Tailor Toyo Cotton Vietnam Jacket Black

About this product

Souvenir jackets, also known as suka-jan jackets in Japan have a vibrant a rich history dating back to the post-war occupation of Japan. Servicemen stationed overseas would have these jackets made for themselves of a loved one embroidered with local motifs and imagery in bright colours.

The Vietnam war and US involvement bough more servicemen thousands of miles from home the local style of souvenir jackets made up by local tailors differed from the Japanese rayon and satin jackets of post-WWII. Usually made in black cotton the jackets have a simple 'windbreaker' jacket design with traditional hand-embroidered motifs emblazoned on the chest, sleeves and back, which have a naive charm in their execution.

The slogan, 'When I Die I'll Go To Heaven...' has its origins in a military Ballard of American poet Frank Bernard Camp 'Our Hitch in Hell' and is an unofficial motto of the Marines. All details of this jacket are faithfully reproduced as you would expect from Toyo Enterprises and is a modern menswear classic easy to wear with a touch of irreverent rebelliousness.

100% Cotton Shell Acetate lining Two Front Pockets Reproduction Period correct zipper Embroidered Vietnam Map on back Chest & Sleeves Embroidered with Traditional Motifs Vintage Tailor Toyo Rayon Woven Label

Description from Clutch Cafe.

Details

Brand

Tailor Toyo

Colour

black

Listed

At 1 shop in 1 currency

Last change

13 October 2026

Shops in United Kingdom.