Tailor Toyo KOSHO & CO. Reversible Sukajan Japanese Souvenir Jacket - Special Edition Tiger Head & Eagle Embroidery, Velveteen x Quilted Acetate Satin (TT15809-119)

Tailor Toyo KOSHO & CO. Reversible Sukajan Japanese Souvenir Jacket - Special Edition Tiger Head & Eagle Embroidery, Velveteen x Quilted Acetate Satin (TT15809-119)

Tailor Toyo

This embroidered cotton velvet jacket is made in Japan by Tailor Toyo, a heritage brand under Toyo Enterprises that traces its origins to the postwar tradition of Japanese souvenir jackets (sukajan). Part of Tailor Toyo's exclusive "KOSHO & CO. Special Edition" collection, this piece is a modern reproduction that faithfully recreates a mid-1950s vintage sukajan, originally produced under the KOSHO & CO. label, the predecessor to Tailor Toyo. Every detail, from the fabric and ribbed knit to the embroidery and zipper, has been carefully recreated to capture the authentic charm of the original vintage pieces, meticulously crafted using the same techniques and materials that were employed in the 1950s. Expertly crafted with the brand's signature attention to detail, it captures the spirit of classic sukajan craftsmanship while blending seamlessly into today's casual style, bringing together vintage authenticity and modern wearability. This sukajan jacket features a fully reversible construction, combining two distinct materials for versatile styling. The outer side is made from cotton velveteen, offering a soft texture with a matte, plush finish, while the reverse side is crafted from two-tone quilted acetate satin, known for its smooth hand feel and subtle luster. The satin side is quilted and lightly insulated with a low-bulk 100% cotton fill layer, designed to provide moderate warmth without unnecessary weight or volume. Functional details include a retro-style front zipper closure, raglan sleeves, and vintage-inspired ribbed cuffs, collar, and waistband, all made from 100% wool using an old-fashioned knitting technique. The velveteen side features rope-style sleeve stripes, while the satin side is accented with contrasting tape stripes for visual accent. Both the front and reverse sides feature loosely stitched embroidery using traditional methods, further enhanced by a spray-painted effect applied to the velveteen side for added decoration. The velveteen side is adorned with a tiger head design, while the satin side displays an eagle motif, symbolizing the bold spirit and artistry characteristic of mid-century sukajan. This item follows Japanese (Asian) sizing, which generally runs smaller than standard U.S. and European sizes. For reference, a tagged size Japan "中" typically corresponds to a U.S./EU size S (approximately size 36). The jacket offers a regular fit, neither too slim nor too loose, with a slightly cropped length. This shorter cut faithfully reproduces the authentic silhouette of vintage sukajan jackets while reducing excess fabric and preventing bunching when seated. A brand-new release from Tailor Toyo (Toyo Enterprises), this piece blends classic postwar-era aesthetics with the refined craftsmanship of the KOSHO & CO. Special Edition line.

Gender: Men.

Fit: This item follows Japanese (Asian) sizing, which generally runs smaller than standard U.S. and European sizes. For reference, a tagged size Japan "中" typically corresponds to a U.S./EU size S (approximately size 36). The jacket offers a regular fit, neither too slim nor too loose, with a slightly cropped length. This shorter cut faithfully reproduces the authentic silhouette of vintage sukajan jackets while reducing excess fabric and preventing bunching when seated. To ensure a comfortable fit, please refer to the actual garment measurements listed below. All measurements are taken with the garment laid flat and are provided in both centimeters and inches. Please note that slight variations may occur due to manual measurement. Fit may also vary depending on the design of each style as well as individual preference. For best results, we recommend comparing these measurements with a similar garment you already own.

Our model is wearing a tagged size Japan 中. He stands 5'9" (175 cm) tall, weighs 127 lbs (58 kg), and has a 36-inch (91 cm) chest. He typically wears a US/EU size S (36) in most garments.

Available Sizes.

･Tagged size Japan 中 would be suitable for those who wear a US/EU size S (approximately 36).

･Tagged size Japan 大 would be suitable for those who wear a US/EU size M (approximately 38).

･Tagged size Japan 特大 would be suitable for those who wear a US/EU size L (approximately 40).

･Tagged size Japan 徳特大 would be suitable for those who wear a US/EU size XL (approximately 42).

The following measurements show the garment itself, not your own body.
Please compare them with a similar piece from your wardrobe to get a better sense of fit.

In inches
･Tagged size Japan 中__Width: 21.7"__Length: 22.8"__Sleeve: 31.5"
･Tagged size Japan 大__Width: 22.8"__Length: 24.0"__Sleeve: 32.7"
･Tagged size Japan 特大__Width: 24.0"__Length: 24.4"__Sleeve: 33.9"
･Tagged size Japan 徳特大__Width: 25.2"__Length: 25.2"__Sleeve: 35.0"

In centimeters
･Tagged size Japan 中__Width: 55cm__Length: 58cm__Sleeve: 80cm
･Tagged size Japan 大__Width: 58cm__Length: 61cm__Sleeve: 83cm
･Tagged size Japan 特大__Width: 61cm__Length: 62cm__Sleeve: 86cm
･Tagged size Japan 徳特大__Width: 64cm__Length: 64cm__Sleeve: 89cm

Width: Measured flat, 3 cm below the armhole, from side to side.

Sleeve: Measured from the center back at the base of the collar seam to the end of the cuff.

Shoulder Width: Not measured due to the raglan sleeve construction.

Body Length: Measured from the base of the back collar (where the collar meets the body) straight down to the bottom hem.

Made in Japan.
Brand new with tags, in unused condition.
*All measurements are taken with the garment laid flat.
*Please note that slight variations in measurements may occur.
*Actual color may differ slightly from the photos due to lighting and screen settings.

Outer Shell (Velveteen Side): Made from 100% cotton velveteen, this fabric reproduces the dense, short-pile texture and plush hand of vintage velvet used in original sukajan jackets. The surface has a soft, matte finish with a fine nap that provides a smooth yet tactile feel. Its non-stretch plain weave maintains excellent structural stability and an authentic mid-century drape, ensuring the jacket retains its intended silhouette over time.

Lining Shell (Satin Side): The reverse side is constructed from 100% acetate satin with a quilted insulating layer made of 100% cotton padding. The satin is woven at low tension to enhance flexibility and drape, resulting in a smooth hand, soft luster, and naturally occurring wrinkling that reflects the character of vintage garments. This supple structure provides light insulation while maintaining a fluid silhouette. The slick satin surface also ensures easy layering and smooth movement when putting on or taking off the jacket.

Front Closure: Equipped with a vintage-style metal zipper, faithfully reproducing the design and operation of mid-1950s hardware. The zipper’s mechanical texture and resistance are intentional, reflecting the characteristics of the original models.

Ribbed Trim (Collar, Cuffs, and Hem): The collar, cuffs, and hem are finished with folded, double-layer rib knit made from 100% wool. The rib structure is intentionally looser and less elastic than modern varieties, giving it a distinctive texture and a vintage-inspired feel that is characteristic of classic sukajan construction.

Sleeve Construction: Raglan sleeves extend from the neckline to the underarm, providing a smooth shoulder line and unrestricted mobility. The velveteen side is accented with rope-style piping stripes along the sleeves, while the satin side features contrasting color tape stripes.

Sleeve Length: Full-length sleeves.

Pockets: Both the velveteen and satin sides include slanted double-welt pockets, consistent with period-correct sukajan specifications.

Embroidery and Decorative Details: Intricate embroidery decorates both sides, executed with low-tension stitching to reproduce the loose, dimensional texture seen on vintage garments. The threads may appear slightly uneven or arched above the fabric surface?these variations are intentional and reflect traditional embroidery methods. The velveteen side is additionally enhanced with a spray-painted effect for tonal depth and artistic expression, emphasizing the hand-crafted look unique to mid-century souvenir jackets.

Model name : Lot No. TT15809-119 / Mid 1950s Style Velveteen × Acetate Quilted Souvenir Jacket "Stencil Paint" TOYO ENTERPRISE 60th Anniversary Special Edition "TIGER HEAD" × "EAGLE" / A special edition modern reproduction that faithfully recreates a mid-1950s vintage sukajan (Japanese souvenir jacket), produced under the KOSHO & CO. label, the original predecessor of Tailor Toyo (Toyo Enterprises) / Fully Reversible, Velveteen x Quilted Acetate Satin, Embroidered Black Colored Velvet Japanese Bomber Jacket for Men.


**Sukajan History**

The sukajan, often referred to as the Japanese souvenir jacket or Japanese bomber jacket, has a rich and complex history that reflects a cultural exchange between postwar Japan and the United States. The name *sukajan* is believed to derive from “Yokosuka jumper,” referencing Yokosuka, the port city near a U.S. Navy base where these garments first became popular among American servicemen in the late 1940s.

Following the end of World War II, U.S. soldiers stationed in Japan sought personalized souvenirs to take home. Local craftsmen began embroidering their jackets with elaborate motifs that blended traditional Japanese imagery such as tigers, dragons, eagles, and cherry blossoms with American military symbols and typography. This fusion gave birth to the sukajan’s distinctive identity: a cross-cultural artifact merging East and West in wearable form.

Initially, servicemen provided their own military flight or field jackets as the embroidery base. As the style evolved, lightweight fabrics like acetate, rayon, silk, and cotton velveteen replaced the original military materials, creating the smooth, lustrous surface now associated with sukajan jackets. The result was a visually striking, richly textured garment that symbolized craftsmanship, memory, and rebellion all at once.

By the 1960s and 1970s, sukajan jackets had gained wide popularity within Japan, often linked to youth and countercultural movements. For some, the jackets represented postwar American influence; for others, they expressed individuality and defiance. Over time, the sukajan became a cultural icon worn by artists, actors, and everyday people alike, embodying both nostalgia and personal expression.

Today, sukajan jackets have reemerged in international fashion, celebrated for their intricate embroidery, technical construction, and deep symbolic meaning. Each piece continues to tell a story of history, artistry, and identity that transcends borders.

Tailor Toyo, a brand under Toyo Enterprises, stands at the center of this legacy. Originally operating under the name *KOSHO & CO.*, the company supplied souvenir jackets to Post Exchange (PX) stores on U.S. military bases throughout Japan during the 1940s and 1950s. In 1965, Toyo Enterprises was formally established, carrying forward the tradition of authentic sukajan production under the Tailor Toyo label. Through its *KOSHO & CO. Special Edition* line, the company continues to preserve and reproduce the artistry of the original postwar garments with absolute fidelity.


**Important Notice / Technical Information**

This garment is a historically accurate reproduction, manufactured using period-correct fabrics, sewing methods, and hardware consistent with those used in the original mid-20th-century sukajan. Due to these authentic production techniques, the product is inherently delicate and requires careful handling and maintenance.

**Fabric:** The primary fabrics are intentionally woven with a loose structure to replicate the tensile properties and hand feel of vintage materials. This results in reduced strength and higher susceptibility to friction wear, surface pilling, and seam stress. Pigment dyeing is employed instead of modern reactive dye methods to achieve the natural, uneven coloration characteristic of vintage garments. Consequently, color transfer, fading, or slight discoloration (including yellowing due to UV exposure) may occur over time. These are considered natural attributes of the product, not defects.

**Embroidery:** All embroidery is executed using low-tension stitching and vintage-style embroidery machines. This method intentionally produces a looser, less uniform stitch pattern, which may appear uneven or raised above the surface. These characteristics faithfully reproduce the handmade texture and irregular charm of mid-century sukajan embroidery. However, the threads are more susceptible to snagging or thread displacement, so avoid contact with rough surfaces, jewelry, or sharp objects.

**Ribbing:** The collar, cuffs, and hem are made from 100% wool rib knit, produced on vintage circular knitting machines to match original specifications. The ribbing is untreated (not moth-proofed) and may gradually stretch, relax, or contract depending on humidity and temperature. For long-term storage, keep the garment in a cool, dry place and protect it from pests and moisture to preserve its shape and texture.

**Fasteners (Zipper):** The front zipper is a precisely engineered reproduction, manufactured using restored mid-20th-century machinery. As with original hardware, operation may feel stiffer or less fluid compared to modern zippers. This tactile resistance is intentional and part of the authentic experience of a true vintage-style garment. Operate gently to avoid misalignment or damage.


**Care Instructions:**

Hand washing and machine washing are strongly discouraged, as exposure to water, detergent, or mechanical agitation may cause severe fabric distortion, color bleeding, shrinkage, and fraying. Spot cleaning with a soft, clean cloth is recommended when necessary.

Avoid using chlorine or oxygen bleach, tumble drying, ironing, or any form of dry or wet cleaning. For maintenance, please consult a professional cleaner experienced with delicate or specialty garments.

Please understand that this garment is a true vintage reproduction. Its distinctive characteristics, sensitivity, and gradual aging are all part of its intended design. Over time, you may notice subtle wear, tonal variation, or minor imperfections, each contributing to the garment’s authentic charm and value. We sincerely appreciate your understanding and care when handling and enjoying this special item.

･Do not wash.
･Do not use chlorine or oxygen bleach.
･Do not tumble dry.
･Do not iron.
･Do not dry clean or wet clean.
･For care and maintenance, please consult a professional cleaner experienced with delicate or specialty garments.