Part 42: Stories About "Wearing" – Rolled Items

Part 42: Tales of "Clothing" - The World of Wraps

With the cool morning and evening breezes, one can truly feel the arrival of autumn. A scarf or stole, wrapped once around the neck, provides warmth and a gentle lift to the spirits.

Narration: Maki YoshidaEdited by: Fuyuki TogawaPhoto by Jamandfix

Design Evolved with Function

As autumn deepens, the season for dressing up becomes even more enjoyable. In winter, I prefer to wear turtlenecks, but when choosing shirts, I find that neck wraps – scarves, stoles, and mufflers – are indispensable.

My family always finds it strange, but I have a habit of sleeping with a towel blanket pulled up to just below my nose, even in the height of summer. Having something around my neck somehow brings me a sense of comfort.
These wraps not only have a psychological effect but are also truly remarkable items with excellent functionality.

Part 42: Tales of "Clothing" - The World of Wraps

A wool and silk blend stole. Reversible and easy to use.

Originally, all clothing is based on logic, and particularly menswear often has its roots in military uniforms where function was prioritized. The trench coat is perhaps the prime example, said to have been devised around the time of World War I as a countermeasure for trench warfare in cold climates.
The shoulders have a double structure to prevent water penetration, the double-breasted front can be adjusted according to the wind direction, the epaulets with buttons were for attaching canteens, and the fabric running from the right shoulder to the chest was effective for supporting a rifle – all designed for military personnel.
In this way, design has greatly evolved alongside bodily functions and practicality.

The "Wrap Effect" Felt on the Skin

Nowadays, even if it's below freezing outdoors, stepping inside a building makes it warm enough to wear a T-shirt year-round. Our bodies are in a state of overprotection. The easiest way to manage temperature differences is by adjusting clothing, but coats and jackets are bulky when removed, and under-tights are not exactly smart as they can't be taken off easily.

However, with a wrap, simply putting on a jacket and wrapping it around your neck can make you feel considerably warmer even without a coat, a difference of about 5°C in perceived temperature. They are also incredibly easy to put on and take off, can even be tucked into a pocket, and are truly functional. I favor silk stoles, which are highly versatile, keeping me warm in winter and cool in summer, with excellent moisture absorption. Wool and linen are also practical and useful.

The smooth texture of silk stoles that gently caress the skin is also a charm.

Lightweight linen is a great asset for spring, summer, and autumn.

Wraps are functional items that can easily change your look and provide warmth. By choosing the right material and wrapping style, they are items that even men can use with ease. Why not incorporate them actively and enjoy your autumn and winter wardrobe?