TAILOR TOYO / Velveteen Quilted Souvenir Jacket

TAILOR TOYO
The souvenir jacket—known today as the “sukajan”—is synonymous with the history of TAILOR TOYO. After WWII, American soldiers stationed in Japan began embroidering oriental motifs and unit insignia onto jackets as mementos. These pieces were later developed into souvenirs. The company supplying these garments to U.S. military bases was Kosho & Co. (Koshoshokai), the predecessor of TAILOR TOYO (Toyo Enterprise). It remains the only brand that has continued to preserve and carry forward sukajan culture—not as a passing trend, but as a tradition. 









Reversible design: Velveteen & acetate
The jacket features a reversible structure: one side in velveteen—the textured, slightly fuzzy fabric known in Japan as “betchin” and used in early souvenir jackets—and the other in smooth, glossy acetate.



Insulation is added for warmth, and the acetate side is finished with quilting to hold the padding in place. It’s a rare combination that brings together a luxurious hand-feel and functional performance.





A faithful reproduction of a highly coveted 1950s Alaska Souvenir Jacket
The chest is embroidered with lightning bolts and polar bears, one of the most iconic motifs of Alaska Souvenir Jackets.



The back showcases an embroidered “Drift Ice & Polar Bear” scene, a rare and collectible design even among original vintage Alaska Souvenir Jackets. This piece faithfully brings that rarity back to life.



Additionally, the sleeves feature detailed dog-sled embroidery. The expansive placement along the sleeves adds a striking visual accent.



The reversible side presents an embroidered map of Alaska. The bold blue “ALASKA” lettering pairs beautifully with the body, giving the reverse side an entirely different presence from the front.



The embroidery is done using a horizontal swing-needle technique, giving it an authentic, vintage character.



The front zipper uses the original “T.Y.E” butterfly slider—an homage to 1950s hand-bent zippers—crafted exclusively for this line. It’s an old-style design with pulls on both sides.



The ribbed collar, cuffs, and hem take inspiration from classic baseball jackets widely worn by American soldiers.





Preserving the silhouette of true vintage
The silhouette remains compact, just like the originals. Lightweight and easy to throw on, it instantly becomes the centerpiece of any outfit. With both sides designed to stand out, you can enjoy discovering new styling possibilities each time you wear it.