Introduction
Hundreds of years have passed, and the haori (羽織) remains a cherished staple in Japanese fashion, constantly reinventing itself with fresh and creative updates to its designs and how it's worn.
This loose-fitting jacket is gaining popularity among both the youth and adults for its easy wearability and the way it takes an outfit from this, to this!
Haori: A Timeless Japanese Staple
The haori is a classic traditional Japanese jacket that’s worn over a kimono. Of course, tradition aside, you can shake things up by wearing it as the top layer of your outfit to infuse a touch of Japanese flair!
Unlike the fuller kimono, the haori is cut shorter and skips the overlapping front panels, offering a sleeker, more streamlined look. Its refined, thinner collar and side triangular panels contribute to its sleek appearance.
The jacket is neatly secured at the front with petite cords called haori himo, blending traditional aesthetics with practical design.
- Know the difference! While both haori and kimonos are iconic Japanese garments, some people often confuse the two. A kimono is a full wrap-around dress, while a haori acts more like a jacket, typically worn over a kimono or other attire. It’s shorter, often reaching just the length of a jacket.
Different Materials, Same Appeal
Man in a Black Haori and Two Women Approaching a Temple | Japan | Edo period (1615–1868)
Like kimonos, haoris are crafted from a variety of hand-decorated fabrics. Traditionally, silk was the go-to, but nowadays, high-quality cotton takes the lead. It's not only easier to maintain but also comes in an array of designs—from the elegantly simple to the vibrant pop culture-inspired ones.
Available in a range of materials like lace, gauze, wool, or synthetic fibers such as polyester and rayon, a haori always serves as an exquisite final touch to your attire.
Haori Is Everywhere You Look in Japan!
Demon Slayer Shinobu Kochō Haori sold on ZenPlus
The Japanese folks love their haori!
You'll find them in every quality kimono store, made nationwide to ensure everyone can enjoy this timeless piece of fashion. Every region, and each kimono maker, has its own distinctive fabric designs or patterns, offering a vast array of choices that are as fun to explore as they are difficult to decide between!
How Japanese Haori Are Made
A standout method for dyeing haori, Shibori is both ancient and stylish, mirroring techniques like American tie-dye or batik. This Japanese art form transforms fabric through binding, folding, twisting, or clamping before dyeing, resulting in gorgeous patterns to die for!
Known as traditional Japanese tie-dye, Shibori is not only simple and visually appealing but also offers a surprising variety of patterns, making it an ideal way to produce awe-inspiring haori.
Men’s vs. Women’s Haori
Men's haori, traditionally reserved for formal occasions, often come in subdued colors like black or navy. What makes them truly special, though, is what you don't see at first glance. Inside, they might hide a world of hand-painted art on their linings, known as gakuura (額裏).
During the Edo period, showing off was a no-no, so wealthy men discreetly showcased their status with these hidden masterpieces, featuring everything from serene landscapes to dramatic samurai battles.
Women’s haori, on the other hand, are beautifully versatile—worn in various settings, they burst with an array of colors, patterns, and designs, offering endless options for ladies to express personal style.
- But men, we're not in the Edo period anymore! Modern men's haori are now available in endless designs, allowing you to showcase your style freely and without limits.
How to Style Japanese Haori: 10 Fool-proof Methods!
Image source: Pinterest
It can be a bit tricky to style traditional Japanese garments, but haori are surprisingly versatile and definitely worth adding to your wardrobe. Check out these 10 ways to wear and style haori for looks that turn heads!
- Keep It Casual with Jeans: For a relaxed vibe, throw your haori over a pair of your favorite jeans. It’s a no-fuss look that says you’re cool without even trying!
- Dress It Up Over a Black Dress: Got a dinner date or an evening event? Drape a vibrant haori over a simple black dress, and you’ll be turning heads with your elegant yet bold statement!
- Go Bohemian with a Maxi Skirt: Match your haori with a flowing maxi skirt for that boho-chic look—ideal for those lazy Sunday brunches or strolling through a weekend market.
- Summer Breeze with Shorts: When the sun’s out, pair your haori with shorts and a breezy tee, giving you a splash of style while keeping things light and airy.
- Accessorize Minimally: Since a haori often sports vibrant colors and patterns, keep your accessories simple. A subtle necklace or a pair of understated earrings are just enough to complement, not compete with, your jacket.
- Layer Up for Winter: Don’t shelf your haori when the temperature drops! Layer it over a cozy sweater, and maybe add a scarf for extra warmth.
- Athleisure Twist: Pair your haori with athleisure wear like leggings and a sports top for a chic, sporty look. It’s great for those days when you want to be comfortable yet stylish enough to head out for a quick lunch or a casual meeting.
- Office Chic with Dress Pants: Mix business with a touch of traditional flair by wearing your haori with dress pants. It’s a unique twist for your workwear that’ll keep you feeling fresh and looking professional.
- Footwear Flexibility: Haoris go with nearly any type of shoe! Sneakers can keep it casual; boots ramp up the edginess, and heels are perfect for a dressier look. Match your footwear to the occasion and your overall vibe for the day.
- Play with Lengths: Haoris come in various lengths, so play around to see what works best for your height and the occasion. A longer haori is great over dresses, while shorter ones naturally pair well with jeans or shorts.
Where to Buy Authentic Japanese Haori
Ideally, purchasing a haori directly from Japan ensures authenticity, but if a trip to Japan isn’t feasible right now, local retailers have teamed up with the online marketplace ZenPlus to make shopping for these traditional garments a breeze.
With over 5 million Japanese products listed by more than 3,000 retailers nationwide, you can enjoy a vast array of all things Japanese that would otherwise be out of reach, including traditional Japanese clothing like haori, kimono, and even trendy Tokyo streetwear.
More than a fashion hub, ZenPlus is your gateway to iconic Japanese sweets and snacks, eye-catching home decor, exceptional anime merch, heartwarming kawaii plushies, and much, much more. To top it all off, every item arrives quickly in neat, inviting packaging, setting the stage for an exhilarating unboxing session (it’s even worth capturing on camera!)
