The summers in Japan are ridiculously hot and humid. In a concrete metropolis like Tokyo, the heat radiates off the endless asphalt, the tortured businessmen in suits and ties, and the hundreds of sweaty people glued together in a rush-hour train. To beat the heat, men and women carry small washcloth-sized towels in the summer to wipe their faces and necks. Some are designer logo-ed, some feature a famous brand’s distinctive plaid, and some are straight out of the bathtub.

Now there’s a trend by Miyazaki Towel, Inc. of wrapping on a lightweight, organic cotton towel scarf…it absorbs perspiration, but its gauzy texture feels cool on your neck. They are also chic fashion accessories…they are beautifully dyed in shades from subtle beige to vibrant red, using traditional Japanese methods. These towel scarves allow you to be stylish and cool in the city…and to leave the washcloths where they belong.