A trend was born in Japan that has taken the international fashion scene by storm. We are talking about the workwear of construction workers, a uniform that has unknowingly become a primary source of inspiration in international workwear. On social media, reels and tutorials on how to recreate it are galore, and fashion has obviously drawn inspiration from it for more than one collection. A traditional but practical, functional style, characterized by specific elements so iconic that it is impossible to make them go unnoticed. Called “tobi shokunin,” that is, workers who specialize in working mainly in high-rise construction, among skyscrapers and scaffolding, they have always worn a uniform that oozes streetstyle in every inch of it. Making their mark are the long, loose-fitting pants with puffy ends, the nikka-bokka.
Then, functional jackets with lots of pockets called dokajan, not too different from what we are now used to seeing in contemporary streetstyle. On the feet, jika-tabi, or split-toe work boots, the same design that has become a symbol of Maison Margiela since its inception. Martin Margiela was in fact inspired by traditional Japanese footwear to make his cult shoes. Inevitable then is the bandana, called tenugui, perfect for absorbing sweat during outdoor work; finally, breathable jackets, the kūchōfuku, which allow active ventilation. Some of these workers also choose to dare with denim pinstripe jackets, full of pockets, hooks and metal supplements to make work easier.
The success of the shokunin tobi shows us how certain trends arise from the most unexpected contexts that nevertheless translate a need to belong to real identity contexts, because a sense of community is perhaps what matters most of all these days. If the American tradition, another leader in this style, has always focused on durability and ruggedness, Japanese analogues have always stood out for their sophistication, thanks to unique designs and silhouettes.
[📷 Getty Images, IPA; undercoverism.com; Instgaram: kikokostadinov, yohjiyamamotoofficial, whatyourocking, visvimwmv, sacaiofficial, neighborhood_official, deviation__official, jianye.official / _tanase, andwander_official, fr.wikipedia.org / ©️ Brianhe 📹 Instagram: jessewelle, TikTok: yungalyy]
