Koromogae - A seasonal custom

Do you know what koromogae (衣替え) means? In this article, you will learn about this seasonal custom, which happens when the seasons change and is related to the types of clothes worn by the Japanese in public offices and, especially, in schools.

The change of clothing happens seasonally, so lighter clothes are used in summer, while heavier or thicker clothing becomes more common in winter.

What does “Koromogae” mean?

Koromogae is a word composed of two kanji. The first, 衣, carries the meaning of “clothing,” “garment,” and “accessory.” The second, 替, means “exchange,” “change,” and “substitution,” and appears in the verb 替える (かえる, kaeru), which can be translated as “to substitute,” “to exchange,” or “to change.” So, from the meaning of the kanji, we can understand 衣替え (koromogae) as the idea of changing clothes.

Summer uniforms

In summer, more specifically on June 1st, school clothes and public employee uniforms are changed. Long sleeves, suits, and dark clothes, which absorb more heat, are replaced by short-sleeved shirts and T-shirts, usually white, for men. For women, black suits are replaced by the classic sailor-style uniforms, usually white with red bows in the center, which reflect sunlight and therefore retain less heat.

For boys, the uniform is called “gakuran.” The sailor uniform worn in summer is called “seeraa fuku” (sailor fuku, or sailor uniform, in a free translation).

Below, you can see a typical summer uniform model.

Winter uniforms

During the colder months of the year, boys typically wear closed suits with long sleeves, usually black or dark blue, and girls wear longer and thicker suits, usually dark as well. While summer fabrics are thinner, lighter, and softer, winter uniform fabrics are thicker and therefore warmer. The winter koromogae usually begins on October 1st of each year.

It is worth noting that the seasons in Japan tend to be well-defined, unlike in many other countries. As a result, there is less climatic unpredictability around sunny and rainy periods, drought and humidity than in places like Brazil, where it can rain on almost any day of the year depending on the region.

Below, you can see a typical winter uniform model in Japan.

Heian Period - the origin of Koromogae

Koromogae is a Japanese habit that dates back to the late 8th century, during the well-known Heian period (794-1185), also known as the court period. During that time, Chinese influences became increasingly strong in the country’s cultural scene, including Buddhism, Taoism, and the aesthetic standards of clothing.

In this context, supported by imperial regimes prior to the Meiji Era, by military figures, nobles, and a large part of the population, koromogae became a common habit that extended not only to clothing but also to accessories and utensils. From then on, each change of season brought more visible attention to changing uniforms in both institutions and daily life.

Vocabulary about clothing and koromogae

• 制服 (せいふく, seifuku) = School uniform.
• 衣服 (いふく, ifuku) = Clothing, attire, clothes.
• 服 (ふく, fuku) = Clothes.
• 着替える (きがえる, kigaeru) = To change clothes.
• 季節 (きせつ, kisetsu) = Season of the year.
• 黒 (くろ, kuro) = Black.
• 白 (しろ, shiro) = White.
• スカート (sukaato) = Skirt.
• ズボン (zubon) = Pants, shorts.
• シャツ (shatsu) = T-shirt.
• 学校 (がっこう, gakkou) = School.
• 春夏秋冬 (しゅんかしゅうとう, shunkashuutou) = The 4 seasons of the year.
• 夏 (なつ, natsu) = Summer.
• 冬 (ふゆ, fuyu) = Winter.
• 学ラン (がくらん, gakuran) = Male school uniform, gakuran.
• セーラー服 (せーらーふく, seeraa fuku) = Female school uniform, sailor-style uniform.

And if you pay attention to Japanese school life, you will probably notice this custom appearing in other details too.