Textile & Fashion

This garment is called a tabbard in English, that is, a tunic worn over armour. It is effectively a haori with the sleeves stripped off to leave the arms free, as required in battle. Jinbaori come in various forms. They are practical for warding off cold or adverse weather, but the jinabori is also a symbol, and is supposed to stand out proudly in demonstration of authority and rank. They can be very luxurious, and outlandish designs were common. Imported fabrics were preferred, most of all what they called 'rasha' - a corruption of the Portuguese term for English or Flemish wool.