This jacket is a faithful reproduction of a piece originally brought back to America by a soldier stationed at a U.S. military base in Pleiku, Vietnam, during the mid-1960s. Rich with character and history, the embroidery features a fierce tiger on the right chest, the character for “fortune” on the left, dragons running boldly along both sleeves, and a detailed map of Vietnam across the back—an iconic combination that defines the classic Viet-jan jacket.
While many vintage Viet-jan jackets are known for their rough, hand-done stitching, this reproduction celebrates the design with beautifully dense embroidery and exceptional craftsmanship. The cuffs are finished with buttons inspired by antique coins, just like those found on original vintage pieces, adding an authentic touch.
Alongside the traditional black version, a rare off-white variation is also available in very limited numbers, offering a unique take on this historic style.
Much like the Sukajan jackets that emerged in post-war Japan, Viet-jan jackets are souvenir jackets born during the Vietnam War in the 1960s and 1970s. They were typically made from cotton twill or repurposed camouflage poncho liners, and decorated with bold embroidery using thick, matte-colored threads—creating garments that were not only souvenirs, but vibrant expressions of the era and the stories behind them.
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Tailor Toyo is a Japanese heritage label known for producing some of the most authentic souvenir jackets (Sukajan) in the world. The brand traces its roots to post-World War II Japan, when American soldiers stationed in the country commissioned embroidered jackets featuring dragons, tigers, eagles, and maps as keepsakes of their time overseas.
Today, Tailor Toyo—part of Toyo Enterprise Company—carefully recreates these historic garments using original designs, vintage references, and traditional embroidery techniques. By preserving the craftsmanship and stories behind these iconic jackets, the brand continues to carry forward one of Japan’s most distinctive pieces of postwar fashion culture
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Size guide from Tailor Toyo's official website:
Size
|
Shoulder
Width
|
Body
Width
|
Body
Length
|
Sleeve
Length
|
| S |
44.0cm front and back |
53.5cm front and back |
59.5cm (approx.) |
59.0cm around |
| M |
46.5cm front and back |
57.0cm (approx.) |
63.0cm (approx.) |
61.0cm around |
| L |
49.5cm front and back |
59.5cm (approx.) |
65.5cm front and back |
63.0cm (approx.) |
| XL |
52.0cm front and back |
62.0cm (approx.) |
68.0cm around |
64.5cm front and back |
| XXL |
55.0cm front and back |
66.0cm (approx.) |
71.5cm (approx.) |
67.5cm (approx.) |
