ABOUT JIGGY JIG

Our collection of Yukata Kimonos and Happi Coats give a modern and unique approach to the traditional styles that have represented Japanese culture for thousands of years.

The Yukata Kimonos with large Japanese motifs, or mon, have symbolic meanings, each created to empower the wearer. They are casual yet elegant and made from quality rayon for ultimate comfort.

The Happi Coats are colorful, fun, versatile and easy to wear. Today in Japan, people wear Happi Coats to festivals or matsuri and for everyday casual wear. We have used the Batik process to create mon designs onto the cotton fabric. Mon started as symbols used only by warriors and the Emperors family.

Donna Murray, founder of Jiggy Jig, has been traveling to the magical island of Bali for many years. Upon her first visit, she discovered traditional Batik style Kimonos made by hand from a local artist.

Their understated elegance was the inspiration for creating her own fusion style Kimonos with the same intricate Batik found only in Bali. “People find the comfort, simplicity and beauty of the Kimonos a relaxing enhancement to their everyday, often stressful lifestyle.”

We hope you enjoy your one-of-a-kind Kimono!

THE ART OF BATIK

Our kimonos are handcrafted in a small village in Bali, Indonesia. The ancient technique is called Batik (pronounced bateek.) Batik can be traced back 2,000 years ago to Egypt and the Middle East as well as India and Asia. It is believed that it was first worn by the aristocrats and royalty.

Batik is most prevalent in Indonesia and has been made there for centuries. The ability to make fine Batik was considered a sign of refinement. To this day, Indonesia is known for its fine quality Batik.

Batik is the art of waxing a surface to make it resist dyeing and then removing the wax to create a design.

Creating Batik on fabric is a very time consuming craft. The fabric is loomed to a high thread count (densely woven) so that it can absorb the wax and maintain the design quality. The fabric is washed and boiled in water prior to the application of the wax.

The wax is heated to the proper temperature and applied to the fabric over the areas of the design that the artisan wishes to remain the original color. It is then ready for the dyeing process. The fabric is immersed in the dye bath until the desired hue of the color is achieved, darker colors require longer periods of numerous immersions. It is then put into a cold water bath to harden the wax. The fabric is hung to dry and the wax is then carefully removed.

Any variation of color in the fabric and design are part of the Batik process and is a reflection of its uniqueness and character.

Care Instructions: Hand or machine wash cold separately (or with like colors.) Do not use bleach products. Hang or tumble dry low and remove promptly. Iron on rayon/low setting for Yukata and cotton setting for Happi, if desired.