Polished yet relaxed. A cut-and-sewn jacket for wear across the seasons

In the whirl of daily life, we often choose our clothes without even realizing it, thinking about "how do I want to be seen?" There are times when you want to look a little put-together, without going as far as full formal dress. For moments like these, a jacket is often the perfect choice. But the feel of a jacket can change completely depending on its silhouette, fabric, and fit. Wouldn't it be nice to have one versatile piece you could simply add to your casual outfits? The no-collar jacket we're introducing this time was born from that very wish to enjoy fashion more freely—a jacket whose fabric and pattern have been carefully thought out so it feels relaxed to wear, without ever looking too casual.

From the ZUTTO original planning team

N, a member of ZUTTO's original planning team. We asked N about the inspiration and thoughts behind creating this no-collar jacket for ZUTTO.

"I usually prefer casual clothing, but there are still moments when I want to look a little more polished. For instance, heading out to a business meeting, or going to a nice restaurant I've had my eye on—there are times when something like a jacket becomes necessary. Especially lately, since fashion trends overall have leaned toward relaxed silhouettes, a stiff, structured jacket has become harder to coordinate into an outfit. That's what got me thinking: wouldn't it be great to have a jacket with a soft fabric feel and a relaxed silhouette, yet still elegant enough for those occasions when you want to look put-together? Jackets that can be worn casually while still looking refined are hard to come by, so this really is a piece I hope people will pick up and try."

Made with a supple, jersey fabric

When you hear the word "jacket," you probably picture something crisp and structured. But this no-collar jacket uses a soft, supple jersey fabric instead. It's made with super-long staple cotton and P.B.T. fiber (Samorel). Samorel yarn is a highly shrinkable stretch yarn, giving the fabric surface a smooth, clean finish while keeping it opaque. It also contributes to a fabric with excellent stretch that is lightweight and resists wrinkling. This light, relaxed wearing feel is said to be drawing attention even within the fabric maker's own development work.

The BLUE fabric has a refreshing look, with white backing threads crossing through it.

What's more, this fabric is also pleasing in that it resists losing its shape. Smooth to the touch, it's a jacket that combines a polished look with comfortable wearability.

Relaxed, yet polished. Introducing the details behind this exquisite silhouette

This jacket is crafted from a jersey fabric that resists losing its shape. While it has an overall relaxed feel, it pairs beautifully with any kind of bottoms and looks polished—here are the fine details that were carefully considered to achieve this.

The first point worth mentioning is its relaxed silhouette, made generously using plenty of fabric.

NAVY

So that arms and shoulders can move freely, the sleeves are cut roomy, like a dolman sleeve. In warmer months, you can drape it over a T-shirt and roll up the cuffs. The generous sleeves also make the wrists look slender by contrast. With this type of sleeve, the body of the garment can sometimes move along with it, restricting arm movement—but here, that issue has been resolved through careful design of the seam construction.

BLUE

The second point is the V-shaped, no-collar neckline, which keeps the area around the neck looking clean and streamlined. Thanks to the no-collar design, you can throw it on casually, cardigan-style, making it easy to wear in a relaxed way. Its smooth texture also makes it handy for layering.

The third point is its three-dimensional pattern. As mentioned earlier, though it looks at a glance like a woven fabric, it's actually a stretchable cut-and-sewn material, and the design makes the most of its woven-like surface texture and firmness. Two tucks are placed at each side of both the front and back hems, keeping the hem from flaring out too much. It pairs perfectly with skirts and pants of any length.

By making the most of its woven-like surface texture and firmness, the jacket has been finished with a three-dimensional pattern. Creating a beautifully shaped jacket out of this kind of cut-and-sewn fabric requires a high level of sewing skill. It's precisely because of this fabric and that level of craftsmanship that the jacket can look as refined as a tailored jacket in its details, while feeling as stress-free and easy on the shoulders as a cardigan or hoodie.

The vintage-like buttons add a charming touch, too

From left: BLUE, NAVY

Available in NAVY and BLUE. Blue is recommended for those who enjoy a more casual look, while navy is better suited for occasions when you want it to read as more of a proper jacket. Either way, you're sure to find yourself reaching for it often in daily life.

Handy for those slightly chilly moments—how our staff would like to wear it

Jackets tend to see the most use in early spring and early autumn, but the beauty of this no-collar jacket is that you can throw it on casually, cardigan-style, and carry it with you just as easily. Our staff put together some outfit ideas while imagining, "I'd love to wear it like this!"

For an important work presentation

Jacket: No-Collar Jacket (NAVY), Shirt: Supima Cotton Double Gauze Shirt, Watch: ALBA Riki Watch AKPK428, Bag: [Custom Order] Canvas Bag SCCF 008 BLACK/MILK

Even if your workplace allows casual clothing, there are days—like when you have an important presentation—when you want to put on a jacket that looks polished and switch into work mode. For those days, try adding a no-collar jacket (NAVY) to a soft-impression shirt and pants, paired with pumps. It's light to wear and won't tire your shoulders, so you can move your arms freely. Beyond work, it's versatile enough for parent-teacher meetings, school observation days, and many other occasions.

For times when a T-shirt alone feels like something's missing

Jacket: No-Collar Jacket (BLUE), Skirt: Brushed Tenjiku (jersey-knit) Skirt (MUSTARD), Bag: [Special Order] 3-Way Leather Pochette enveloppe GREY, Sandals: Beaded Sandals PK718-0546 BLACK

Since the daytime is hot, head out in your favorite skirt and a T-shirt, carrying a light shoulder bag. But the evening chill and air conditioning can be a concern, and you might want to stop by that stylish shop you've had your eye on—so pair the T-shirt with the jacket. The smooth, jersey-like fabric and the V-shaped no-collar design let the T-shirt's own design show through nicely.

Doesn't feel bulky even when carried in hand

Jacket (held in hand): No-Collar Jacket (NAVY), T-shirt: Technorama Tenjiku Panel Top (WHITE), Skirt: Cotton Tiered Skirt (OLIVE), Sandals: MUKAVA Leather Sandals BL, Bag: [Special Order] 3-Way Leather Pochette enveloppe BLACK

If it gets too hot, you can simply fold it loosely and carry it along. Because this jacket is lightweight, resists wrinkling, and holds its shape well, you can carry it around casually, just like a cardigan.