Most Important things to consider when wearing Haori Jackets (2024)

The haori is a Japanese style jacket that has an interesting look. If you are a lover of Japanese fashion, you know that the haori is a must have. The haori is not only easy to wear but it is also exquisite and blends well with other outfits. This jacket looks great if worn with jeans or as part of the evening wear outfit. If you like to go the traditional way, you can as well wear it over a kimono.

What exactly is the haori? Well, the haori is a long jacket with swinging sleeves. In most cases, it is made of lovely fabrics and has intricate designs at the back. You do not need an obi or a sash to wear the haori jacket. You can fasten it at the center front or wear it open. Most Japanese people don’t like wearing it with a sash. The choice is yours. They also look amazing if worn with a waist belt. It is interesting how the haori jackets perfectly became part of the western world fashion.

The haori jacket can never disappoint you if you want to add a Japanese touch to your wardrobe. It is always important to diversify if you are a style enthusiast. Let us have a look at some of the most important things to know about the haori.

How to Pair the Haori with Other Outfits

Pairing with neutral shirts

How about wearing it with a neutral shirt? In most cases, the haoris for women come in bold patterns and bright colors. Haoris for men are mostly made of muted or dark colors. You do not want to look like a rainbow or like disco lights. This is why you should be careful with what you pair with the haori. It is advisable that you wear a neutral blouse or t-shirt underneath the haori. This way, the shirt or blouse does not take attention away from the beauty of the haori. For example, a grey, black or white thin t-shirt is a great choice. You can as well choose colors that match with those of the haori.

Pairing with jeans

Most Important things to consider when wearing Haori Jackets (1)

Jeans are a favorite to most people. Pairing them with the haori in the right way brings unmatched results. If you want to achieve a casual look, try them with jeans. The best thing about haoris is that they are versatile and look great with any bottom. This does not mean that you just go for any color of jeans or design. Be careful with the color of jeans you choose. Ensure that the colors blend or match perfectly. Wearing the haori with jeans brings a casual vibe which is perfect for going to shopping or dinner with friends.

Pairing with shorts

Have you given the warm weather a thought? Since the haori jacket is lightweight, you can wear it in summer or spring. What matters most are other clothes that you wear to blend with the haori. Shorts are perfect for the summer. Do you really want the best combination for warm days? Try a pair of shorts, a bright haori and a neutral top. This way, you will not only feel comfortable for the weather but also stylish.

Pairing with a long skirt

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Do you want a soft look? Pair the haori with a maxi skirt or a knee-length skirt. These two skirts perfectly blend with the haori jacket because they are they are a unique combination. At times, you need to be bold enough to look different.

Pairing with haori sweater

Most Important things to consider when wearing Haori Jackets (3)

You also need to look great during the cold season. If you are a huge fan of haori, how can you wear it as a winter garment? The best thing is to pair it with a heavy sweater. Since haoris are oversized, you can comfortably wear them over cardigans and thick sweaters. This is yet another fashionable winter look. You can as well pair the haori with boots, a knit hat, or a knit hat. Also do not forget to keep colors in mind when matching your clothes.

Pairing with a dress

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If you love dresses, you are not left out. Whether you are going for dinner or to work, a dress and a haori match quite well. Look for a dress whose colors blend well with the haori. Most Haori’s come in beautiful designs and high quality fabric. Your main task will be to identify colors that complement each other. Whether it’s a black dress, complicated design or a simple dress, the haori completes the entire outfit in an amazing way. You can also go bold and try pairing a black haori with a red dress. It is advisable not to wear the same colors because they may not look impressive.

Accessorizing the Haori

Wearing a scarf

Scarfs look great with haoris. Try wearing a long scarf around your neck that hangs downwards at the front of your haori. There is also nothing wrong with wearing a smaller scarf that does not hang. Wear the small scarf around your neck. What matters most is the color you choose for the scarf and the haori. Look for complimentary colors and you will not be disappointed. For instance, a black haori can go well with a red scarf. A beige scarf can as well match with a blue toned haori.

Belts

Placing a belt over your haori is wise and stylish. However, if you want to maintain the traditional look, you should leave the haori open. Wearing a belt adds flair to your overall look. Again, colors matter a lot in matching the haori with a belt. A black belt goes well with most colors of haori.

The haori jacket is versatile as you have probably noted. If you take these factors into consideration, you will definitely look stylish both during the cold and warm weathers. Do not forget that colors are one of the most important aspects you should consider every time you want to wear a haori jacket.

Most Important things to consider when wearing Haori Jackets (2024)

FAQs

Most Important things to consider when wearing Haori Jackets? ›

You do not want to look like a rainbow or like disco lights. This is why you should be careful with what you pair with the haori. It is advisable that you wear a neutral blouse or t-shirt underneath the haori. This way, the shirt or blouse does not take attention away from the beauty of the haori.

How do you respectfully wear a haori? ›

The haori should be the centerpiece of your outfit.

Pick a plain neutral t-shirt or blouse to place underneath it. Wear the haori over the plain shirt so the shirt doesn't take the attention away from the beautiful pattern and colors. Try a thin t-shirt in white, black, or grey.

What is the significance of haori? ›

The history of the haori dates back to the Warring States period. Leading military commanders used haori decorated with their family crests or favorite patterns as protection against the cold winter months. In the Edo period (1603-1867), the haori Hakama, worn first with the hakama, became a stylized garment.

Can you wear haori inside out? ›

Most haori are reversible, with all stitching hidden, so if you prefer the lining side, display or wear it inside out! MICHIYUKI: This style, with its signature square neckline and snap or button closures, are also worn over the kimono for warmth and protection.

Can Americans wear haori? ›

Imagine a Japanese person or a person of Japanese descent applying this mindset to you wearing a haori and if you still feel you would be comfortable wearing it then go ahead and wear it. Anyone can wear kimono/haori. You may want to consider appropriateness of what you wear depending on the occasion or season etc.

What to pair with haori? ›

Often and traditionally paired with a kimono, or hakata, they also look fabulous as part of a contemporary style, and haori pair well with a shirt and jeans.

Is it OK for Westerners to wear kimono? ›

Yes. As long you wear the kimono out of respect, it is totally fine to wear a kimono as a foreigner in Japan. Wearing a kimono in Kyoto was one of my favourite things we did during our two weeks in Japan and I'd love to do it again on our next trip.

Can girls wear haori? ›

In modern-day Japan, haori are worn by both men and women.

How do you wash a haori jacket? ›

Gently wash a vintage Japanaese haori by hand with a mild, clear soap and cold water. Remove it promptly once you have finished washing it, and squeeze the water out before letting it air dry.

Is haori comfortable? ›

Haori is a Japanese style over coat traditionally worn over a kimono. The sleeves are wide making it easy and comfortable to wear over any type of clothing without restricting movement. With a few modern touches of having an herringbone pattern and side pockets you can stay stylish and warm indoors and outdoors.

What is the difference between a hanten and a haori? ›

What is the Difference Between a Hanten and a Haori? The cut of a haori is similar to a hanten in that it is hip-length, and worn over the kimono, but the most obvious difference is that a hanten is a thickly-padded winter garmet, whereas a haori is a much thinner, lighter jacket.

What is the difference between a happi and a haori? ›

Historically speaking, the haori was typically worn by men over a kimono. If the kimono is more formal than a yukata, then the haori is definitely more formal than a happi. The haori is also older than the happi. As an outfit originally designed for servants, the happi lacks this level of formality.

Can you wear yukata with haori? ›

A 'haori' is worn over the yukata or tanzen. It is short in length, and has rather large sleeve-pockets to allow the sleeves of your yukata or tanzen to fit in easily and your arms to move smoothly. This haori also serves as a coat. The tabi are Japanese-style socks.

What is the difference between a hakama and a haori? ›

Haori and hakama are two parts of traditional fashion with a long history in Japan seen at festivals and ceremonies. Haori is a light coat worn over kimono, and hakama is a pant-like kimono.

Is it OK for foreigners to wear yukata? ›

Can Foreigners Wear Yukata? Not only is it perfectly acceptable to wear this thin type of kimono in public, but the Japanese government also welcomes it. And why wouldn't they? Wearing a traditional robe like this is a clear sign that foreigners or tourists are simply respecting this beautiful culture and nothing more.

How do you wear a kimono with respect? ›

Always wear the left side over the right side. Only dead people have their kimono worn right over left. So unless you are at your own funeral, remember this basic but important rule for wearing a kimono! A useful and amuzing memory aid for this rule is the phrase “leftover rice”.

Can you wear a haori with a yukata? ›

In many hot spring resorts and hotels, you will likely receive a haori to wear along with your room and sleepwear yukata.

What is the difference between a haori and a happi? ›

Historically speaking, the haori was typically worn by men over a kimono. If the kimono is more formal than a yukata, then the haori is definitely more formal than a happi. The haori is also older than the happi. As an outfit originally designed for servants, the happi lacks this level of formality.

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