Hasta La Ideas

Functional simplicity and clever detailing from a modest Japanese designer

Founded in 2002 with a focus on the symbiotic relationship between our environment and style, Japan’s Yaeca makes supremely simple and highly functional garments accented by cleverly subtle details. We recently came across one of the latest urban outerwear designs called the Ergonomic jacket, a mid-weight top layer featuring an internal carrying sling. This simple strap allows the wearer to drape the jacket on the back and out of the way when they’re not wearing it.

Further playing to the jacket’s name, the off-center main zipper keeps the chin covered and catch free. The woven, water-repellant fabric of the body has a slight elasticity to it for a comfortable fit that won’t restrict movement, and the main chest, shoulders and upper arms are paneled with an extra layer of waterproof nylon for added weather protection.

Although hard to find, the elusive Yaeca Ergonomic hooded jacket is indeed out there. Find it online through Japan’s Eureka where it sells for ¥35,280 yen—or roughly $460.