Care Instructions
TJ Indigo garments are hand-dyed with natural indigo using traditional shibori techniques in our Toronto studio. Slight variations in colour and dye pattern are part of the process and make every piece organically unique. Because natural indigo is a living plant dye, proper care helps maintain its rich colour and longevity. Below you’ll find care instructions, sizing information and answers to common questions about natural indigo clothing.
CARE INSTRUCTIONS FOR NATURAL INDIGO DYED CLOTHING
All our garments ship pre-washed and preshrunk. To prolong the life of your indigo dyed garments we recommend hand washing in lukewarm water and hanging to dry. Natural indigo may release a small amount of colour during the first few washes and may lightly rub off onto light fabrics before washing.
Items such as bedding, baby items and cotton tshirts can be washed in a laundry machine in cold water and machine dried.
First and second washing should be separate from others, after this dye will not transfer onto other clothing and can be washed with similar clothing. Do not bleach. Do not dry clean.
WHAT IS NATURAL INDIGO MADE FROM?
Leaves. Indigofera tinctoria, also called true indigo, is a species of plant from the bean family. Indigo is the only natural source of 'true blue' color. While some other natural materials may yield various blues, plant based indigo generates the only colourfast method.
NATURAL INDIGO VS SYNTHETIC INDIGO: WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE?
“Although the chemical formula for natural and synthetic indigo is the same, synthetic indigo is almost pure indigotin. Natural indigo has a high proportion of impurities such as indirubins, that give beautiful colour variations.”
Because natural indigo contains additional plant compounds beyond pure indigotin, each garment develops subtle variations in tone, making every piece one of a kind.
WHY NATURAL INDIGO IS SPECIAL?
Natural indigo has been used for thousands of years across cultures, from Japanese shibori textiles to traditional garments in India and Africa. Unlike synthetic dyes, natural indigo comes from the leaves of the Indigofera tinctoria plant and develops its colour through a fermentation process.
One of the unique qualities of natural indigo is the depth and variation of the blue tones. Because the dye contains natural compounds beyond pure indigotin, each piece develops subtle shifts in colour, making every garment organically unique.
Natural indigo is also valued for its durability. When properly cared for, indigo-dyed fabrics age beautifully and develop character over time rather than fading unevenly.
All TJ Indigo garments are hand-dyed in small batches in our Toronto studio using traditional resist-dye techniques.
NOT SURE ABOUT THE SIZES
Most of our clothing is designed to take your shape and is ONE SIZE. Send us a message and we will be able to assist you if you are not sure about sizing.
DO YOU HAVE AN ETSY STORE?
Yes, TJ Indigo is on etsy at tjindigo.etsy.com
DO YOU MAKE CUSTOM NATURAL INDIGO CLOTHING ORDERS?
Yes, we love custom orders, please don't hesitate to email us at tjtiedye@gmail.com with your questions.
DO I NEED TO HAVE A HAREM TO ORDER YOUR HAREM PANTS?
No, harem is not necessary. But those pants are so comfortable and stylish, be ready to receive many compliments. 😊