Illustration
Gift ideas: the maekake, the Japanese apron you'll actually wear
The maekake is one of the most discreet everyday objects in Japan. Worn since the Edo period by craftsmen, merchants and sake brewers, it is a short apron, tied around the hips, that protects without getting in the way. The ones I select for Dogou are 100% cotton, woven in Nagoya on century-old Toyota shuttle looms.
Why it's an easy gift to give
One size only. The apron measures 67 × 47 cm and ties with a 260 cm belt, up to a 95 cm waist: no size to guess.
A pattern that says something. Each design has a specific story (a character, an illustrator, an artist), not just a print.
Easy care. It is stated on each product page: machine wash at 30 °C maximum, no tumble dryer, for the Sake and Ramen Lovers Club models; hand wash in cold water for the Dragon model, which is hand-painted.
Which one should you give?
All the aprons in the shop, with their current price and availability.
In practice
Shipped from Paris. Free delivery from €50. 30-day returns.