Even clothing made for everyday tasks leaves room for the pleasure of colour and pattern.

The uwappari is a traditional Japanese protective overgarment, worn over clothing to keep it clean during household tasks and daily work. Within this practical form are colours and proportions that feel just as engaging in a contemporary wardrobe.

This indigo-dyed kasuri cotton uwappari dates to approximately the mid-Showa period. It belongs to the broader tradition of noragi, garments associated with Japan’s rural daily life. Pale blue motifs repeat rhythmically across a deep indigo ground, with small red and green accents between them. Kasuri is a Japanese ikat weaving technique that gives patterns their softly blurred edges. From a distance, the fabric reads as an ordered all-over pattern; closer, its blurred outlines and subtle layers of colour come into view.

Inside the neckline is a plain maroon cotton lining. Deep red against quiet indigo gives the inside and outside distinct expressions. Red accents in the outer fabric echo the lining, bringing the colours together within one garment.

The straight-cut construction characteristic of traditional Japanese clothing and the curved lower edges of the sleeves are equally appealing. A 61 cm body length meets roomy shoulders and wide sleeves. When worn, the shoulders drop and the sleeves stand away from the body, creating an outline different from a Western-style jacket. Wear it open as an easy layer, or tie the matching fabric ties to enjoy the overlapping front.

Bring a garment connected to farming and household work into your wardrobe today. Whether you are drawn to life in an old country home, days spent close to the soil, or individual dressing in the city, this piece offers a way to make that connection. Rather than continually replacing clothes, look again at the colours, patterns and construction of clothing that already exists, and build a lasting relationship with it. That is part of the pleasure of slow fashion.

Japanese everyday clothing has also attracted interest among Japanese vintage enthusiasts internationally. Only one of this piece is available. Another with exactly the same pattern, measurements and signs of age cannot be supplied.

Item Details

Material: Cotton outer fabric and lining
Estimated period: Mid-Showa
Outer fabric: Indigo-dyed kasuri with pale blue motifs and red and green accents
Lining: Plain maroon cotton
Closure: Front ties

Styling

As shown in the wearing photograph, a white T-shirt and black trousers allow the kasuri colours and sleeve shape to stand out. A wide-brimmed hat brings this Japanese everyday garment naturally into an outfit built around Western-style clothing.

Let a slightly longer T-shirt hem show beneath the jacket to create a layered balance. Pair it with tailored trousers and leather shoes for a refined contrast, or faded denim to bring different indigo tones together.

Picking up the small red or green accents in an accessory is another subtle approach. There is no need to assemble a complete traditional Japanese outfit: replacing your usual outer layer with this piece brings a different colour palette and silhouette to familiar clothes. It also works between seasons or indoors when summer air conditioning feels cool.

Measurements

Length, from back neckline to hem: 61 cm / 24.0 in
Chest width, measured flat under the arms: 57 cm / 22.4 in
Shoulder width: 61.5 cm / 24.2 in
Sleeve length, from shoulder to cuff: 32 cm / 12.6 in
Sleeve width: 29 cm / 11.4 in
Cuff width: 16 cm / 6.3 in

Please allow for minor measurement variations.
Model height: 171 cm.

Condition

There is damage to the inner edge of the indigo kasuri fabric, which does not interfere with wearing the garment. Fabric slippage is also present.

The garment has been washed. Please consider its vintage condition and measurements before purchasing.

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

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