INTRODUCING
WORKWEAR HAORI
ABOUT THE CASE STUDY
After approximately two years of fieldwork around traditional Japanese workwear, six months of which were joined by studious and curious participants from around the world, we collectively landed at this organic cotton haori. The supple, kinari cotton weave is ample yet breathes and feels lightweight upon wearing. It can be tied at the front to be worn both happi-style, as well as tied on the side to be work samué-style. Happi-style for more everyday wear or when you’re presenting your works. Samué-style for when you’re attending to more detailed handicraft.
The design pattern is based on generational workwear found from historical documents as well as family heirlooms shared by craftspeople who are in traditional professionals. The mojiri sleeve is a modification of the kimono sleeve that professionals across a plethora of sectors made so that they are able to go about their daily tasks without interferance. Small alternations like additional leeway in the back and the sides, allow for greater ease of movement for modern bodies. Deep pockets on both sides are meant for tools, phones, and notebooks. The loop on the back means that you can stash it away quickly on a coat hook after your day’s work.
Kinari is the natural color of the cotton. We suggest you first wear it in this way. You’ll notice the areas that get worn or discolored. It is where your hard work appears in physical form. Then you’ll be able to enjoy it from a different perspective upon dyeing. It will take to all types of dyeing, including natural botanical or fermented dyes, as the sewing thread is also organic cotton.
Finally, we have also made a Sashiko Maintenance Kit for those of you who would like the tools and materials necessary to customize, repair, or reinforce your workwear haori. In our fieldwork, it has been called out time and time again, that maintaining workwear is as important as the workwear itself.
Whether farmer, fisherman, or fermenter, many working-class professionals have historically worn cotton. Upcycling old kimono, patching together shabby textiles, sashiko stitching areas like elbows, knees, forearms, and neck lines to increase durability. Without a means or an interest to separate work and life, workwear is dailywear. It is history, family, functionality, and identity.
SIZE CHART
We have created three different sizes. Many people will be able to wear at least two sizes. The intention is for the size selection to be made based not necessarily just on body type, but based on the workwear haori’s use case. One of the craftsman who supported our fieldwork wears Size 1 for incredibly detailed work, Size 2 for house calls and presentations, and Size 3 as a coat in day-to-day wear.
