A small garment holding an entire world of Japanese textile history.

Bold stripes on the outside.
An unexpected mix of fabrics within.
And traces of repair, where worn cloth was patched and stitched rather than discarded.

This child’s padded hanten, a traditional Japanese winter jacket, is estimated to date from the Taisho to early Showa period. More than a piece of wearable vintage, it is a collector’s piece to appreciate for its fabric combinations, construction, and traces of everyday life.

Japanese boro, textiles worn and repaired through continued use, has attracted growing international interest for its resourceful use of cloth and the individual character created by mending. These garments were not originally made for display. Their appearance developed through everyday necessity, a history that resonates with today’s slow-fashion movement and a more considered relationship with clothing.

Surviving garments like this cannot simply be produced again. In this small child’s jacket, the shoulder tucks, inner pocket, contrasting fabrics, and repairs remain together. Each detail offers another reason to look more closely.

The contrast between the two sides is its defining feature. The outer fabric has an orderly rhythm of bold stripes, while the lining combines plain cotton, subtly patterned fabrics, and narrow stripes at the cuffs. An inner pocket made from a different fabric adds another layer to the composition.

Striped repair patches and smaller stitched repairs contribute further character. Where the stripes of a patch meet the original cloth slightly out of alignment, the effect belongs to a garment maintained through use, rather than patchwork created purely for decoration.

Another hanten from the same period would not carry this exact combination of fabrics, shoulder tucks, and repairs. Its value lies not only in its pattern or shape, but in the time preserved within it.

There are tears and stains. This is not a garment offered for pristine condition, but for those drawn to the presence of aged cloth, including its imperfections. A distinctive addition to a collection of Japanese textiles, boro, or vernacular clothing.

Details

• Type: Traditional Japanese child’s padded hanten jacket
• Outer fabric: Cotton
• Lining: Cotton
• Estimated period: Taisho to early Showa
• Outer design: Bold stripes
• Lining: A patchwork arrangement of plain, subtly patterned, and narrow-striped fabrics
• Features: Shoulder tucks, a contrasting inner pocket, repair patches, and stitched mending
• Front ties included

For Display & Collection

Recommended primarily as a collector’s textile rather than for regular wear.

The orderly outer stripes contrast with the varied fabrics inside. Beyond the overall silhouette, the shoulder tucks, inner pocket, patches, and stitching offer details to explore at close range.

Display it opened out or fold it alongside other antique textiles to enjoy a piece of Japanese everyday clothing as part of your collection.

Measurements

• Length, from the base of the back collar to the hem: 63 cm / 24.8 in
• Width, measured flat across the chest: 47.5 cm / 18.7 in
• Shoulder width, with shoulder tucks in place: 45 cm / 17.7 in
• Sleeve length, from shoulder to cuff: 27 cm / 10.6 in
• Sleeve width: 20 cm / 7.9 in
• Cuff width: 15.5 cm / 6.1 in

Please allow for minor measurement variations.

This is an old child’s garment. Measurements alone should not be taken as confirmation of wearability; please also consider the condition of the fabric.

Condition

Stains, marks, tears, small holes, abrasion, fraying, and previous repairs are present. A tear near the lower back hem exposes the padding. There is also damage around the shoulder tucks, and stains and marks remain on the lining.

The appeal of this piece includes its patches, mending, and the texture of cloth worn through use. It is offered primarily for display and collection, not as a garment intended for everyday wear.

Front ties are present. The jacket has been washed, but it is not odor-free. Please consider this carefully if you are sensitive to the smell of older textiles.

As an antique garment, it has age-related changes and individual characteristics not found in new clothing. Please review the measurements and condition before purchasing.

For questions about sizing, returns, and customs, please visit our FAQ.

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