If you like cardigans and want to upgrade your outfits, you should definitely try noragi.
Noragi is a Japanese style Jacket similar to a cardigan sweater but edgier. John Mayer is a huge fan of the brand Visim and has often been spotted sporting Visim Noragis.
I usually wear a noragi jacket over a simple T-shirt and a pair of jeans for a casual look. You can also wear it like a cardigan coupled with a shirt and a pair of pants.
What is a noragi?
A noragi is a traditional Japanese garment which farmers used to wear to work. 'Nora' means farm and 'gi' means clothing or uniform in Japanese.
Noragis are open banded in the front, with either long or short sleeves. They were made in a loose structure for comfort and mobility. Tears in a noragi were mended with patches. Nowadays a patchy noragi can serve as a style statement for your outfit.
Where to find a noragi?
To better assist you on your quest for a noragi, I have come up with the ultimate list of a few different places where you can find a noragi that fits your style.
Etsy
Etsy Noragi
Etsy is an e-commerce marketplace where people sell millions of unique hand-made or vintage items. I found a couple of unique vintage kimono noragi and original Japanese noragi. Browse from their extensive collection to add to your next 'go to' 'grab and run' noragi.
AliExpress
AliExpress Noragi
AliExpress is a Chinese e-commerce marketplace where you can find almost anything you need. You can find plenty of noragis at affordable prices, but the quality is hit and miss.
Nemen
Nemen Over Kimono
Found by Leonardo Fasolo and Fabio Cavina in 2012, Italian label Nemen drew inspiration from the techwear label Stone Island and remade the traditional Japanese noragi with high functionality.
Visvim
Visvim Chambray Noragi Shirt
Visvim is a Japanese menswear brand. Hiroki, the founder of Visvim, draws inspiration from Edo Japan, Native America, Amish patchworks and Finnish tribal culture. A Visvim noragi will always satisfy your desire for an outfit with a Japanese streetwear vibe.
Naked and Famous
Naked & Famous Blue Patchwork Kimono Shirt
Naked and Famous is a denim company. They use Japanese denim that is woven on old shuttle looms. Instead of using funds to have celebrity endorsem*nts, they choose to use quality denim that fades beautifully with age. If you want a denim noragi made of actual traditional Japanese denim, then this brand is for you.
FDMTL
FDMTL Collarless Jacket
FDMTL is known for they quality patchwork denim. If you are looking for a simple design with a dash of luxury, FDMTL is your brand. FDMTL promises their customers quality luxury wear. FDMTL has very stylish kimono noragi jackets that are bound to end up on you.
Blue Blue Japan
Blue Blue Japan Denim Noragi
Blue Japan was launched in the early '90s. They became well known for their use of natural indigo. Their collection of noragi Jackets will have the traditional silhouette with stunning patina patterns. They have an almost cult following for a reason.
Kapital
Kapital draws inspiration from traditional knitwear. Noragi from Kapital will have that ideal handmade feel. The brand blends traditional Japanese style with contemporary streetwear style to bring out a unique design to fit perfectly on your person.
Shuren Projects
Shuren Projects Noragi Blue Check
Shuren Projects is a Malaysian brand. Their Noragi streetwear is aimed to be comfortable and cool. They primarily make clothes for tropical weather. So, if the noragi you want is for late spring or summer then add to cart a Shuren Project noragi.
The Kimono Kid
The Kimono Kid Hand-Loomed Cotton, Custom Noragi
Designer Sasa found the Kimono Kid. She specializes in the traditional craft of making Kimonos. Her designs are made utilizing time-honored techniques. So If you are in the market for that tradition Japanese style Kimono noragi, then the Kimono Kid will have it. Their noragis are not just a fusion of kimono but also other traditional clothes like yukata, haori, Jinbei and komon.
Kiriko Made
Kirako Made Modern Noragi Jacket
Kiriko Made is lifestyle brand. They follow the spirit of 'Mottainai' that embraces the values of "Waste nothing and recycle everything." If you want to go green, this brand is perfect for you. The brand uses traditional artisans and techniques to try to cater to the mass demand. Their noragis have intricate designs that hold meaning and adds value to them. Take a trip back to the past where people valued clothes.
How to wear noragi
Layer a noragi over white or black t-shirts and throw on a pair of twill pants and you are good to go.
You can add one or two accessories that stands out to perk up your outfit. My personal favorite is a straw hat, which adds a touch of summer.
