In Japan, haori jackets have been worn for centuries. It can be used in both traditional and modern outfits. Therefore, haori captivates a large number of fans not only in Japan but also worldwide. What is a haori? If you want to learn more about this fascinating garment, this blog is for you.
What is a Haori?
A haori is a loose-fitting traditional Japanese jacket. Many people see it as a piece of clothing similar to a jacket or cardigan in Western fashion.
The haori has several uses, including protection from the cold, ceremonial functions, and, more recently, fashion.
The history of Haori
Many people know “What is a haori?”. However, no one knows the origin of Japanese Haori. People just suppose it started in the Sengoku period (around the 16th century). At that time, warriors wore it over their combat armor to protect themselves from the cold.
Later, geisha wear them as a stylish accessory over their kimonos. As a result, it became popular among women. Beginning in the 18th century, haori became so common that they were seen at customary events and adorned with family crests.
Women started to attend social events including kabuki, tea ceremonies, reunions, and social meetings throughout the Taisho era (1912–1926) and the Showa era (1926–1989). The haori, customarily worn by males for formal occasions, also became a "going out wear" for women.
Due to its transition from a samurai garment worn just by men to clothing worn by all Japanese, the haori has a rich history in Japanese culture and is a great addition to any wardrobe.
Design and materials of Haori
Design of Haori
Unlike kimonos, haori are traditional Japanese coats with an open front and no overlapping panels. They come in short or hip-length styles and have broad sleeves.
Designs frequently use elements like nature, abstract art, or conventional symbols. While women's haori may have more striking patterns and hues, men's haori tend to be more subdued.
Materials of Haori
People usually use silk, cotton, or wool to create a traditional haori. Modern versions may use polyester for durability. Formal haori often use luxurious silk, while casual ones favor lighter, breathable fabrics like cotton.
Different types of Haori
After finding the answer to the question “What is a haori? “, it is time to explore the different types of haori. Haori has evolved into a garment with diverse types, each suited to different occasions and styles.
There are many different types of haori. We will explore several haori styles, including formal haori, casual haori, and specialized haori.
Formal Haori
Kuromontsuki Haori
Kuromontsuki Haori is worn over a kimono for highly formal occasions. It is always black. It is typically adorned with five family crests: one on the back, one on each sleeve, and two on the front chest.
It is traditionally made of high-quality silk, sometimes featuring subtle woven textures like rinzu. The outer fabric is usually plain black, but linings can feature hidden, intricate designs like landscapes, animals, or traditional motifs.
Iromontsuki Haori
Iromontsuki Haori has various solid colors. Like kuromontsuki haori, it typically features family crests, but sometimes, three ones for slightly less formal occasions. It is often crafted from high-quality silk, with a plain or lightly textured exterior.
Ehaori
Ehaori is well-known for its bold patterns or illustrative artwork, including traditional motifs, seasonal themes, and storytelling. It is typically made of silk, although modern variations can feature synthetic materials.
Ehaori is less formal than Kuromontsuki and Iromontsuki. People usually wear it at casual gatherings, cultural events, or fusion fashion.
Casual Haori
Tsukesage Haori
Tsukesage haori is a semi-formal kimono. It is suited to parties and receptions, going to tea, attending a graduation ceremony, theater or a concert, or a museum exhibit. Tsukesage haori is usually made of silk, synthetic fabrics, and wool.
Komon Haori
This kind of Japanese haori is embellished with tiny repeating designs. It is composed of silk or synthetic fabric. The designs may be abstract, geometric, or flowery. Both men and women frequently wear it at less formal events because of its relaxed look.
Plain-colored Haori
A plain-colored haori usually has common colors including black, navy, gray, brown, beige, and pastel shades. However, the formal haori is darker or muted tones. It is usually made of silk, synthetic fabrics, wool, and cotton.
A black or dark-colored haori, especially with family crests (mon), is suitable for formal events like weddings, tea ceremonies, or funerals. Lighter or more vibrant colors can be worn over casual kimonos or modern clothing for everyday use or informal gatherings.
Specialized Haori
Aikido Haori
Aikido Haori is worn by practitioners. It is lighter and more comfortable. It is usually made of cotton or a cotton-synthetic fabric blend. It displays the Aikido dojo's crest or insignia.
Shinto Priest Haor
A Shinto priest's haori is worn during ceremonial and ritual occasions. It is part of the formal attire called "kamishimo” which also includes a hakama. The hakama is usually white or off-white.
The color of a Shinto Priest Haori is typically deep, and rich, such as black, dark blue, or purple. The material used is usually silk or a high-quality synthetic fabric, chosen for its refined appearance. People usually wear it at Shinto Rituals, ceremonies, or festivals.
The difference between men's and women's haori
The size is the primary distinction between men's and women's haori, but there may also be minor variations in variation and design.
Men’s haori styles and variations
Men’s haori vary in style and variation. It has both formal and casual haori. The formal ones (for example Kuromontsuki Haori, Iromontsuki Haori,...) have minimal patterns, often in plain black or a single color.
The casual ones (for example Patterned Haori, Plain Haori,...) usually feature geometric patterns, nature motifs, and abstract designs.In general, some men's haori may be simpler and less adorned than women's haori to reflect the more formal and understated style that is typically associated with men's clothing.
Women’s Haori styles and variations
Women’s haori offers various styles and variations. Traditional Formal Haori are generally simple in design, with subtle patterns or plain colors. Casual Haori can be more colorful and feature a wider variety of patterns.
The differences between vintage and modern Haori
The Japanese haori are often composed of expensive silk and embellished with hand-painted patterns. Therefore, you have to pay thousands of dollars to buy a brand-new silk jacket made by a professional tailor. Purchasing vintage haori is a fantastic method to obtain these "artworks" at a reasonable cost.
The focus of contemporary haori is comfort, maintaining the traditional silhouette and handcrafted Japanese quality. Nowadays the finest haori jackets are crafted from premium cotton employing local design methods. Additionally, they come in a range of lengths that go well with any ensemble as a lightweight jacket.
How to wear Haori
Wearing a haori involves a few simple steps. We will dive into the traditional ways to wear haori and some modern styling tips for Haori.
Traditional ways to wear Haori with Kimono
- Put on Kimono First: Put on the kimono. Make sure it fits snugly around the body, and secure the obi at the waist.
- Haori Over the Kimono: Cover the kimono with the haori. The haori should fall gracefully over the sleeves of the kimono.
- Adjust the Haori: The haori needs to be centered. It drapes evenly over your shoulders.
- Use the haori himo (cord) to fasten the haori at the front. To ensure that the haori remains in place, the haori himo is knotted around the chest.
Modern styling tips for Haori
These are some modern styling tips for Haori that you can try.
- Casual Layering: You can wear a haori with jeans and a T-shirt. It creates a casual, street-style look.
- Outerwear: Wear haori as a coat akin to a kimono over dresses or blazers.
- Streetwear Fusion: Combine haori with graphic tees, cargo pants, and sneakers for an edgy, urban outfit.
- Use haori with Denim: Wear a haori over denim jeans or a denim skirt for a chic blend of traditional and modern.
- Use haori as a Robe: You can also wear a silk haori as a chic, luxurious robe over loungewear or sleepwear.
- Accessories: To add a contemporary touch, pair with statement jewelry or a structured purse.
When can you wear Haori?
These days, people wear haori in many different contexts. Traditionally, it is worn over a kimono for formal events like weddings, tea ceremonies, or celebrations. Besides, people can wear a longer haori jacket from fall through winter and spring to keep warm.
Moreover, Japanese haori are easier to incorporate into a Western wardrobe than more traditional pieces like kimonos. They look wonderful in any setting.
How to care for your Haori
Maintaining your haori's longevity and beauty requires regular care. The integrity and color of the fabric are preserved with proper cleaning, storage, and upkeep.
Cleaning your Haori
People used to wash haori by hand at home. There was also the option to wash them in cold water if they so desired.
Nowadays, many individuals do not know how to take care of goods like a kimono or haori. Haori usually consists of synthetic fibers, such as polyester, cotton, and wool.
These materials can be washed at home. We can use a washing machine as long as we use a laundry net. However, pure silk haori should not be washed at home because the fabric may shrink or the color may change or discolor when soaked in water.
Storing your Haori
The proper folding technique is one thing to keep in mind when storing a haori.
- Take off the tie before folding a haori.
- Place the haori flat on the ground with the front center facing up.
- Matching the seams of the sleeves and the left and right shoulders, fold the haori inward at the center. Ensure that any wrinkles are smoothed!
- The left sleeve should be folded back to cover the haori body.
- The haori's lower hem should be folded up.
- Under the haori body, fold the right sleeve.
It is advised to store them with moth and mite traps to keep your lovely silk haori from becoming an insect's supper.
Where to buy your perfect Haori?
There are many places to buy your perfect haori. You can find them in specialized stores or online marketplaces. Here are some references for you.
Specialized stores
Kimonoya Japan
A variety of used and vintage haori jackets are available at Kimonoya Japan. They specialize in genuine, traditional Japanese clothing, such as silk haori. The items here have a variety of patterns and designs.
They are offered in both men's and women's styles. The cost varies according to the item's quality and condition. You can browse their entire collection and information on their website to find a piece that fits your tastes.
Kyoto Kimono Shop
Kyoto Kimono Shop offers a wide variety of vintage and authentic haori jackets, including both men's and women's styles. Some popular options include traditional patterns like countryside scenes, metallic designs, and embroidered motifs. You can explore their collection further on their website here.
Online marketplaces
Rakuten
Amazon Japan
Amazon Japan is also a good place to buy haori. The platform offers a wide range of styles, including traditional and modern designs for men and women. Some products are eligible for international shipping through Amazon's global shipping program.
However, sometimes, it depends on the items and sellers. For items not available for direct shipping, you can use a proxy buying service like Japan Flow. By Japan Flow, all the barriers between you and the sellers are solved perfectly, such as language barriers, shipping options, payment methods, and more.
Guide to buy Haori from Japan with Japan Flow
Step 1: Visit the website
Begin by going to the Japanese websites where you want to buy haori. We recommend using Google Chrome for easier navigation.
It has a "Translate" function that you can access by right-clicking on the page, allowing you to view the website in English. This is especially helpful if you don't know Japanese.
Step 2: Search for items
Use the search box to look for the items you want to buy.
Step 3: Check product details
Click on the image or title of the product to go to its detail page. Here, you’ll find important information about the item. Make sure to check all the details to ensure it’s exactly what you’re looking for.
Step 4: Copy and paste your item links on Japan Flow
Next, go to the Japan Flow website and create a new buying request. Copy the links for your items and paste them into the form. You can also fill out additional information to help ensure your order is processed accurately.
Step 5: Complete your order with Japan Flow
Once you’ve filled out the form, click “Create a buy request” to finalize your order. Make your first payment, which includes the cost of the product and the service fee. After your payment is processed, your item will arrive at Japan Flow’s warehouse in the next 2-3 days.
You’ll receive a notification to make a second payment, which will cover the packing and shipping fees. After your second payment is confirmed, Japan Flow will start shipping your order.
In conclusion, you certainly get the answer to “What is a haori? “ The haori is a symbol of cultural elegance and versatility. It has a variety of styles, materials, and uses. Whether it is worn formally or styled casually, it continues to captivate with its artistry and practicality. This makes it a cherished element of both historical and modern attire.