Early 20th Century Japanese Dōchū-Gappa – Indigo Travel Cloak for Modern Styling
In the early 1900s, travelers and merchants moved briskly along Japan’s streets and country roads, rain or shine, with a single indispensable companion: the dōchū-gappa. This indigo-dyed, sleeveless travel cloak protected them from drizzle and dust while allowing freedom of movement for their daily journeys.
Today, these garments are celebrated as “Japan Vintage,” admired by collectors and fashion enthusiasts worldwide. Their timeless appeal lies not only in their history but also in the versatility they offer for modern styling. Pairing a dōchū-gappa with jodhpurs and Paraboots transforms a century-old cloak into a statement of contemporary street and mode fashion, bridging eras in a single ensemble.