Japanese Kimono: The Thing to Wear
With the appearance of the kimono in Japan during the Muromachi period (1392-1568) from China, the kimono has remained a popular garment in Japan. Along with the kimono came the kimono jacket to be worn over the kimono in all seasons. It was unlined in the summer, lightly lined for fall and spring, and padded for warmth in the winter. Since that time the kimono jacket has become popular in its own right and is a popular garment worn all over the world.
There are many different styles of kimono jackets. Some were worn for special occasions (the happi jacket was known as a festival jacket to be worn at outdoor festivals). Other styles developed to be worn for formal, casual, or for work. The word kimono literally translates as “thing to wear”, and it is definitely today a “thing to wear”!
There are three popular modern kimono jacket styles: kimono, hanten, and happi.
Kimono Jacket
These jackets are traditionally designed to wear over kimonos and yukatas. The sleeve and front are one piece of fabric (same with back). They would be worn belted or open. They have a less boxy look than hanten and happi jackets.
Hanten Jacket
These were traditionally were padded coats to wear outside (thicker padding for winter, lightly or none for summer). The sleeve is a separate piece that is sewn on, giving it a more boxy look than the kimono jacket. The hanten would be worn open, belted, or with ties attached to the front for closure. These were favored by the trades people.
The Hawaiian hantens we feature at Nerdtistic Park took inspiration from the cut of a traditional Japanese hanten, but are made of a non-padded, light-weight material. Read more about Hawaiian hantens HERE.
Happi Jacket
These were very similar to the hanten jackets, being lightweight cotton jackets worn to outdoor festivals. The jacket would be of a solid color with symbols printed on the back and lapels of the jacket. They were normally worn with a sash.
What is cool about all of these jackets is that they are so versatile! They look wonderful on all body types, sizes, and are worn by all genders. You can dress them up or down, from tee-shirt and jeans to silk shirts/pants or dresses. They accessorize well-add a belt, boots, heels, jewelry, you name it! They are a great extender of the wardrobe.
They also come in a variety of fabrics from sheers to denim, to fun nerdy prints. You see them worn at the office and as casual wear, but they also make great swimsuit cover ups or bathrobes. Really, your imagination is the limit. Come check out our jackets at Nerdtistic Park. Your wardrobe will thank you!