The Science of Sasawashi: Why This Japanese Fabric Stays Fresh

You know those fabrics that look good but turn into a bit of a sweaty situation after a few hours? Yeah, Sasawashi is not that fabric. This Japanese wonder material has the magical ability to stay fresh, fight off odours, and keep you feeling comfortable even when life gets a little... well, less than fresh. And the best part? It’s not magic- it’s science

So, what exactly is Sasawashi?

Sasawashi is a unique Japanese fabric made by blending two powerhouses: kuma-zasa plant fibres (a type of bamboo grass with natural antibacterial properties) and washi paper (traditional Japanese paper known for being breathable, durable, and surprisingly soft when spun into yarn). Put them together, and you get a fabric that feels gentle against your skin while quietly doing the hard work of staying clean and odour-free

The antibacterial secret

Here’s where it gets really interesting. Kuma-zasa, the plant at the heart of Sasawashi, contains polyphenols—the same natural compounds found in green tea and red wine (cheers to that). These polyphenols are naturally antibacterial, meaning they prevent bacteria from growing and multiplying. Since bacteria are often the culprit behind unpleasant smells, Sasawashi cuts odour off at the source

Think of it as having a fabric that washes itself a little bit every day, without the need for harsh chemicals or sprays

Why Sasawashi stays fresh longer

Unlike some fabrics that only have a coating or chemical treatment to fight odours (and wear off after a few washes), Sasawashi’s properties are inherent in the fibres themselves. Translation? No gimmicks, no short-term freshness that disappears after the first spin cycle. Your Sasawashi socks, bath mat, or eye mask will keep working for you day after day, year after year

Breathable + absorbent = comfort

On top of being antibacterial, Sasawashi is highly breathable and absorbent. It wicks away excess moisture while allowing airflow, which keeps your skin cool and comfortable. So whether it’s a pair of Sasawashi room shoes in summer or a sleep mask at night, you’re not dealing with that hot, clammy feeling you sometimes get with synthetic fabrics

A little Japanese wisdom woven in

There’s something beautifully “Japanese” about Sasawashi’s philosophy. It’s not about flashy features or short-lived trends. It’s about creating something functional, natural, and long-lasting that quietly improves your everyday life. A fabric that supports slow living and self-care, without shouting about it

Why we love Sasawashi at Jade and May

At Jade and May, we’re big believers in fabrics that don’t just feel good- but also do good. Sasawashi ticks all our boxes: sustainable, gentle on skin, naturally antibacterial, and endlessly useful. We love how this fabric works hard behind the scenes to keep things fresh, so you can simply enjoy the comfort