Five Plus One is our weekly series of buyer’s guides. We pick a specific category and dig up five great options along with one that’s a little outside the norm.
Japan has given us so many amazing styles of jackets: from noragis and haoris to kimonos and hantens. While entire books could and have been written on the history of these garments, we’re having a very tertiary browse of what’s available in the western market. We won’t pretend to be experts, but many of our favorite stores and brands offer jackets in these styles and today we’re going to explore as many as we can.
1) Akashi-Kama: Noragi Jacket in Technical Charcoal
Akashi-Kama offers a wide array of Japanese-inspired garments, and the Noragi Jacket is among their most popular. This version is made in the USA from a polyester twill designed to imitate wool in terms of appearance, making it perfect for both office and casual wear. It features a contrasting yoke lining, tie waist, slim fit, and cropped sleeves intended to be cuffed. If this fabric isn’t quite your speed, have no fear: their Noragis are available in a ton of different fabrics.
Available for $149 from Akashi-Kama.
2) Sasquatchfabrix: Youryu Haori
If you’re interested in a lightweight jacket, then Sasquatchfabrix‘s Youryu Haori is an excellent option. Haori-style jackets are designed with non-overlapping sides that are held together in front with a tie or worn open. The Youryu features a 59%/41% cotton/poly blend fabric with a beautiful, irregular vertical texture that helps to hide the front hand pockets.
Available for $258 from Hatchet Supply.
3) Japan Blue: Indigo Sashiko Haori
Japan Blue might be best known for their denim goods around these parts, but truth be told, many of their non-denim garments are even more compelling. Their Indigo Sashiko Haori features a beautiful, indigo-dyed sashiko fabric that will fade with each and every wear. Their version of a Haori is slighty more fitted than you traditionally see, but the overall pattern and open front are definitely traditional to the style.
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Available for $245 from Redcast Heritage Co.
4) Prospective Flow: Haori in Thistle
Prospective Flow has been consistently putting out top-notch Japanese-inspired apparel for years now, and their Haori in Thistle is simply the latest in a long line of attractive and interesting garments.
If you want something oversized, breathable, and comfortable, then look no further than this Prospective piece. This flowing jacket is made from a 60%/40% linen/cotton blend that makes it a heavy-hitting lightweight jacket. Available in a ton of great colorways, it’s easy to find one that works well with your wardrobe or to collect more versions than you ever intended.
Available for $205 from Kiriko Made.
5) Tok: Hanten in Navy
Tok‘s Hanten coat is another fun option if you’re looking to get into Japanese-inspired outerwear. Hantens are more insulated than the other styles of jackets on this list, and while the sleeves of this coat are not particularly long it will certainly help keep you warm. This piece is made from 100% cotton and features patchwork hand pockets, fabric embellishments, and sashiko stitching to add some extra flair.
Available for $195 from Kiriko Made.
Plus One – Akashi-Kama: Noragi Jacket in OnDeck Indigo Patchwork
Akashi-Kama‘s Noragi Jacket OnDeck Collaboration fits the spirit of what the Plus One slot should be to a T.
Traditionally inspired garment? Check. Unique twist of the appearance? Check. Utilization of a modern material not available when the style of garment was conceived? Check. Simply put, this jacket is a love letter to the style, made in collaboaration between Akashi-Kama and LA-based creative studio, OnDeck. It features 3M reflective ties, an exclusive cut, and a Japanese ripstop fabric in two contrasting tones.
Available for $180 from Akashi-Kama.
