Men's Kimono: The Revival of the Men's Jacket

August 7, 2025

What if the jacket of the future was inspired by an ancestral Japanese garment?

For several seasons now, the men's kimono has been making a strong comeback: on the catwalks, in the streets of Paris, and especially in the wardrobes of those who want to dress differently. More than a trend, it embodies a new way of thinking about the male silhouette: more fluid, freer, more assertive.

The kimono doesn't replace it; it reinvents it. A cross between a blazer, a lightweight coat, and an artist's jacket, it becomes a hybrid piece, somewhere between structure and movement, tradition and modernity.

This article echoes our complete guide: Wearing the kimono today: contemporary instructions

Here we offer you a stylistic exploration of the kimono for men: the most suitable cuts, everyday looks, the reasons why it appeals to a new generation of men, bold, elegant and free from rigid codes.

A new masculine stylistic language

Break out of the suit/blazer/hoodie pattern

For a long time, the men's wardrobe was built around a few pillars: the suit for special occasions, the blazer for the office, and the hoodie for more casual occasions. Between these extremes, there are few options, and often little room for creativity.

Today, more and more men are seeking to express their personal elegance without feeling confined by rigid categories. This is where the kimono comes in: neither too strict nor too loose, it offers a subtle yet assertive alternative, halfway between urban wardrobe and statement clothing. With its open structure, clean lines, and fluid drape, the kimono breaks the mold without contradicting it. It allows you to be dressed up without being rigid, stylish without being overdressed.

The kimono: a jacket with meaning

The kimono is more than a jacket; it's a piece that tells a story. Not just that of Japan, but that of contemporary fashion in search of meaning. It evokes artisanal gestures, slowness, respect for the body, and a certain idea of simple beauty. It embodies a style that is both minimalist and distinctive: no pronounced shoulders, no rigid collar, no visible closure. Just clean lines, noble fabric, and a natural look.

What makes it so strong is precisely this: the kimono carries identity, without ever being eccentric. It holds the eye, but gently. It marks a posture, without imposing a pose. At Atelier Sarita, each cut is designed to offer men a garment of freedom and presence, capable of integrating into real life with confidence and discreet audacity.

How to incorporate a kimono into your men's wardrobe?

Because it's a departure from the usual norms, the kimono can seem intimidating at first glance. But once incorporated, it becomes one of the easiest garments to style, as it adds structure to an outfit without ever making it rigid. Here are three practical ways to wear it, from the most casual to the most dressy.

In “casual chic” mode

This is undoubtedly the most natural way to enter the world of the kimono: by wearing it as a lightweight, everyday jacket. Pair a kimono jacket with raw, straight-leg jeans and a clean white T-shirt: you get a simple, urban, and unique silhouette. The modern uniform of the man who takes care of his appearance without overdoing it.

A piece made of thick cotton, textured linen, or Japanese denim works perfectly for this type of look. You can wear it open for a more relaxed look, or belted to add a little more structure to your silhouette.

In a “structured creative” look

For those who like to stand out with subtlety, the kimono becomes a strong piece to incorporate into a more formal outfit. Opt for a black or midnight blue model, in lightweight jacquard or smooth material, which you can wear over dress pants, a simple shirt, or a fine turtleneck.

As for accessories, check out the understated lines and meticulous details online: mesh leather boots, a sleek watch, and a discreetly knotted scarf. The ensemble becomes stylish, graphic, and perfectly mastered.

For special occasions

The kimono can also replace the classic blazer or the overly formal coat, especially for events, dinners, or ceremonies. In this case, choose a long or mid-length kimono in a more luxurious fabric: discreet jacquard, flowing wool, or matte satin. These are pieces that create visual presence without ostentation, and that will make you stand out with elegance.

Wear it over an all-black outfit, a monochrome ensemble or a sober suit, for a controlled but unexpected effect.

To go further:

What cuts should you choose for a masculine look?

Adopting the kimono for men also means choosing the cut that matches your style, your comfort level, and your sartorial intention. At Atelier Sarita, each length offers a different interpretation of the silhouette: from discreet to spectacular, without ever losing elegance.

The kimono jacket: a sure bet

This is the most versatile and accessible style for men. With its slightly accentuated shoulders and structured drape, the kimono jacket resembles a lightweight jacket, but with that extra fluidity that makes all the difference.

It can be worn open or belted, over a T-shirt or shirt, with classic pants or jeans. Ideal for beginners, it allows you to integrate this piece into your wardrobe without disrupting your usual routine. And it works just as well for daytime as it does for evening.

The short kimono: minimalism and dynamism

Shorter and more graphic, the short kimono is more reminiscent of a contemporary Japanese work jacket than traditional clothing. It lends a modern and dynamic edge to the silhouette, perfect for sleek or architectural styles.

Worn over a total dark look or a light monochrome base, it creates a structuring contrast effect, ideal for those who like to create sober but assertive outfits.

The long kimono: for the more daring

Spectacular and flowing, the long kimono is a statement piece. It can be worn like a lightweight coat or an artist's dress, with a simple, tailored silhouette.

Reserve it for moments when you want to fully assert your style: exhibitions, events, dinners, or creative meetings. It offers great freedom of movement and captures the eye without ever shouting.

Why it works? Posture, confidence and style

A rare piece in a standardized world

In a men's wardrobe still largely dominated by basic uniforms (straight jackets, classic shirts, neutral sweatshirts), the kimono is an exception. And that's precisely what makes it so strong.
Few men dare, but those who do make an impression. Not because they shock, but because they embody a different vision of elegance: freer, more personal, more sensitive to gesture than to conformity.

In a world saturated with rigid codes, the kimono stands out calmly. It adorns with its singularity, but reassures with its simplicity.

Clothing as expression, not disguise

Contrary to what one might believe, wearing a kimono is not about dressing up. Quite the opposite: it's about asserting a posture, an intention, a more conscientious relationship with clothing.

The kimono structures without restricting. It hugs the body without rigidifying it. It accompanies movement without ever imposing it. It becomes a tool for personal expression, which reflects more the state of mind than the cultural origin.

And that's why it works so well today: the kimono doesn't impose itself as a costume, it embraces itself as a choice. A choice of style, distinction, and freedom.

The men's kimono is much more than a trendy item of clothing.
It's an elegant, creative, and comfortable reinterpretation of what a modern jacket can be. It invites you to break away from established patterns, without ever sacrificing style or comfort.

At Atelier Sarita, we have designed pieces to accompany this freedom: assertive lines, noble materials, a timeless style.
Designed in Paris, handmade, our men's kimonos are aimed at men who want to wear a garment with attitude rather than a uniform.