Billy Reid Plaid Shirt

We first treated this casual shirt from Billy Reid with oak gall tannin extract and then dipped the top three-quarters into potassium permanganate to create a rich, dark brown that leaves traces of the shirt's original plaid pattern.

The rich brown color obtained for this shirt was derived from our own experiment with discharging indigo by using potassium permanganate, which creates an "antiquing" effect on cellulose fabrics. When first treated with oak gall tannin extract, potassium permanganate turns the fabric a rich shade of brown.

This shirt is labelled as a medium. Listed below are major measurements.

- chest: 41.5"

- center back length: 28.5"

- sleeve: 25.5"

- dyed by hand in NYC

- pre-shrunk

- self: 99% cotton / 1% Lycra

- dyed with oak gall tannin extract and potassium permanganate

View our Info & Process and Glossary pages for more information on natural dyes.

- machine wash cold with like colors on a gentle cycle / tumble dry low / iron low as needed / do not bleach

- unevenness in dye uptake and gradations of hues are beautiful, distinctive, and intrinsic to the natural dye process

- naturally dyed clothing may transfer color before the first wash or two; until then, avoid contact with light colored objects and surfaces

View our pages on Care and Features for more information.