade) is known as the slip stitch. This thread is intentionally left with a small amount of slack when the tie is sewn together. By leaving extra allowance at the end of the thread, the tie can move naturally with the motion of the neck and body when worn. It allows the fabric to glide smoothly when tying, and to loosen easily when untied, creating a gentle, comfortable knotting experience.
The slip stitch also helps release tension during wear, preventing damage to both the stitching and the fabric. Cutting this thread may cause the seams to come undone and the tie to lose its shape, so please use the tie with the slip stitch left intact.
What It Means to Be a MADE IN JAPAN Tie
The number of domestic factories capable of producing handmade ties continues to decline each year.
In the 1980s, there were around 30 such workshops across Japan,today, only five or six remain. Ties crafted one by one by skilled artisans are more than mere accessories, they are works of craftsmanship and art, traditions that deserve to be passed on to future generations. At Kamakura Shirts, we are committed to preserving this invaluable handwork by continuing domestic production. From workshops where refined skills are still very much alive, we deliver fresh, high-quality, MADE IN JAPAN handmade tiese, each one a testament to enduring craftsmanship.
