Koyaguchi Pile

Definition and Overview

Takano-kuchi pile is the name of a production area for pile textiles, centered on the Takano-kuchi area of Hashimoto City, Wakayama Prefecture. Pile refers to a textile with loops or raised fibers on the surface, giving it a soft feel and a three-dimensional appearance. It is not a material name or a single weave structure.

In this region, production combines knitting and weaving that create raised fibers with post-processing such as brushing, shearing, dyeing, and printing. Therefore, the term Takano-kuchi pile alone does not identify a specific textile type or quality.

History of the Production Area and Its Specialties

The Takano-kuchi area has long been known as a production area for pile products and textiles with raised fibers, supported by a concentration of textile industry businesses. Techniques are used to adjust pile length, density, direction, and luster, creating different looks for different applications.

Typical processes include knitting and weaving that form the pile, brushing to raise the fibers, shearing to even the pile length, and finishing to adjust texture. The appearance and hand feel of the textile change greatly depending on the combination of material, structure, and processing conditions.

Typical Textiles and Applications

Textiles handled as Takano-kuchi pile include boa fleece, velour-type fabrics, faux fur-type fabrics, and pile materials for plush toys. Short, dense pile is used for apparel and accessories, while longer, bulkier pile is used for outerwear, fashion accessories, and interior applications.

Even within pile textiles, suitability differs depending on the base fabric, pile yarn, pile length, fabric weight, stretch, and processing. For apparel, yarn shedding during sewing and seam thickness should be checked; for interior use, abrasion resistance and changes in pile direction also need to be confirmed.

• Outerwear and blousons for main fabric or partial use
• Plush toys, toys, costumes
• Fashion accessories such as bags, hats, and shoes
• Interior products such as cushions and rugs

Points to Confirm When Procuring

If the production-area aspect is important, confirm with the supplier whether Takano-kuchi pile indicates the place of production, and which processes such as knitting or weaving of the roll, processing, or sewing were carried out within the region. Do not judge the scope of the process from the name alone; share the required labeling conditions in advance.

Pile textiles may vary by lot in color, pile length, pile direction, and texture. Before full production, check the color tone and pile direction with a swatch or sample roll, and allow for directional cutting loss in addition to the required yardage. For custom colors or custom processing, confirm the minimum lot and lead time early.

• Material blend ratio, base fabric type, and stretch
• Pile length, density, pile direction, and degree of shedding
• Fabric width, fabric weight, roll length, required quantity, and minimum lot
• Acceptable range for color variation and pile-direction variation in mass production
• Lead times for prototyping, full production, and additional production

Differences from Similar Terms

Pile is a general term for the structure of textiles with loops or raised fibers on the surface. Takano-kuchi pile is a term referring to a region or production area specialized in such textiles, and does not indicate a specific type of pile itself.

Velour, boa fleece, and faux fur are textile names distinguished by pile length, appearance, knitting or weaving, finishing, and other factors. Textiles with similar looks are also produced in the Takano-kuchi pile production area, but they do not all share the same structure, material, or application.

Frequently Asked Questions