“robe de chambre COMME des GARÇONS” 98AW-99 Boiled wool double-breasted jacket

“robe de chambre COMME des GARÇONS” 98AW-99 boiled wool double-breasted jacket

Among COMME des GARÇONS, a brand that since its founding in 1969 has continued to pursue new possibilities for clothing through original creations unconstrained by conventional notions, we would like to introduce a robe de chambre COMME des GARÇONS piece that brings Rei Kawakubo’s worldview and sense of beauty into everyday clothing. It harmonizes the rich expression of shrunk fabric with classic forms.

Luxuriously crafted using deep olive-brown wool, this piece features irregular unevenness and a gentle sense of wrinkling created by shrinking the fabric, forming a distinctive visual character. At the same time, the well-ordered double-breast composition lets classic refinement and an effortless beauty coexist—an exceptional piece.

First and foremost, the shrinkage process applied to a 100% wool fabric. The fine undulations created by contracting the fibers bring depth and a dimensional expression to the entire fabric, producing a soft, organic texture that differs from a typical smooth wool jacket.

And the natural shading that appears on the surface harmonizes beautifully with the calm brown tones. Because you can enjoy rich depth and variation depending on the way the light falls, the material itself exudes presence without any added decoration—resulting in an exceptionally tasteful finish.

At the neckline, there is a small, soft-edged collar. Unlike the sharp lapels often seen in typical tailored jackets, it gives a somewhat familiar, gentle impression while naturally enhancing the composed, well-structured double-breast form.

In addition, the front features six buttons in total—three on each side. The overlapping front panels create an appropriately three-dimensional feel, while the soft fabric character brought about by shrinkage adds a distinctive sense of lightness to the classic tailoring.

In particular, the contrast between regularly arranged dark buttons and the wool material with irregular texture is striking. By allowing a neat design and free material expression to coexist, it delivers a beauty that feels unmistakably in line with Rei Kawakubo—unbound by existing values.

Furthermore, pockets are set into the waist area to take advantage of the fabric’s texture. The natural volume created by shrinkage and the slightly distorted outline add a discreet variation to the overall design.

The sleeves are designed to be slightly longer, and the line that flows naturally from the body adds a relaxed mood. In addition, buttons are placed at the cuffs as well, creating a tailoring with cohesion even in the details. Since the inside features a 100% cupro lining, you can enjoy the soft character of the wool material while benefiting from smooth sleeve movement for comfortable wear.

It is estimated to be from the 1998 autumn–winter season. As the notation “AD1998” on the quality tag matches the pattern number structure corresponding to autumn–winter products of that time, this helps confirm the era.

Born in 1981, robe de chambre is a line through which Rei Kawakubo reflected her lifestyle and values. From a perspective different from avant-garde expression, it has found new appeal in everyday clothing.

Given its background, this design can be said to strongly reflect the brand’s sense of beauty that values both everyday wear and originality: it takes the finished form of traditional double-breasting and combines it with the irregular texture created through shrinkage.

This is a piece we would especially recommend for those who enjoy the quality of the materials and prefer a classic look with a hint of individuality, as well as for those who seek something that conveys the designer’s vision within a naturally relaxed silhouette that is not overly constructed.

For styling, you can enjoy a mannish look that highlights the character of the materials by pairing it with drapey wide slacks and leather shoes; alternatively, combining it with a long skirt or a shirt creates an outfit that feels softly elegant—also a wonderful choice.

This is a piece you will want to cherish for years to come, offering both an effortless beauty that complements daily life and an original material expression unique to the archive.

We would like to invite you to take advantage of this opportunity.