Some quality grades for men himo and do himo are differentiated with the terminology 松竹梅 (Sho-Chiku-Bai).
松 - Sho - Matsu (Pine)
竹 - Chiku - Take (Bamboo)
梅 - Bai - Ume (Plum)
松 (Matsu) is considered to be the highest grade for men himo and do himo.
竹(Take) is considered to be the middle grade.
梅(Ume) is the lowest grade.
The production and material, including the indigo dye, are all the same.
Then what exactly is the difference?
The only difference is the number of threads braided together are different.
Matsu has the most number of threads braided; whereas, Ume has the least amount of threads.
Therefore, Matsu will be made thicker and naturally more durable.
However, it gets undone easily until the himo softens up because the overall thickness of himo is thicker.
Ume will be the thinnest, it is lightweight and easier to tie.
Take is the median of the two.
Check Our Men Himo and Do Himo
松 Matsu (Pine) Men Himo & Do Himo
竹 Take (Bamboo) Men Himo & Do Himo
梅 Ume (Plum) Men Himo & Do Himo