The 'Kyoto Work Jacket.

The Kyoto Work Jacket has become a UW. classic and a staple in our seasonal collections. A tie-front jacket with no collar could fool you into thinking only the brave could style this into their daily rig, but fear not, it's more wearable than you think.

Our Kyoto's for Spring/Summer are equally lightweight and informal, but you can stick them under a tailored jacket, or even a smart shirt if you're aiming for a more formal look. This season we've even introduced a short sleeved version, perfect for warmer excursions. 

U.W designer and co-founder David Keyte tells us how the jacket came to be an ever present UW classic.

"The Kyoto Work Jacket was inspired during the times I spent in Japan, and some of the old work jackets I found in the thrift and vintage stores there. Hard-wearing simple tie front garments which are practical but to a western eye look unusual, bringing to mind those judo lessons you tried to get out of as a school kid. I really liked the style and how you could wear it in multiple ways and wanted to make a UW version keeping its simplicity of shape and its functionality. A traditional style in Japan that could equally work in a contemporary setting, something very Universal Works I feel. It could be worn as a work jacket in the workshop with its tough fabrics and multiple pockets inside and out, it can be a cardigan at home or it can be an over-shirt with a simple tee. For me, it's a perfect combination of all three. We developed two versions for different fabrics and uses, the full wrap of the Kyoto Work Jacket and the more shallow fronted Tie-Front Jacket version."