"Sukajan'', also known as souvenir jacket, is characterized by impactful embroidery and is an item that stands out among the many outerwear types. By incorporating it into your outfit, you can enjoy a higher-grade fashion that shines through your individuality.
This time, we will pick up recommended Sukajan brands and noteworthy items. We will also introduce some stylish outfits, so please take a look.
What is Sukajan?
"Sukajan" is an abbreviation for "Yokosuka jumper" and its origin was shortly after the end of World War II. It is said that this clothing was created by American soldiers stationed around Yokosuka City, who embroidered hawks, tigers, dragons, etc. on their jumpers.
The fabric is usually satin or velveteen, also known as "cotton velvet.'' Most items are made of thin fabric that can be easily put on during the chilly months, but there are also items with padding that are highly resistant to the cold.
How to Choose Sukajan
Choose by color or embroidery design
Many sukajans have large embroidery on the chest or back, making them an item with a strong impact. It's a little difficult to match it with your outfit, so if you're trying it out for the first time, we recommend choosing a sukajan in a calm color such as black or navy.
Another important point to consider when choosing an embroidery design. If you value the Sukajan-like look, we recommend standard patterns such as dragons, tigers, and hawks. On the other hand, if you want to reduce the stiffness, consider items that are embroidered with beautiful patterns or unique motifs.
Choose by material
The basic materials of sukajan are satin and velveteen. Satin is characterized by its smooth texture, softness, and strong luster. If you are looking for classic Sukajan items, check out items made of satin fabric.
Velveteen, on the other hand, is a material with a brushed feel similar to velvet. Although it has a shine, it has a calm impression and is easy to match with elegant outfits. It's a bit thick, so it's a recommended material for fall and winter outfits.
Also check if it is reversible type.
Sukajan is also characterized by the fact that many items are reversible. You can enjoy two different designs with one piece, so it is recommended for those who want to expand their range of outfits.
There is a wide range of variations, from items that have a Sukajan-like appearance on both sides to items with a different expression on just the back side. Look for a pair that is easy to wear, taking into account the compatibility with the clothes you already have and your own fashion style.
Recommended Brands of Sukajan
TAILOR TOYO
"Tailor Toyo" has been making Sukajan for over half a century. The brand is highly acclaimed for its approach to passing on skajans as a part of culture, rather than seeing them as a passing fad. We produce authentic sukajans that reproduce the charm unique to vintage items.
TAILOR TOYO Sukajan YOKOSUKA DRAGON x JAPAN MAP
The outer material of this sukajan is made of wool gabardine, which is reminiscent of vintage items, giving it a luxurious feel. The back and chest are decorated with detailed dragon embroidery, creating an impactful design.
The reverse side is embroidered with a map of Japan, Mt. Fuji, and a destroyer, so it can be worn reversibly. The front side is dark navy and the back side is black, making it recommended for those who prefer a calm design.
Schott
"Schott" is a fashion brand founded in New York in 1913. It is known for creating innovative items, such as the first biker jacket with a front zipper. It is popular for its stylishly designed skajans that incorporate the brand's unique rock taste.
Schott Reversible Souvenir Jacket
A reversible sukajan made of velveteen on the outside and rayon satin on the inside. Recommended for those who are looking for a sukajan that can be worn with a variety of outfits.
The design is accented with large embroidered dragons and snakes on the sleeves. In addition, the chest is embroidered with a motif of 1913, the year the brand was founded.
Glamb
"Glamb" is a Japanese fashion brand founded in 2003. His style is based on grunge rock and incorporates various elements including work and traditional fashion. Sukajans are popular for their bold designs, which are decorated with impactful embroidery and patterns.
Glamb Jake Ska Jacket
A sukajan jacket with the brand's signature rock-style embroidery on the back. It features an impactful design and is recommended for those looking for a sukajan that can be used as the focal point of an outfit.
The key point is that the chest is embroidered with the same motif as the back, completing a unique world view. In addition, the ribbed lines on the collar, cuffs, and hem work as an accent to the design.
Glamb Leopard Skirt Jumper
A sukajan jacket with a simple plain front and a bold leopard pattern on the back. It is reversible and can be worn, so you can wear it in a variety of ways.
It features raglan sleeves that fit easily on the shoulders, and is oversized and easy to wear. The material is polyester on both sides, and this sukajan is recommended for those who are looking for a light outerwear that will be useful in the chilly season.
AVIREX
"Avirex" is an American military wear brand that started in 1975. We produce highly functional wear, including flight jackets that we have delivered to the U.S. military. Recommended for those who are looking for a reversible Skajan jacket that can be worn in a wide variety of ways.
AVIREX Ska Jacket USMC
A Sukajan jacket with large embroidery on the back with a motif of the U.S. Marine Corps. The material is rayon, which has a unique drape, making it a useful light outerwear item on chilly days.
The key point is that the back side, which is embroidered with Japanese patterns such as dragons and tigers, is reversible and can be worn. Recommended for those who are looking for a sukajan that will expand the range of coordination with just one piece.
Avirex x Tailor Toyo (AVIREX x TAILOR TOYO) Souvenir Jacket Far East Cruise
In addition to American military ships, this sukajan is embroidered with oriental patterns such as eagles, tigers, and dragons. The front side is finished in bright blue with the image of a navy, making it an item that will be the focal point of your coordination.
It has a classic design with white tiger embroidery on the black body, and the back side is reversible and can be worn. Recommended for those who like the classic design unique to Sukajan.
Diesel
Diesel is an Italian premium casual brand. In addition to clothing including our signature denim items, we offer a comprehensive range of shoes, bags, accessories, watches, fragrances, and more. Skajan jackets with bold color schemes that catch the eye and have an impactful design are popular.
DIESEL J-CRUST JACKET
A skajan with oriental pattern embroidery on the back and chest. By switching the color of the sleeves to a vivid yellow, the design has an impact.
The bright blue back is reversible and can be worn in a variety of ways, so you can enjoy wearing it in a variety of ways. The material is polyester and is recommended for those looking for a sukajan that will be useful in spring and autumn.
STUDIO D'ARTISAN
"Studio D'Artisan" is a fashion brand famous for its authentic replica denim. We support the creation of items that respect original vintage items while adding a unique twist. Recommended for those looking for a playful design sukajan with unique embroidery.
STUDIO D'ARTISAN Reversible Sukajan Osaka x Military Motif
This Sukajan has a humorous design with embroidery that combines a fighter plane and a giant octopus on the back and chest. The back side is embroidered with tanks and Tokyo Tower and can be worn reversibly.
The key point is that the front side has a Kansai motif, while the back side has a Kanto theme. Recommended for those who are looking for a sukajan that has good color on both the front and back, and can be used as the centerpiece of an outfit.
STUDIO D'ARTISAN Shin Ultraman Custom Sukajan
Sukajan was born in collaboration with the movie "Shin Ultraman". The outer material is warm velveteen, and is recommended for those who are looking for a sukajan that will be useful for coordination in the fall and winter seasons.
The key point is that it has excellent heat retention because it is padded. The reverse side is made of glossy satin fabric and can be worn reversibly, so adding it to your wardrobe will expand the range of your outfits.
Vanquish
"Vanquish" is a Japanese fashion brand. We create attractive items with sophisticated designs and just the right amount of trend. It is characterized by not only clothing, but also a wide range of silver accessories, shoes, bags, etc. It is popular for its skajans, which feature the brand's unique embroidery with a Shibuya motif.
VANQUISH Shibuya Souvenir Jacket
This sukajan has an impactful design with a large embroidered map centered on Shibuya on the back. The chest is embroidered with Hachiko, known as a classic meeting place, to express a sense of playfulness.
Recommended for those looking for a sukajan that can be worn with multiple outfits, as the back side of the MA-1 design is reversible. It has a loose fit and is easy to wear over an inner layer.
FLAT HEAD
"Flathead" is a Japanese fashion brand. It has gained support for its unique style, which is a mix of mid-century American culture and Japanese manufacturing. Sukajan is popular for its luxurious design and intricate embroidery.
FLAT HEAD (THE FLAT HEAD) Sukajan
A sukajan jacket with an impactful design, featuring a large tiger embroidered on the back. The embroidery is done by skilled craftsmen and is three-dimensional and impressive.
Recommended for those looking for a sukajan that can be used as an outer layer during the cold season, as it is lightweight and has a padding that has excellent heat retention. In addition, the back side, which has an attractive silk-like texture, is reversible and can be worn.
Rotor (ROTAR)
"Rotor" is a fashion brand that started in the summer of 2000. We develop uniquely designed items based on cultures such as skateboarding and motorcycles. Recommended for those looking for a stylish sukajan that is easy to incorporate into your daily coordination.
ROTAR Vitality Velveteen Skajan
A Skajan jacket with humorous embroidery on the back with a motif of a dragon worshiping alcohol. The outer material is made of high-quality velveteen, and is recommended for those who prefer classic designs.
The collar, cuffs, and hem have wool-blend ribs to prevent wind from penetrating inside. This sukajan is useful for a long season from autumn to spring.
ROTAR TIGER Souvenir Jacket
A sukajan made of velveteen material with an impressive luster. The back is embroidered with a tiger motif in just the right size, completing the sophisticated design. It's an item that doesn't make too much of a statement and is easy to incorporate into a variety of outfits.
The embroidered tiger with a comical expression on the chest is an accent to the design. In addition to the chic black, the colors are available in bright blue and brown.
Rehacer
"Rehacer" is a Japanese fashion brand that started in 2003. The brand name comes from the Danish word meaning "to repaint," and they specialize in adding arrangements to designs with their own unique sensibilities. Skajans are popular because they are comfortable to wear, with attention paid to not only the design but also the tailoring.
Rehacer Little Tiger SKA-1
A sukajan jacket made of velor material that is soft to the touch and has an elegant shine. By incorporating details from the MA-1 jacket, including the cigarette pocket on the left sleeve, the design has a military feel.
The design is accented with embroidery on both chests with a circus tiger motif. It has a drop shoulder design with a dropped shoulder line, and is recommended for those who prefer a loose fit. Three colors are available: wine red, black, and khaki.
Rehacer Dolman Sleeve Wide Souvenir Jacket
This sukajan has dolman sleeves without a shoulder line, so it won't look unfashionable when worn. The width of the body is wide, so it is recommended for those who are looking for a sukajan that can be worn loosely and like a cardigan.
Oriental-style tiger embroidery on the chest adds an accent to the design. This skajan is made of warm velor material, making it useful for the fall and winter seasons.
CAMBIO
"Cambio" is a Japanese fashion brand. The brand name comes from the Spanish word for "change," and the brand's theme is adapting to the rapidly changing fashion trends.
Popular for its clothing that incorporates trendy elements. We produce skajan jackets with sophisticated designs, paying close attention to the color scheme of the embroidery.
CAMBIO Satin Sukajan
This sukajan has embroidery on the chest in the same color as the jacket, creating a clean design. Recommended for those who are looking for a sukajan that goes well with street style coordination.
The armholes in different colors are an accent to the design. Available in impactful colors such as yellow and blue-gray.
Eight
"Eight" is a fashion brand that sells trendy items from Harajuku and Shibuya at reasonable prices. We specialize in street style designs.
The key point is that they carry a wide range of items, from cuts and sewn items to shoes. Skajan jackets with a clean silhouette and available in a wide variety of colors are popular.
Eight sukajan
Sukajan is made of thin satin fabric and is useful as a light outerwear for spring and autumn. It has a modern, clean silhouette, so it is recommended for those who are looking for a sukajan that can be worn smartly without looking unfashionable.
The design is accented with impactful Japanese pattern embroidery on the back and chest. A wide variety of colors are available.
Sukajan men's coordination
A casual outfit featuring a vividly colored sukajan jacket
A casual style featuring brightly colored sukajan jackets. Wearing a loose-fitting shirt underneath creates a relaxed atmosphere.
To balance out the impactful outerwear, she chose simple chinos for the bottoms. Also, the key point is that the black sneakers tighten up the atmosphere of the outfit.
Monotone coordination centered on black sukajan
A street-style outfit that combines a sukajan with sweatpants, sneakers, and a cap. By unifying the color of the outerwear and bottoms with black, a casual yet mature style is completed.
The white T-shirt selected as an inner layer accents the outfit. The key is to match the colors of the embroidery on the T-shirt and sukajan.
Sukajan has been loved for a long time. The hurdles to incorporate it into your outfit are a little high, but if you're aiming for a stylish outfit that shines with your individuality, this is an item you should definitely try. Pay attention to the embroidery design and texture of the material and choose a piece that will bring a new look to your wardrobe.