🧵 How to wear a haori? The traditional Japanese kimono jacket in everyday life

Among the treasures of traditional Japanese craftsmanship, there is one piece that we particularly cherish at KOGEDO: the haori. This traditional Japanese kimono jacket, with centuries of history, transcends time and styles to find a prominent place in our modern wardrobes today.

But how do you wear a haori? Should it be closed? Is there a "right" way to wear it? And most importantly, who is it for? I, Kogechan, will guide you through the ways to wear this unique piece, also telling you about the fabrics that make it beautiful in my latest column.

🥢 1. The traditional version: the elegance of the folded collar

Traditionally, the haori is worn with the collar folded back at the nape of the neck. This small detail is important: it allows the fabric to fall naturally over the shoulders and stop precisely at the haori himo – these traditional ties found on antique haori.

The himo are two small braided ties, often made of silk or cotton, which are tied at the front to close the kimono jacket. They are both decorative and practical. At KOGEDO, we carefully select haori that almost always retain their original himo, allowing our customers to wear the piece closed or open, according to their preference.

👉 In the first photo above, Toma wears his haori in the traditional way, with the collar neatly folded and a refined look that respects ancient codes. A sober, elegant, and timeless way to celebrate Japanese heritage.

🌀 2. The modern version: the haori as a casual jacket

But the haori also adapts perfectly to contemporary uses. Today, many people choose to wear it open, without folding the collar, for a more fluid look. The collar remains long, even at the back, creating a loose and airy effect, similar to a happi, a jacket worn during Japanese festivals.

This is exactly what Mikan does in the second photo: open haori, graphic t-shirt, sneakers, in short, a cool look.

Moreover, at Atelier KOGEDO, the modern haori created by Mikan are designed to be worn with the collar up rather than folded, in a super modern version.

✨ The haori, a traditional Japanese kimono jacket for everyone

Whether you are a man or a woman, it doesn't matter: the haori has no gender. It is a unisex piece by nature, and its history attests to it. You simply need to choose a pattern, a fabric, a color that speaks to you.

We have sober haori in neutral tones, colorful pieces with floral patterns, others with subtle geometric weaves... The main thing is to find the traditional Japanese kimono jacket that suits you, and to wear it your way.

🌸 What are haori made of? The noble materials of Japanese craftsmanship

Most of the vintage Japanese haori that we offer at KOGEDO are made of silk – a precious and breathable material, often finely woven (like ro, sha or chirimen). It is this silk that gives the haori its supple drape and light, almost second-skin feel.

But you can also find haori made of:

• Wool: perfect for winter, warmer and more textured.
• Cotton: rarer but highly appreciated for a casual style.
• Vintage synthetics: often used after World War II for their ease of care.

Each material has its charm, and at KOGEDO, we take care to systematically mention the composition of each piece, so you can choose the one that suits you best.

🧷 In summary?

• The haori can be worn in a traditional way, with the collar folded, closed or not with the ties.
• Or in a modern way, long collar, open jacket, like a revisited happi.
• It is a traditional Japanese kimono jacket often made of silk, but also wool or cotton.
• And most importantly, it's a garment for everyone, regardless of your gender.

✨ The style police will never stop you!
Your style is uniquely you.
Wear your haori however you feel, and make it an everyday garment, inspired by Japan, but very much alive here.