What is Haori?
Japanese Haori Jackets have been a big deal in Japan for a super long time. They come with some pretty interesting stories and they're still a huge part of Japan's traditions and ways. , these cool jackets get paired with a kimono or hakata but hey, they rock with modern outfits too, like a tee and jeans! They're awesome for when you wanna jazz up your look or throw some color into your regular gear. Plus, on days when it's kinda warm out, a haori can take the place of your usual jacket for a unique vibe that's got a sprinkle of Traditional Japanese Fashion. Wanna get the scoop on these amazing jackets and figure out how to pick one that's just your style? Dive into this everything-you-need-to-know guide about Japanese haori jackets.
Discover Our Kimono Haori Todos
What’s the History of Haori?
Okay, so , a Haori (羽織) is like this chill Japanese coat that's all flowy. The name haori comes from haoru, which just means to throw on a coat or something. You can think of it as being like a jacket or maybe a cardigan that you'd wear in the West. People rock haoris to keep warm, for special events, and these days, they're super into it for fashion vibes.
People aren't sure where the haori jacket came from, but most think it showed up during the Sengoku period (like in the 1500s). Back then, warriors would throw it on over their armor to stay warm. By the time we hit the 1700s, haoris were getting pretty common, and folks began slapping their family symbols on them. They turned into a big deal at fancy traditional events.
How is Haori made?
A haori's shape is quite like a kimono's rocking a lengthy torso bit and long straight sleeves sewn on with a neat seam. Haori's rock a slimmer collar compared to kimonos, and their torso is trimmer; they don't have those front panels that overlap so they're way easier to slap on and don't need any fancy belts to look cool. Way back in the day, you'd make a haori from just one big piece of cloth. Through the 1900s, folks tweaked the recipe a bit cutting down the length of the sleeves and the body. These days, a haori is this chill breezy jacket that you just tie at the front, and you can pretty much toss it on top of any outfit.
Where & What is Haori Made?
A high-quality kimono haori must be designed and made by experienced Japanese craftsmen.
Like kimono, haori are made from various types of hand-decorated fabrics. In the past, the most common was silk (But silk is too expensive to make and difficult to take care of). More popular these days is high-quality cotton, which can be woven with a variety of traditional motifs, and is easier to care for than silk! Whatever the fabric, haori capture the elegance of Japanese design and culture.
Modern Haori With Innovative Improvements
Traditional haori designs don't work for day-to-day outfits. The big sleeves, the bunches of cloth, and the tricky way to put them on just get in the way of everyday stuff.
So we adapted the traditional kimono shape to be more comfortable while retaining the classic silhouette and Japanese handcrafted quality. The best modern haori jackets are made from high-quality cotton and feature local designs, making them perfect as lightweight jackets to go with any outfit.
These days, haori can be seen in a wide variety of settings - from traditional ceremonies to being part of a daily outfit. Compared to more formal items such as kimono, haori are much easier to adapt into a western wardrobe, and are great for any situation where you might wear a light jacket or cardigan.
What Occasion Can I Wear A Haori?
Our improved version of the haori jacket is suitable for many occasions - drinking a cup of coffee in a cafe, reading an interesting book in a scenic park, or a relaxing and free travel, etc.
Compared to the more formal kimono, our haori kimono jacket is easier to incorporate into a Western outfit and can be worn in any occasion where you would wear a light jacket or knitted jacket, making it very versatile.
What Season Can I Wear Haori?
A traditional haori jacket gets designed for flexibility featuring a lining that makes it suitable to wear in fall, winter, and spring.
During the warmer months, like April through October in Japan, people rock a lighter haori crafted from a single layer of fabric. You'll spot these in breezy materials like smooth cotton translucent gauze, or delicate lace.
When the temperature dips, a longer version of the haori helps you stay cozy establishing its status as a must-have for all seasons!
Our Haori Jackets
We hope that this [Kimono Haori Series] can break away from the inherent concept of "Traditional Haori" kimono wear, and be more free to have more diverse style elements, and bring more new attempts :)