ilk, the fast-rising slow fashion brand have just released their latest statement piece. Their ‘Miwa’ shirt is a wardrobe necessity. A handy and good quality shirt, it’s the wardrobe staple you need. 

The design is named after the Japanese person who supplies their fabric while the cut and shape is inspired by ilk designer Siranee’s Asian-Irish heritage. With fluid lines, a loose fit, and an over-sized silhouette alongside water-proof and wind-resistant fabric, the shirt is perfect for an Irish Winter. 

For the uninitiated, ilk is a slow-fashion Irish brand from Dundalk, all of their clothing is sustainably made by family-run factories in Portugal. For the Miwa shirt, they have used two types of Japanese material in a check blend of cotton, linen and wool and a navy high-density water-roof cotton. The fabric was developed to save lives during the cold and is finished with a water repellent after it’s weaved- there’s no chance the wind is getting into this jacket. The same material is also used for the Royal Air Force’s Pilot uniform so if it’s good enough for them it’s probably going to be good enough for you during your weekend stroll around Phoenix Park. 

Along with ilk’s other garments, the attention to detail is what makes the Miwa sing. With a stylish pointed collar and a pen pocket you’ll never live in fear of being pen-less again. The pockets have handy little gussets to fit an extra few bits and bobs if necessary. There’s also a secret inside pocket to hide your treasure. Very handy.

ilk design all of their clothes to layer perfectly depending on the season. Their minimal and relaxed style can be dressed up or down, whatever you fancy.

In an interview with District earlier this month, Siranee explained that the word ilk meant “tribe, family, and community”. The brand was created at the beginning of the pandemic, we’ve all seen the true importance of community since March. She went on to say that “everyone experiences that [ilk] in some way, shape or form. And I thought, wow, to get the opportunity to dress a community of like-minded people would be amazing.”

They pride themselves on designing good quality, long-lasting pieces. Every detail of each item is carefully considered when creating a new piece, down to the quality of the ink and label. They want to make sure every detail is environmentally sound, making sure the packaging is compostable and the clothes are durable. Killian, the brands creator explained that their t-shirt design got great feedback from customers, “The response we’ve gotten to the flock t-shirt is that everyone who has tried one has said that they’ve never worn a t-shirt like it.”

ilk is going against the grain as clothes producers. Instead of shipping out item after item without consideration, they prioritise the durability, environmental consequence and function of each item they produce. The attention to detail in the Miwa shirt is crystal clear, every single detail and stich has a function and reason. The piece will do you well through rain or shine.

Check the ilk Journal.
Buy the check Miwa.
Buy the navy Miwa.