Winter Hanten

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I. Introduction 

A- Etymological definition of the term “hanten” (半纏):

The word "hanten" is composed of two kanji

• 半 (han) which means “half” or “half”
• 纏 (ten) which means “clothing that surrounds the body”.

Together, these two kanji give the meaning of "half-garment that surrounds the body". This corresponds perfectly to the nature of the hanten, which is a sleeveless jacket or vest, worn as an upper garment.

The hanten is considered in Japan as a true traditional garment, worn by both men and women since the 17th century. Its main characteristic is to keep very warm, thanks to thick and insulating materials such as cotton, wool, hemp.

Thus, the very meaning of the word "hanten" refers to its primary function: to be a protective intermediary against the cold, covering the upper body in winter, hence its status as an essential traditional piece of Japanese clothing to face the cold season.

B- Brief history of Japanese winter hanten:

• Origins: Hanten originated in the 17th century in the remote countryside of Japan. Peasants made rustic sleeveless jackets from hemp or cotton to protect themselves from the harsh winter climate. It was a functional garment above all.
• Developments:Over the centuries, the hanten has been modernized. The opening of Japan to the West in the 19th century introduced wool as an insulating and breathable material. Shape, patterns and colors have also been perfected, making the hanten a true traditional piece of fashion.
• Current popularity:Today, the hanten is enjoying a resurgence in popularity among both men and women in Asia and around the world. Reinterpreted by top designers such as Comme des Garçons and Issey Miyake, it has become a trendy staple in the winter wardrobe. Whether it's a city jacket or a technical down jacket, the hanten combines timeless Japanese style with textile innovations.

C- Description and characteristics of Japanese hanten for winter:

1. Fabrics:made from warm and breathable materials, the hanten is generally composed of thick cotton, wool, cashmere or even polar fibers to retain body heat. Renowned for its robustness, it effectively protects against the cold.
2. Cut:the cut of the hanten is deliberately loose and straight, falling to the hips or knees, so that it can be easily worn over several layers in winter. This loose streetwear-style cut has become a style basic.
3. Reasons:hanten feature simple and elegant patterns such as solids, fine stripes, checks, discreet traditional Japanese patterns or even stylized writing. The colors are generally soft and sober.
4. Special features:the hanten closes with snaps or a zipper, keeping the heat hermetically sealed inside. A belt allows you to adjust the cut to your body shape. Finally, some models have a removable hood for increased protection.

–A. Brief introduction to Japanese winter men's hanten 

Winter in Japan not only reveals picturesque snowy landscapes, but also a rich culture expressed through traditional clothing. In this context, the Japanese hanten for men takes on a special meaning. Designed specifically to face the rigors of the winter season, the winter hanten combines elegance and functionality in a unique way.

In this article, let’s dive into the warm and distinctive world of Japanese men’s hanten for winter. Let’s discover together the historical evolution of this iconic garment, its distinctive features designed to counter the cold, and how it embodies the deep symbolism of the season. Get ready to explore modern styles, current trends, and receive practical advice on how to harmoniously integrate winter hanten into your wardrobe. Welcome to the fascinating exploration of the marriage between tradition and seasonality through Japanese men’s hanten in winter.

B. Contextualizing Specific Use in Winter

As winter spreads its blanket of snow across the Japanese landscape, sartorial traditions take on a whole new dimension. Among them, the Japanese hanten for men emerges as an iconic symbol, combining traditional aesthetics with essential functionality to face the frigid temperatures.

Winter in Japan is not just a season, it is an experience. Japanese winters, marked by cold winds and delicate snowfalls, create the need for a garment that goes beyond aesthetics to provide warmth and comfort. It is in this demanding context that the men's winter hanten finds its raison d'être, transforming itself into a faithful companion, both practical and loaded with cultural meaning.

Over the centuries, the hanten has evolved to meet the specific needs of the Japanese winter, becoming much more than just a piece of clothing. In this article, we explore how the Japanese hanten for men, through its meticulous design and carefully selected materials, adapts wonderfully to the rigors of the winter season in Japan.

C. Purpose of the article

The main objective of this article is to inform the reader about the characteristics and specificities of Japanese hanten as men's winter clothing.

More specifically, it aims to:

• Describe precisely what a hanten is, its history and its particularities compared to other winter clothes
• Detail the different models, lengths, thicknesses and styles of hanten existing on the market
• Explain how to best wear Japanese hanten, with what types of underwear, accessories and shoes
• Give some maintenance and storage tips to keep your hanten for a long time
• Inspire the reader by showcasing trendy look styles incorporating this traditional Japanese piece

The item will appeal to both aficionados of Japanese style who care about authenticity, as well as men looking for original and functional winter fashion basics.

II. History of Hanten Winter 

A. Evolution of hanten to meet winter needs 

Here is a possible development on the evolution of Japanese hanten to meet winter needs The hanten originated in the 17th century as clothing worn by Japanese peasants to protect themselves from the bitter cold of winter. At the time, these early thick jackets were made of hemp or raw cotton.

Over the course of textile innovations and particularly harsh cold spells, the hanten adapted to become ever more protective. In the 19th century, the increase in trade with the West made it possible to import wool. This insulating and breathable material would be increasingly used for the manufacture of hanten.

Today, the most technical hanten combine merino wool, polar fleece and wadding for maximum thermal protection. Waterproof seams, a high collar, a hood and handwarmer pockets perfectly complete the design. The cut has not changed, retaining the characteristic fullness of this Japanese winter garment.

Adapted to the modern era, the hanten nonetheless remains faithful to its origins and its primary purpose: to keep warm in style!

B. Historical adaptations in design for cold.

Here is a development on the historical adaptations of the hanten in its design to resist the cold:

The hanten is a testament to an ingenious evolution over the ages to cope with the harsh Japanese winters. Originally a simple peasant jacket made of hemp or cotton, it gradually evolved into a fashionable and functional companion.

From the 18th century, the adoption of thick cotton and the traditional technique of sashiko (fine and tight seams) made it possible to thermally insulate the garment. In the 19th century, indigo dyes brought character as well as increased resistance.

But it was the introduction of wool with the opening of Japan to the West that revolutionized the design of the hanten. A warming and water-repellent material, wool became essential. In the 20th century, textile advances such as merino wool or polar fibers further improved effectiveness against the cold.

In terms of style, a high collar, zip, velcro or button fastening, hand-warmer pockets and a fitted cut optimise protection against the elements. A fashion accessory, the hanten does not forget its primary purpose: to keep you warm!

C. Cultural significance of hanten during the winter season

Here is an elaboration on the cultural importance of hanten during the winter season in Japan:

Beyond its technical characteristics, the hanten has a real cultural and social dimension in the daily lives of the Japanese during the cold months.

Worn by all generations, it imbues snowy landscapes with its inimitable style. Its navy blue or anthracite gray coat brings a chromatic signature to the streets in winter. When the mercury drops, it is not uncommon to see employees in suits and ties swapping their jackets for a hanten at the office doorstep.

On weekends, families proudly wear them when walking or visiting temples. This traditional piece warms hearts as well as bodies. Timeless, the hanten elegantly crosses the ages while preserving the textile heritage of the Land of the Rising Sun.

More than just a piece of clothing, the hanten embodies an essential part of Japanese culture. Its mere sight immediately evokes the spirit of Japanese winter.

III. How to wear hanten in winter?

Traditional styles:

For an authentic look, wear your hanten in the traditional way with the himo lace tied in front. The straight cut lends itself to two options:

• Detached lace, hanten worn open for a casual look
• Attached lace, closed hanten for complete weather protection

The sobriety of this traditional outfit can be twisted in different ways:

• With jeans and sneakers for a Japanese streetwear style
• With a hakama and okobo for a traditional look
• With straight pants and derbies for a contemporary look

The hanten easily blends into a variety of styles for casual or dressy outfits.

Here are some suggestions:

Down: with jeans, suit pants, jogging pants or leggings for a casual chic style. For a traditional Japanese look, opt for a hakama (loose pleated pants) or a shudōfuku (straight black pants).

Accessories:Pair a wool scarf, a wool hat and matching gloves for a balanced outfit and complete protection against the cold.

Shoes: Sneakers, trendy boots or loafers will add the finishing touch to your outfit.

Styles: a casual combination of blue skinny jeans and white sneakers for a streetwear look. For easy sophistication, pair your hanten with charcoal gray straight pants and suede ankle boots. Adding a hakama and okobo (traditional wooden sandals) will give you a Japanese-inspired look. Let your creativity run wild!

Whatever your style, wearing himo laces on your skin or over a t-shirt allows you to stay connected to the traditional spirit of hanten.

How to wash winter hanten?

Care instructions

Many people don’t know the best way to wash a hanten. “Just put it in the washing machine, right?” “Is the drying machine safe too?” Is that really enough?

Here, Kurume hanten specialist KyotoBudoShop teaches you the recommended method for washing your hanten! By following this method, you can extend the life of your hanten while experiencing the original characteristics of Kurume hanten: a soft texture and sun-like warmth.

Not washing your hanten for a long time can lead to dust, dirt and mite build-up, leaving it infested and riddled with holes.

A clean hanten is always better!!

By the way, most of KyotoBudoShop's Kurume hanten can be washed with water at home. Since we've heard stories of people getting high bills for dry cleaning... And even the cotton was torn due to automatic drying... Washing your hanten yourself is safer and more reliable!

Now let's see how to wash your hanten quickly!!

For optimal longevity of your hanten, follow these recommendations:

• Wash at 30°C
• Air dry flat
• Iron at a low temperature with a cloth
• Do not dry clean or iron himo lace

Coordinate your style

Discover now our collection of winter hanten for men and women!

These thick, traditional Japanese quilted coats are available in a variety of fabrics, patterns and colors to suit every style.

Find timeless classics like the Dobby Classic Arare, Kame Gara, Strip (striped) model or explore modern creations with unique prints. Fitted, straight or loose cuts according to your preferences.

Not found elsewhere, handcrafted by master craftsmen from Kurume using traditional methods, our hanten combine ancestral know-how and effectiveness against the cold.

Complete your winter outfits with our matching accessories : socks, Tabi, Jikatabi and Zori, Geta, Settas, Waraji, Tekko, Kyahan for a coordinated Japanese style from head to toe!

Don't miss our quality selection at the best price!

Luxury Japanese Samue Denim Cotton Jeans Black “Made in Japan”

100 % cotton jeans "Denim" black of superior quality. Traditional clothing consisting of pants and kimono jacket. Manufactured in Japan

¥24,600