A New Wa-Mode Journey Begins at Re Zen

Located on Kyoto's Shinkyogoku Street, Re Zen is a unique fashion brand that, true to its name, combines 'Re' (meaning 'again' or 're-') with 'Zen.' Opening the doors of its eye-catching, temple-like exterior reveals a sophisticated space blending Japanese and Western aesthetics, inviting visitors into an extraordinary world. Re-envisioning the joy of wearing culture and tradition with contemporary sensibilities, Re Zen's 'wa-mode' designs propose a borderless style that transcends gender and era.

With diverse collections themed around Japanese culture and seasons—featuring motifs like spider lilies, chrysanthemums, lotuses, irises/wisteria, cherry blossoms, peonies/camellias, cranes, butterflies, Kabuki/Hanafuda, Onmyoji/foxes/yokai—each piece is a delight to behold. Particularly noteworthy are the sophisticated, black-based unisex items like haori, hakama pants, and hakama skirts, which integrate traditional elements with modern designs and accent colors, drawing significant attention from many.

I want to try wearing Re Zen clothes, but how should I choose the size?

Given their unisex nature and the incorporation of Japanese elements distinct from conventional Western clothing, some may find themselves unsure about sizing. This column offers practical tips for selecting the perfect piece that maximizes Re Zen’s charm and suits your personal style. Whether as a fresh kimono experience in Kyoto or a step towards incorporating wa-mode into your daily life, here are hints to fully enjoy Re Zen fashion.

Re Zen Fashion Sizing: What Does 'Freedom' Beyond Conventional Wisdom Mean?

When you hear 'wafuku' (Japanese clothing), many might picture fixed sizes or garments tailored to the body. However, Re Zen's 'wa-mode' gracefully transcends such preconceptions. Re Zen items are designed to go beyond gender boundaries and bring out the wearer's individuality. Therefore, rather than adhering to traditional sizing conventions, it is paramount to consider 'what kind of look you want to achieve.'

For instance, some may desire a relaxed feel with a loose silhouette, while others might prefer a sleek, body-hugging look. Each Re Zen item is meticulously designed, and even the same size can present a completely different appearance depending on the wearer's body shape and the accompanying pieces. Especially for items with strong Japanese elements like haori, hakama pants, and hakama skirts, their unique silhouettes mean that size selection significantly impacts the overall impression of the outfit.

Here, based on Re Zen's philosophy of 'borderless fashion,' we will delve into specific points for sizing wa-mode items that set them apart from conventional Western clothing. Let's embark on a journey to find your optimal piece, imagining not just your body, but also the 'ambiance' you wish to embody.

Unisex Item Basics: Choosing 'Relaxation' and 'Silhouette' Based on Purpose

Re Zen items are designed to be enjoyed by all genders. This 'unisex' characteristic provides significant freedom in size selection. The key is not to be constrained by simple labels like 'S,' 'M,' or 'L,' but rather to have a clear purpose in mind: 'what kind of silhouette and comfort do I seek?'

• For a relaxed feel and to enjoy draping: Choosing one size up from your usual allows the fabric to create elegant drapes along your body, expressing Re Zen's characteristic Japanese sense of ease. Black-based items, in particular, highlight the texture of the material, lending a sophisticated impression.
• For a sharp, modern impression: Selecting your usual size, or a slightly tighter one, accentuates the item's inherent refined silhouette, enabling a more urban and stylish look. Japanese-style shirts and kimono-collar accent shirts, for example, can emphasize a contemporary mode with this approach.
• When considering layering: Re Zen's haori and Japanese-style shirts also work well as inner or outer layers. By choosing a size with ample room, considering the thickness of the inner garments, you can achieve both comfortable wear and a beautiful layered style.

Re Zen's concept of 'expressing the joy of wearing culture and tradition through wa-mode designs' is also reflected in the freedom of size selection. Don't be constrained by your body type; instead, visualize your ideal 'wa-mode' look.

Re Zen's Key Items: Specific Sizing Tips by Item

Among Re Zen's collections, the particularly iconic 'haori' and 'hakama pants/hakama skirts,' with their unique designs, can be worn even more attractively when you know the sizing tips. Here, we'll focus on each item and introduce specific ways to choose.

Haori Sizing: How Length and Sleeve Length Dramatically Change the Impression

Re Zen's haori are true symbols of 'wa-mode,' modern adaptations of traditional Japanese haori. While designs like the Tassel Color Block Haori or Military Pocket Haori vary in length and silhouette, what's consistent is that the chosen size dramatically alters the impression of the outfit.

• Choosing the length:
  A shorter length gives a light, casual impression and excellent freedom of movement. It pairs well with hakama pants or wide-leg trousers, allowing for a balanced styling. Conversely, a longer length creates a more substantial and elegant feel, with the drapes that emerge with movement deeply expressing the Re Zen aesthetic. The longer the length, the more it covers the body's lines, giving a sleek, elongated impression. Choose by imagining your height and what kind of bottoms you wish to pair it with.
• Checking sleeve length and width:
  Re Zen's haori feature modern designs while incorporating Japanese elements. Sleeve length affects the silhouette when you move your arms and the balance with innerwear. While excessively long sleeves can look sloppy, many Re Zen items have a relaxed design, so a slightly longer sleeve can still achieve a chic, modish vibe. Check if the shoulder width fits and if it feels tight when you raise your arms.
• Trying on to highlight accent colors:
  Many Re Zen haori include contemporary accent colors, which act as a highlight for the entire garment. When trying them on, it's a good idea to check how these accent colors appear and if they complement your skin tone and usual attire.

Hakama Pants & Hakama Skirts Sizing: Balancing Silhouette and Freedom of Movement

Hakama pants and hakama skirts are particularly distinctive items within Re Zen's collection. While there's a wide variety of designs—such as Pleated Hakama Cargo Pants, Pleated Patchwork Hakama Pants, Pleated Hakama Pants, Irregular Hem Sarouel Pants, etc.—the universally important factors are 'waist fit' and 'length.'

• Waist fit:
  Hakama pants and hakama skirts often feature elastic or drawstrings at the waist, allowing for some size adjustment. However, if the waist is too loose, it can cause the garment to slip or compromise its inherently beautiful silhouette. When trying them on, ensure the waist fits comfortably and doesn't slide down. Since Re Zen items are primarily black, a snug waist fit creates a more sophisticated impression.
• Length and volume:
  The appeal of hakama pants and hakama skirts lies in their unique volume and drape. If the length is too long, the hem might drag, or the overall balance could look off. The ideal length varies depending on your height and the shoes you wish to wear, whether slightly covering the shoe or an ankle-length that reveals the ankles. When trying them on, it's crucial to walk around to check for ease of movement and to ensure the silhouette remains intact. Also, for pleated designs, even a slight change in length can alter the appearance of the pleats, so trying on multiple sizes is recommended.
• The borderless styling perspective:
  Hakama pants can be incorporated into a wide range of styles, from street to high fashion, regardless of gender. Hakama skirts also open up new fashion possibilities when worn by men. By all means, don't be bound by preconceived notions; cherish your intuitive feeling of I want to wear this.

The Re Zen 'Wearing' Experience: Practical Steps to Maximize Your New Encounter in Kyoto

Re Zen items are more than just clothes. They are 'art' woven from Japanese culture and modernity, and 'tools' for expressing your individuality. At Re Zen's store on Kyoto's Shinkyogoku Street, 'visitors can discover their own special piece in a unique space blending refined Japanese and Western styles.' Here are practical steps to maximize this special encounter.

Step 1: Start with a try-on at the store! The charm of Re Zen items is only truly understood 'by wearing them.'

While viewing product images online is helpful, Re Zen's true allure is only felt by actually putting on the garments and experiencing their fabric texture, drape, and silhouette. Especially the 'sophisticated, black-based unisex items' change expression with the light and reveal different nuances with every movement. Feel free to actively try on any items that catch your eye, such as haori, hakama pants, hakama skirts, or Japanese-style shirts. Taking your time to thoroughly search for a piece that suits you at the easily accessible Shinkyogoku store, which has two entrances, is the first step in the Re Zen 'wearing' experience.

• Try different sizes: Don't just stick to your usual size; try one size up or down as well. Precisely because they are unisex items, different sizes can create entirely different looks.
• Experiment with various combinations: By mixing and matching items available in the store, you might discover new possibilities. For instance, try combining a haori with hakama pants to assess the overall balance.
• Test movement: While wearing the garment, walk around slightly or raise your arms to check for any tight spots or discomfort, and to ensure ease of movement. Hakama pants, in particular, are appealing for their comfort and mobility.

Step 2: What Scenes Do You Want to Wear It In? Visualize Your Styling Specifically

Re Zen items are versatile, suitable for a wide range of occasions, from daily wear to special days. You could enjoy modern Japanese attire as an alternative to a 'Kyoto Kimono Experience' during sightseeing in Kyoto, or incorporate it into your everyday fashion to highlight your individuality. When considering a purchase, try to specifically imagine the scenes in which you'd like to wear it.

• Casual everyday: Layer a haori over a simple inner garment like a T-shirt and pair it with hakama pants for a relaxed yet distinctive everyday look.
• Special outings: A Japanese-style shirt with a hakama skirt, topped with a Tassel Color Block Haori, creates a sophisticated wa-mode style. Add Re Zen's Japanese-patterned belts or accessories for an even more special ensemble.
• A new form of Kyoto Kimono Experience: Wearing Re Zen's unisex items with friends or a partner and strolling through Kyoto's streets will undoubtedly become a memorable and fresh kimono experience.

By concretely imagining the wearing scenarios, you can better envision the optimal sizing and item combinations.

Step 3: When in Doubt, Trust Your Intuition and Experience the Re Zen World

The brand name Re Zen combines 'Re,' meaning 'again' or 're-,' with 'Zen.' It embodies the mission to 'express the joy of wearing culture and tradition through wa-mode designs' and offer borderless fashion that transcends gender and era. What this brand values most is 'self-expression.'

If you find yourself unsure about sizing, ultimately, trust your intuition. That exciting feeling of 'What kind of me will I become if I wear this Re Zen haori?' should guide you to your perfect 'size.' At the store, support awaits to help that piece harmonize with your individuality and make you shine even brighter.

Discover Your Unique 'Wa-Mode' at Re Zen

Re Zen fashion offers more than just wearing clothes. It is the joy of discovering a new self by embodying 'wa-mode,' a fusion of rich Japanese culture and contemporary sensibilities. Its borderless designs, unaffected by gender, age, or trends, bring out the individuality of each wearer and add color to everyday life.

This column has focused on sizing unique Re Zen items, particularly those incorporating Japanese elements like haori, hakama pants, and hakama skirts. The key to finding your optimal piece is to not be confined by traditional notions, but rather to consider your own desire to 'wear it' and the kind of 'silhouette' or 'ambiance' you wish to create.

The Re Zen store, located on Kyoto's Shinkyogoku Street, is truly a place where 'you can encounter your own special piece' within its unique space crafted by a temple-like exterior and sophisticated interior. We invite you to visit in person, touch Re Zen items, and experience their charm with all your senses through trying them on. If you're unsure about sizing, use the tips provided in this column as a reference, trust your intuition, and discover your own distinctive 'wa-mode.' Re Zen always has its doors open to expand your new fashion possibilities.