Launching a new long size to
complement our classic
2.5-PLY GAUZE Scarf.

The 2.5-PLY GAUZE range from SHINTO TOWEL includes a “Scarf” in its lineup. The 2.5-PLY GAUZE features excellent absorbency and quick-drying properties, along with a unique texture and touch created by its special layered weave. When we first launched the brand, we wanted to include this item as something that could serve as a face towel indoors, and be worn around the neck or wrapped loosely during outdoor activities like sports, leisure, and gardening — a way to enjoy the qualities of the 2.5-PLY GAUZE casually wherever you are. It has since become a staple item that fits a variety of lifestyles and has been loved by our customers for years.

While the 2.5-PLY GAUZE Scarf has been well received, we once received an inquiry from a customer: “I love it and use it all the time, but as a tall person, it’s slightly too short to wear as a scarf and I have a bit of trouble with how to tie it. Do you have any plans to release a longer size?” They were right — depending on height and build, the size doesn’t always feel quite right. We immediately began prototyping a range of different sizes.

The average size of a face towel on the Japanese market is approximately 35×80–85cm. Sports towels are typically around 40×115cm. Our 2.5-PLY GAUZE Scarf measures 30×110cm — essentially combining the width of a face towel with the length of a sports towel. Because the 2.5-PLY GAUZE is thinner than a pile towel, we made it longer than a face towel and narrower than a sports towel, and took advantage of its lightness by designing it to fold lengthwise in half — making it 15cm wide and scarf-like in form.

Making it longer as requested was not technically difficult, but as we reviewed finished samples, we noticed a few things. First, extending the length by more than 10cm made it less practical as a face towel. On the other hand, the extra length opened up new ways to wear it as a scarf — front knots, double wraps, and other styling options — making it more versatile and accessible to people of varying heights and builds. Thinking further, we began to wonder whether this could lead to a new proposal that speaks to the growing interest in outdoor living. From there, we arrived at our concept: “From a towel you can wear as a scarf, to a scarf you can use as a towel.”

Since SHINTO TOWEL was making a scarf, we didn’t want to stop at something purely for warmth or fashion. We wanted to stay true to our pursuit of “What really is a good towel?” And so, as SHINTO TOWEL LABO. No.3, we began developing the STL 2.5-PLY GAUZE Scarf in earnest.

In terms of size, we kept the width at 30cm and extended the length from 115cm to 160cm. But the detail we were most particular about was the color. When coordinating outfits for outdoor activities like camping and hiking, people tend to reach for dark colors — black, earth tones — out of practical concerns like durability and dirt. In contrast, the STL 2.5-PLY GAUZE Scarf embraces vivid, bold colors. Our intent was to bring a bright pop of color to darker outdoor looks, helping people enjoy nature in a more positive and individual way.

Of course, it also delivers the full functionality of the 2.5-PLY GAUZE — absorbency, quick-drying, distinctive texture and touch — to comfortably support your outdoor activities. The development of the STL 2.5-PLY GAUZE Scarf became a fresh opportunity to rethink what it means to use a towel outside. From here, we’ll continue to explore new ways to use and create towels with the outdoors in mind. The keyword is “GO NATURE.” At SHINTO TOWEL, we’ll keep taking on new challenges to make your outdoor life more enjoyable and enriching.