Item Details

Item: Monpe (Traditional Japanese Work Pants)

Era: Mid Showa Period (circa 1950s–1960s)

Material: Possibly mixed fiber fabric (exact composition unknown – please refer to photos for confirmation)

These traditional Japanese work pants, known as Monpe, were made around the mid Showa period.

The fabric features a striped pattern, and the natural fading developed through many years of use gives the piece a rich vintage character.

A particularly notable feature is the series of patch repairs applied throughout the garment.
These repairs reflect the practice of repeatedly mending worn areas in order to extend the garment’s life, creating the distinctive aesthetic associated with Boro textiles.

The patches appear to be made from cotton fabrics, and the layering of different materials and tones forms a deeply textured visual composition that could only have developed over decades of use.

In recent years, garments made from Boro and Kofu textiles have gained increasing recognition in international vintage and design communities.
They are appreciated not only as clothing but also as cultural artifacts representing Japan’s historical approach to sustainability and resourcefulness.

Pieces like this are often regarded as collectible textiles or archival garments, and this example clearly carries the traces of everyday life from its original era.

The waist features an elastic band, making it comfortable and easy to wear.
Because it follows the typical pants-style monpe silhouette, it can also be incorporated into modern styling.

A garment shaped by the Japanese tradition of repairing and reusing fabric.

Each repair tells part of its story, giving this piece a one-of-a-kind presence comparable to an archival textile.

Please note that the item will be compressed for shipping, which may cause wrinkles. Thank you for your understanding.

Size

Waist: approx. 66 cm (26 in)
Elastic waistband – stretches further.

Inseam: approx. 65 cm (25.6 in)

Hem Width: approx. 15.5 cm (6.1 in)

Total Length: approx. 85 cm (33.5 in)

Please allow for slight measurement discrepancies.

Condition

There are signs of wear including stains and fading.

Repairs are present.
Some areas show thinning fabric and damage.

As this is a vintage item, please refrain from purchasing if you are not comfortable with the characteristics of aged textiles.

This item has been washed twice by us, however a slight vintage odor may remain.

Please note that any damage progression or odor returning after washing or wearing will not be eligible for refund or exchange.

We kindly ask that only those who understand the nature of vintage items place an order.

If you love this one-of-a-kind Boro monpe, explore more unique Japanese workwear in our Noragi Collection, featuring vintage jackets and pants.