Boro Boro
Welcome to Boro Living
For the culturally-curious and sustainably-minded, Boro Living offers authentic Japanese vintage textiles, handcrafted goods, and creative DIY kits.
We connect you to the heart of Japanese craft through ethical sourcing, cultural storytelling, and a philosophy that celebrates process over perfection.
Services
Authentic Japanese textiles and vintage kimono. Ethically sourced boro, sashiko, and indigo fabrics that tell a story.
About Boro Living
Boro Living connects you to the rich tapestry of Japanese textile arts and cultural exploration. Embrace imperfection and sustainability through traditional Japanese-inspired Boro, Sashiko stitching, natural indigo dye, antique Japanese fabric and kimono, and pre-loved items for heart and home.
Founded by a trained art historian who divides her time between the US and Japan, Boro Living emerges from years of cultural immersion and study.
Through extended stays in Japan, research, hands-on learning from artisans, and careful sourcing from local flea markets and craftspeople, we bring you authentic materials, time-honored techniques, and the philosophical foundations that make these practices feel so alive.
Our approach honors the origins of Japanese textile arts while making them accessible to modern makers seeking meaningful, sustainable ways to create, mend and make one's own.
Living Traditions
Unravel the essence of Japanese textile arts and cultural heritage.
From the philosophy behind Boro to the timeless appeal of Japan Blue, our blog shares insights, how-to's, travel tips and inspiration to enrich your understanding of Japanese crafts while helping you intentionally weave them into your daily life.
FAQs
What is boro and how is it different from other mending techniques?
Boro, or "tattered rags," is a traditional Japanese textile art that transforms worn clothing, blankets and fabric into beautiful, functional pieces through visible mending. Unlike hidden repairs, boro celebrates the history of an item through layers of patches, creating unique patterns over time. This practice embodies the Japanese philosophy of finding beauty in imperfection, Wabi-Sabi, while extending the life of our most cherished items.
What is sashiko and how do I get started?
Sashiko, or "little stabs," is a traditional Japanese reinforcement stitching technique using simple running stitches to strengthen fabric and create geometric patterns. Originally used by farmers and fishermen to extend clothing life, today it's practiced for both function and beauty. Start with basic running stitches on indigo-dyed cotton using traditional white thread for authentically inspired results. Boro Living offers templates for more complex traditional stitch patterns.
How do you create natural indigo dye, and what can I dye?
Natural indigo dyeing involves fermenting indigo plants to create a living dye vat, or Sukomo, home to microorganisms that help us produce the coveted "Japan blue". You can dye natural fibers like cotton, linen, silk, and wool. The process requires patience as colors develop through multiple dips and oxidation. Boro Living offers community vat dying services to refresh your favorite clothes, and starter kits with detailed instructions for beginners.
Are your Japanese textiles and antiques authentic?
Boro Living's vintage textiles, kimono, haori, noragi and antiques are personally sourced from Japanese flea markets, estate sales, and trusted craftspeople during extended stays in Japan. We also offer boro-inspired pieces created using traditional techniques with repurposed textile scraps. Each authentic piece includes provenance and cultural context, while our inspired creations honor traditional methods with sustainable materials and transparent sourcing practices.
What does it mean to apply a "boro mindset" to daily life?
The boro mindset extends beyond textiles to embrace imperfection, resourcefulness, and mindful repurposing. It means valuing repair over replacement, celebrating wear and patina, and making practices your own through respectful sourcing and cultural understanding. This philosophy transforms how we approach everything from home design to travel, emphasizing thoughtful curation and finding beauty in the overlooked rather than endless consumption.
Do you offer beginner-friendly kits and tutorials?
Boro Living's curated DIY kits include authentic materials and traditional tools that honor the cultural origins of these practices while connecting you to the living craftspeople of Japan. Whether you're new to Japanese textile arts or are looking to deepen your creativity and skills, we provide guidance that emphasizes understanding the philosophy behind the techniques while inspiring you to borrow and 'boro' on your own personal path to (im)perfection.
Get in touch
Share your thoughts!
We're dedicated to fostering a community of cultural enthusiasts with a reverence for Japanese traditions remixed for modern times.
Become part of the Boro Living journey.
Be first to know when community indigo dye vat, flea market personal shopping, and custom mending service opens.
