Haramaki! A granny item made fashionable

15 Jan 2007 Category: Fashion, Features, Japan, Products, Recommended, Top Page 10

Haramaki! A granny item made fashionable

Know what these pink accessories are?
Stylish and super cosy 'belly warmers' from Hobonichi.

Winter is here! At this time of the year your heart and body will certainly cry out for some extra comfort. Already wearing all that’s to be found in your closet but still longing for more cosy warmth? Here is our solution: START WEARING BELLY WARMERS! Belly warmers? What is that supposed to be? Read on and find out how people dress this winter in Tokyo and get to know the true story of how Itoi Shigesato turned a piece of granny underwear into a fashionable must-have accessory!

Written by Uleshka

Once you realized what we are actually talking about, you probably have quite a bad, oldfashioned image in your head! Yes, Japanese style ‘haramaki’ - freely translated as ‘belly warmers’ - are these highly useful items which are either worn in case of illness (stomach ache, kidney pain, problems with your abdominal joints, diarrhea…) or in case of total indifference towards dress ethics (on weekends in Musashi-Kosugi tired Salaryman like to go cigarette shopping entirely wrapped in beige underwear with a nice white ‘belly warmer’ on top).

Altogether this original item does NOT have a very sexy image!


This is probably what you had in mind when you heard the words “health” and “body warming”, right?

…and this is what it SHOULD be like! Spice up your outfit with ‘belly warmers’ in all colors and still enjoy this warm and fuzzy feeling.

But that was yesterday!!! And today all I can say is: I love them! I love them! I love them!
EVERYBODY I know who has seen me wearing one, wants one, too!

And why? Because Hobonichi (the we-write-and-produce-everything-that-we-think-is-good-company - which earns my highest respect here in Japan, by the way) has found a way to transform this old-fashioned health thingy into a super desirable fashion item!

‘haramaki’ from this season’s collection. Hobonichi ‘haramaki’ are only sold twice a year (summer or winter collection) so every season’s designs are limited pieces. Get them while you can!!!

‘haramaki’ fun in Shimokitazawa with a blanket - both from Hobonichi

Yes, there are other ‘haramaki’ out there already: Flimsy cutesy ones, which never stay in the right spot. But the ones from Hobonichi are soft, warm, stretchy and juicy! I certainly can’t leave the house without them! Read on why and how Itoi-san got into them and produced this clothing line.

Here is Itoi-san’s story:
Despite the truly uncool reputation of the Haramaki, multi-creator Itoi Shigesato kept wearing one in secret everyday. At that time, it was certainly not for the look of it, but purely for comfort and health reasons. When wearing a ‘haramaki’, you boost your whole blood circulation by warming the entire waist area, which results in: belly warm - body warm!

What happened then? Still super afraid that anyone could notice that Itoi-san himself was wearing something as up-to-date as granny’s knickers, Itoi Shigesato reacted fast when he got an email from a knitting company in Niigata saying: “Wouldn’t it be nice if we could do something together at some point?” A bright light bulb appeared above his head: “I KNOW WHAT I’LL DO! I’LL MAKE COOL HARAMAKI!!!”

And he did!

See? Fig.01 - bad blood circulation and way too many cold spots throughout the body on the left, slightly improving with a summer blanket in fig.02; getting warmer but still with cold spots remaining especially on the belly on fig.03; using a winter blanket and finally looking all cosy with a truly warm belly boosting the entire blood circulation on the last picture wearing a ‘haramaki’ in fig.04

Itoi’s company runs the huge access website Hobonichi and they wrote emails to a lot of people asking if they would want a ‘belly warmer’ in case they were to produce any. But - in the middle of the survey Itoi actually decided: “No matter what! I’m gonna make them anyway!”

Today they have their 11th collection selling about 15 000 ‘haramaki’ each season.

‘haramaki’ rope coming out of the knitting machine iin their factory in Niigata

Yeah! More variation! These ‘haramaki’ and matching blanket were designed by Yukiko Harada.

But how could Hobonichi be so sure it would be a success to produce ‘belly warmers’? And what is so special about them anyway? Here are a couple of good reasons why you should give ‘haramaki’ a try:

  • Boost your bad blood circulation you certainly have from sitting in front of this screen all day ;-) Become fit by looking good!

  • Since it really warms your whole body, you can wear less in general and don’t have to bury yourself with layers of layers of winter clothes. Besides, a ‘haramaki’ is really small, so you can easily store it in your bag and use it in case you get a little cold later on. It really makes a big difference!

  • If you have a cold and weak stomach it does wonders (men think digestion, women think about those painful days each month, party-goers think poor kidneys, and in winter time: Think of flu!)

  • Many people wear it also when they sleep since it generally comforts you and calms your body down. (So wear one the night before your next big client presentation!)

  • As it was already mentioned in the comments of our maternity design article, ‘belly warmers’ are simply the best during pregnancy!

  • When I showed mine at my yoga-class everybody screamed: I want one!

  • Protect yourself from air-conditioning issues! Perfect on board of any airplane (which is maybe why the Hobonichi ‘haramaki’ line is called ‘Hobonichi Airline’) or during summer days when the air-conditioning attacks your body! The strong cold draft certainly makes your body struggle which causes a lot of difficulty for the blood circulation. Many people develop cold kidneys but your ‘haramaki’ helps you to store the heat in the right place.

  • But apart from all these great reasons for wearing ‘haramaki’ THEY SIMPLY LOOK DEAD COOL and act as the hot accessory to spice up your outfit this winter (if not throughout the year)!

There are two different materials used for ‘haramaki’. FUWATTO NOBIRU” (pink haramaki on the left) has a soft touch and is particularly nice to store the warmth between your skin and the ‘belly warmer’. (cotton: 96% polyurethane: 4％). The material on the right is called ‘NOBI NOBI TAORIN’ and allows the air to get through to maintain a dry warmth. (cotton: 97% polyurethane: 3％) Machine wash for both materials. They stretch back to their original size after washing.

PingMag talked to the ladies working at Hobonichi: Every single one of them is wearing ‘haramaki’ throughout the year (and Itoi-san himself, too, of course. He usually goes for the checkered ones!). Matsumoto-san on the far left even treasures a collection of over 40 different ones! There is certainly something to match her outfit every day!

Now you know why people wear them over here (and probably secretly in other parts of the world where there aren’t such nice ‘belly warmers’ yet!).

I feel a bit like a “Haramaki ambassador” to be honest! I’ve simply never experienced any piece of clothing that suited my way of dressing so well and made me feel all gooooood and comfy! Besides - the reactions I get simply speak for themselves: Everybody wants one! Probably because people have worn ‘belly warmers’ at one point in their lives and subconsciously remember how nice and warm that felt but never dared to wear one ‘in public’… or so… Now that they found one that is so well designed, they simply can’t resist!

So warm! PingMag-girls wearing “Today’s Haramaki”.

Every season ‘haramaki’ are designed partly by Hobonichi designers and partly by people they pick. This year’s inhouse designer Rumiko Nango designed a small range called “HOBONICHI WARMERS” for the winter collection.

Illustrator and graphic designer Yukiko Harada designed a cute set of ‘haramaki’ with matching blankets. The most unusual person Hobonichi picked for this year’s winter collection is probably a Marimba player and an essayist Mutsumi Tsuusaki from Kyoto. Her way of wearing vintage kimono (a special kind called MEISEN) got a lot of attention in the Japanese press recently, not only her excellent Kimono collection but in particular her life style in Kyoto.


Mutsumi Tsuusaki at home with her vintage kimono collection

Tsuusaki’s old ‘Meisen’ style kimono: This pattern was used for her ‘Marimba’ haramaki.

Marimba ‘haramaki’ for men and women

…and many more to choose from!

If you paid attention, you probably figured out that all ‘haramaki’ are seasonal, which means that they sell them twice a year - and you can’t get any of all the lovely old designs once the sale has finished.

The only huge bummer is that they only have a Japanese website! - and although they tried their best, they couldn’t find a way for PingMag readers to create an English online shopping system in time. If you really like one, please let them know in the comments and I promise that PingMag will help Hobonicihi to have an English shopping version up and ready for you for the next collection!!!

I am truly sorry for making your mouth watery but… I thought the world needed to know!


haramaki from “checkered line”

with matching blanket

…and an idea of how to wear it!

I am truly greatful that this fantastic product is out and available!!! (English readers - please be slightly patient and claim your rights in the comments! I-CAN-read-Japanese readers, try to click on the top banner of this site. The sale starts from the 18th!!!) Thank you, Hobonichi! I am your biggest fan!

VERY IMPORTANT INFO!: 2008 Winter series are now on sale! Click HERE to see the latest collection!

164 Comments

  1. This is such a great piece of clothing - who wouldn’t want one? Export them, you have awakened a sleeping Tiger!!
    Pingmag you are so cool!

    Posted by: Ian Harris on January 15th, 2007 at 10:54 pm

  2. Can haramaki protect my tummy from harmful laptop radiation too?

    Posted by: Momus on January 15th, 2007 at 11:02 pm

  3. you should for sure do that, i would buy it!.. if it was a reasonable price. but yeah translate it or do something!!!

    Posted by: victor mota on January 15th, 2007 at 11:31 pm

  4. [...] Tokios Designer machen es uns mal wieder vor und präsentieren ein neues Must-have-Accessoire. Die neuen Belly-Warmers sollen in Zukunft gegen Nierenbeckenentzündungen schützen und dabei noch absolut stylisch ausschauen. Die Firma namens Hobonichi, die sich offiziell mit dem Slogan “Wir-schreiben-und-produzieren-alles-was-wir-als-gut-empfinden” vorstellt, hat mit den Bauchwärmern ein heißbegehrtes In-Produkt entwickelt. Stellt sich die Frage, ob der Bauchwärmer auch trotz der ausbleibenden Minustemperaturen in den deutschen Fußgängerzonen zum Vorschein kommt. Wir sind auf jeden Fall begeistert. Zuerst gesehen bei Pingmag. Trackback URL [...]

    Posted by: trndblog » Blog Archive » Endlich Schluss mit Nabelfrei. on January 16th, 2007 at 12:28 am

  5. We want these in chicago! Plenty of stores here would like to distribute this.

    Posted by: roeleveld on January 16th, 2007 at 12:48 am

  6. yes, please translate so we can catch the sensation too ;)

    Posted by: wof on January 16th, 2007 at 1:04 am

  7. oh I want one too! it gets really cold here in the UK, please set up an english site before it’s too late.

    Posted by: Mitra on January 16th, 2007 at 2:04 am

  8. Ohhh my goodness, I would love to have something like this. As somebody who loves to ride their bike, it’s hard to stay warm but not sweaty under a bunch of layers. Core warmth is the key! Bike kids would love things like this!

    Posted by: number18 on January 16th, 2007 at 3:50 am

  9. Speaking as a Chicago bike person - I would like one of these!

    Posted by: Markle on January 16th, 2007 at 5:42 am

  10. i don’t want one….I NEED ONE!!! i can’t wait until the site is in english and i can get my belly in one.

    Posted by: Charlotte on January 16th, 2007 at 6:35 am

  11. I want one, even if it’s blazing hot here in the philippines.

    Posted by: aaron on January 16th, 2007 at 9:12 am

  12. The winter in Vancouver has been dreadfully cold! Export them here and they will sell like Hotcakes!!

    thanks-

    Posted by: ron on January 16th, 2007 at 9:42 am

  13. Oh man, those look awesome!
    I read the entire article hoping to find a link to buy some. Please find a way of (cheaply) selling some to us North Americans!

    Posted by: MrMeowMeow on January 16th, 2007 at 9:47 am

  14. I would definitley were one here in Ecuador. believe it or not, were are at the center of the world, but in winter, it get’s freakin’ cold! Specially in the highlands. Make the designs more manly! And I hope your online shop can send to us here in Ecuador!

    Posted by: Francisco on January 16th, 2007 at 10:05 am

  15. I would KILL to be able to get these! I used to make my own out of worn out sweaters, but they weren’t half as cute as these!

    Posted by: Specklet on January 16th, 2007 at 10:09 am

  16. quiero unos!!! they’re so cute!

    Posted by: danny on January 16th, 2007 at 12:47 pm

  17. juchuuu!!! i got some already!!!
    yeah! warm and funky!

    Posted by: ill p.e. on January 16th, 2007 at 3:06 pm

  18. i want one, too! :)

    Posted by: aptlifela on January 16th, 2007 at 3:57 pm

  19. OMG, it’s the perfect solution to that annoying gap between your shirt and your low-waisted jeans!

    Posted by: JK on January 16th, 2007 at 4:49 pm

  20. Aaaaaaah! Thanks! THAT is what I should have written… I kept looking for that sentence until I read your comment! Thank you very much!

    Posted by: Uleshka on January 16th, 2007 at 5:07 pm

  21. i will got one for myself~

    Posted by: x-noise on January 16th, 2007 at 5:16 pm

  22. i want one too, but i am in hongkong…..
    it’s reli cool

    add one more benefit:
    - good for mix and match

    Posted by: ray chan on January 16th, 2007 at 6:05 pm

  23. [...] PingMag - The Tokyo-based magazine about “Design and Making Things” » Archive » Haramaki! A granny item made fashionable “Winter is here! At this time of the year your heart and body will certainly cry out for some extra comfort. Already wearing all that’s to be found in your closet but still longing for more cosy warmth? Here is our solution: START WEARING BELLY WARMERS! (tags: Japan bellywarmers fashion) [...]

    Posted by: Heraclitean Fire » Links on January 16th, 2007 at 8:19 pm

  24. i don’t see any way i can purchase them from their website - is my japanese that bad??

    Posted by: pamelabo on January 16th, 2007 at 11:41 pm

  25. I LOOoooVEEE PINGMAG.jp!!!!!!

    Posted by: randy on January 17th, 2007 at 1:03 am

  26. i also can’t seem to find the purchase function on their website … can you even order it online? btw. i need one … like now!

    Posted by: jwang on January 17th, 2007 at 2:11 am

  27. [...] Reader submissions are a beautiful thing. I thank reader JP from blogUT.ca for this little fashion nugget from Japan, Haramaki. Haramaki translates to belly warmer. Traditionally used for abdominal health purposes they are quickly becoming a fashion trend. After my initial WTF reaction to the Haramaki, I’m starting to really like them. The prints are great and they are perfect for layering. I love the look in the picture posted above and that is what sold me on the Haramaki. Pingmag.jp has more pictures of Haramaki style that you should check out. [...]

    Posted by: Haramaki, get your bellywarmers on January 17th, 2007 at 9:13 am

  28. Am I the only skeptic? This sounds like a sales brochure, not a review or article! Anyway, we Americans don’t need this, because we have a lot of fat around the middle to keep us warm :)

    Posted by: Anonymous on January 17th, 2007 at 10:36 am

  29. Yummiyummiyummi, would be nice having one of them around my - fat - tummy ;)-EO=]
    What a pity, Uleshka didn´t show us her initial Haramaki, which started it all off!
    By the way: Sorry, but what does “ERR” mean?

    Posted by: bruno"suppe"winter on January 17th, 2007 at 12:48 pm

  30. Oh, I just found her!
    Greetings from my cold german tummy!

    Posted by: bruno"suppe"winter on January 17th, 2007 at 12:53 pm

  31. My tummy needs protection from the cold as well. Please put up an English site before it becomes fat. Hehe, thank you!

    Posted by: Anonymous on January 17th, 2007 at 1:10 pm

  32. oh my lordie……. i want one bad!! there is a huge shortage of tummy warmers in australia…

    Posted by: adam on January 17th, 2007 at 1:20 pm

  33. Wonderful Designs , wonderful Clothings . I like all patterns,colors and also The Haramaki.

    Posted by: Kolahstudio on January 17th, 2007 at 1:22 pm

  34. that weird person who posted with “ERR o” attach a very bad link in his nickname, pingmag should get rid of this kind of post-er, I saw that kind of poster that gave a very bad link in some articles comments.

    Posted by: Totoro on January 17th, 2007 at 1:31 pm

  35. Ah!
    Here is some feedback on your comments!

    1. POOR I-CAN-read-Japanese-too readers: there is more info on the Japanese version of this article, so I figured, that this extra info wasn’t needed on the English version. Thanks for correcting me! Try to click on the top banner of this site here: http://www.1101.com/store/haramaki/. The sale starts from the 18th!!! (…and I agree that the webdesign COULD have been made a bit more intuitive - like a big red button that says BUY or something …)

    2. I also totally understand if this article looks a bit like advertising for Hobonichi. The truth is though, that I SIMPLY LOVE THIS PRODUCT and like writing about your favorite band with info for concert tickets and CDs this is simply writing about my favorite piece of clothing which saves my life in this drafty paper-house-country!

    3. will delete annoying ERR comments in a bit

    4. not ALL Americans have fat bellies ;-)

    Posted by: Uleshka on January 17th, 2007 at 3:07 pm

  36. I was just thinking while walking to class today how nice it would be to have something that would warm my belly. I hate it when air gets under my coat making my body temperature feel uneven….Chicago is starting to get a bit nippy, too.

    Posted by: karbonated on January 17th, 2007 at 3:55 pm

  37. This belly warmers’ is just fantastic to look at, and I’m sure to wear!
    I wish I could get some, for me and my friends here in Denmark, where it’s rely cold right now.

    Posted by: Merete on January 17th, 2007 at 10:01 pm

  38. me want one too!

    Posted by: solveig on January 17th, 2007 at 11:28 pm

  39. beautiful. love the vintage kimono design especially. it’s cold in Toronto right now. how soon can I order one?

    Posted by: sookie on January 18th, 2007 at 6:12 am

  40. I want one too!!!!!! :D

    Posted by: Alice on January 18th, 2007 at 10:22 am

  41. My cousin is in Japan right now. If they aren’t availabe to order online yet, where can she pick one up for me?

    Posted by: Robyn on January 18th, 2007 at 11:42 am

  42. omg ordering was crazy! i managed to squeeze out my order, though. anyone else have trouble?

    Posted by: pamelabo on January 18th, 2007 at 12:03 pm

  43. Are the Haramaki compatible with skateboarding-couture? I almost caught a cold (tummy) yesterday because of the wind coming underneath the baggy clothes. Perhaps Itoi could cooperate with Ninja Skateboards to launch some promodel-haramaki?

    Posted by: bruno"suppe"winter on January 19th, 2007 at 4:12 am

  44. すごい。yea… we definitely could use this product here in america. especially with the recent ice storms.

    Posted by: Brook on January 19th, 2007 at 8:19 am

  45. Definitely we all want to buy one of them!
    Please people at Hobonichi, let us non-japanese-speaking-people come into the future, too.

    Posted by: Simone Sbarbati on January 19th, 2007 at 10:14 am

  46. [...] La cosa triste è che il sito dove acquistarla è soltanto in giapponese e quindi vi invito tutti, ma proprio tutti (anzi, chiamate pure amici, parenti e ovviamente la nonna) ad andare sul sito di Ping Mag, dove ho scovato la notizia, e lasciare il proprio commento implorando la Hobonichi a creare una versione in inglese del sito. Se siamo in tanti, magari si convincono ad esportarla anche in questo povero, vecchio, infreddolito emisfero occidentale! [...]

    Posted by: Frizzifrizzi.it » Non ci crederete eppure eccole qui: panciere fashion!!! on January 19th, 2007 at 10:24 am

  47. Holy crap I want one so much! It’s been such a cold winter in Seattle!

    Posted by: Graham on January 19th, 2007 at 11:09 am

  48. WOW! I can’t believe it! I just got a mail from Nango Rumiko-san and THEY LAUNCHED AN ENGLISH SHOPPING VERSION JUST FOR US!!! (for those adventurous ones of us… ;-)

    http://www.1101.com/store/haramaki/w_hobonichiair/notice/english.html

    however…. the downside is that the Japanese were SO fast in buying that there are only blankets left…. sooorry! BUT: THANK YOU SO MUCH, HOBONICHI!!!

    Posted by: Uleshka on January 19th, 2007 at 1:02 pm

  49. I totally want one.

    Posted by: MD on January 24th, 2007 at 3:23 pm

  50. [...] Haramaki! A granny item made fashionable 15 Jan 2007 [...]

    Posted by: H-ART Pink Maniacs » Essential Graphic Design Literature on January 25th, 2007 at 12:57 am

  51. [...] Haramaki! A granny item made fashionable 15 Jan 2007 [...]

    Posted by: H-ART Pink Maniacs » Essential Graphic Design Literature on January 25th, 2007 at 12:57 am

  52. I want one of those cute haramaki’s so bad! I’m half Japanese and I have a few haramaki’s but they’re so old-fashioned and even the one’s that are kind of cute are so flimsy and not good at all! Pleeeease do something about the website so that we in America can buy them!

    Posted by: Haramakiphiliac on January 29th, 2007 at 10:36 am

  53. please please PLEASE translate their site! our cold tummies here in america would appreciate it!

    Posted by: paris on January 31st, 2007 at 6:22 am

  54. Thanks for the good info!It was really helpful. I feel like wearing Haramaki again.

    Posted by: Yoona on January 31st, 2007 at 5:51 pm

  55. Omigosh! They look so snuggly! My belly is calling out for a Haramaki now, so please translate!!!

    Posted by: Heidi on February 1st, 2007 at 10:57 am

  56. [...] For instance…. grannies in Japan wear bellywarmers called Haramaki, which are very very drek. Redesigned by copywriting polymath shigesato-itoi, the bowel bandages are going to take over cold bits of the world. [...]

    Posted by: Barista » Blog Archive » ping.. a mag on February 3rd, 2007 at 8:58 pm

  57. I live in a dorm and my heater is kind of half-broken.. .. ie.. ITS COLD!

    Posted by: Andrea on February 6th, 2007 at 12:42 pm

  58. I hope that by next year all these deserving cold bellies will be able to benefit from the combination of fashion and warmth! I WANT ONE SO BAD!!!

    Posted by: Leah on February 8th, 2007 at 11:31 am

  59. Im in the middle of a cold Canadian winter and would love love love one of those adorable babies!!

    Posted by: REMcRae on February 10th, 2007 at 1:24 am

  60. Way interested, let us know when we can buy it on the website.

    Posted by: Jerushah on February 11th, 2007 at 3:50 am

  61. Wow! Even if we can’t buy them, maybe someone has the mesurements/type of materials used so people could knit their own! (I need a new project, anyhow :3 )

    Posted by: gizmogal on February 11th, 2007 at 6:23 am

  62. Hobonichi,PLEASE,we want them in England NOW !!!

    Posted by: coldbelly on February 13th, 2007 at 7:21 pm

  63. Gosh I need me one of those pronto!! The weather gest SO cold here in Ottawa, Canada (as in -20 to -40°C with windchill in the winter) and I am always frigging freezing, even with billions of layers. This looks so good for a constantly chilly person like me, plus they’re way cute!

    And yes, I think these would really sell fast in the North!

    Posted by: The Machine on February 17th, 2007 at 12:07 am

  64. Cold, cold Iowa City, Iowa, wants a warm, warm belly!

    Posted by: Kristin on March 1st, 2007 at 8:48 am

  65. HFS! These are so freaking cool! I wish Brisbane was cold so we could wear them!!!

    Posted by: Casey on March 9th, 2007 at 8:34 am

  66. I don’t get it- it’s a tube of fabric. If you want one, measure yourself, get some stretch-knit fabric, sew a seam, and wear it. I don’t get it!! Why are people seriously thinking they can’t have one of these??? I could make one in 15 minutes!!

    Posted by: Caya on March 20th, 2007 at 9:53 am

  67. Oh my gosh… I really really want a few of these, they are so cute! =D

    Posted by: Katrina on March 20th, 2007 at 10:24 am

  68. wheeeen can weee get them…..

    awww england sucks, japan doesnt. but we already knew this//

    .<

    anyone got one yet??

    =D

    Posted by: helen -_-' on March 20th, 2007 at 11:02 am

  69. I just DID make myself one. I’m toasty, too. Come on, people- don’t be mindless sheep, pining away for one of these- just MAKE it-

    Posted by: Anonymous on March 20th, 2007 at 11:16 am

  70. I would love one and maybe a pattern. They’re just tubes, but there’s got to be some allowance for hips and such. I’m not great at sewing…

    Posted by: Tadiera on March 20th, 2007 at 2:21 pm

  71. [...] Japanese Grannies? Knit Belly Warmers Speaking of grannies, here’s the Japanese version gone hip again as these belly warmers take to the Tokyo streets according to Ping mag. It looks like a great easy to make fashion statement that you can knit up in no time. [ via ] Link. [...]

    Posted by: The Point NYC - Home on March 20th, 2007 at 7:12 pm

  72. [...] size of your tummy..! Of course it would be easier to estimate for a skinny straight up-and-down Japanese model than for a regular curvy lady. I decided to make mine 30″ around (without giving too much [...]

    Posted by: Craftybits @ PlanetJune.com » haramaki (tummy warmer) tutorial on March 22nd, 2007 at 10:56 am

  73. [...] Haramaki! A granny item made fashionable [...]

    Posted by: Freeform Fridays « enthusiastically human on March 24th, 2007 at 8:35 am

  74. [...] sent over this link to Ping Magazine’s article about Japanese belly warmers. Apparently these are some sort of old fashioned granny panties re-thunk by a Japanese designer and [...]

    Posted by: Stuff-ing - Belly warmers on April 5th, 2007 at 12:45 am

  75. [...] the cutest? Pingmag, which looks like an interesting site, brought these to my attention via an article touting the function and fashion of haramaki. A while ago a friend of mine mentioned that back in [...]

    Posted by: Haramaki! « lifelab on April 5th, 2007 at 12:35 pm

  76. i really want to buy some of these! please put up a site in english! they are so awesome and would warm my tummy on the cold cold days in nyc.

    Posted by: nicool on April 6th, 2007 at 9:57 am

  77. i think that this would make my happily fat belly even happier.

    Posted by: puck on April 8th, 2007 at 8:53 pm

  78. PLEASE - export them to Germany! I was wearing one of these unsexy angora peaces this winter. I would by three of those Harakami warmers right away - if I only could read this funny little signs on teir homepage….

    Posted by: libellinchen on April 10th, 2007 at 4:06 am

  79. I want one, I want one!
    I’m always cold and I’m not good at sewing and I don’t speak Japanese!

    Please beg them to open an English site…

    Posted by: Elena Lombardi on April 17th, 2007 at 8:11 pm

  80. Oh my. These are wonderful, and I want one. Or two. Or twelve.

    Posted by: Ashlea on April 18th, 2007 at 8:46 am

  81. where can i get one? XD

    Posted by: nororu on May 2nd, 2007 at 7:06 am

  82. I want these something fierce. I’ve taken to tying scarves around my stomach but they come undone and they’re too narrow.

    Posted by: Phoebe on May 5th, 2007 at 2:17 pm

  83. AND I CAN’T READ JAPANESE.
    Please!
    Thank You!

    Posted by: Phoebe on May 5th, 2007 at 2:18 pm

  84. Any idea when these will go on sale? I really would like to find out how to get one.

    Posted by: amtricia on May 6th, 2007 at 4:22 am

  85. i want one of those!
    how can i buy them?

    Posted by: flavia on May 25th, 2007 at 2:16 am

  86. Since high school I’ve been wearing tube tops this way under midrift tops, or somethimes over blouses, and now I feel a bit like, “wow, I predicted something the Japanese will think is cool someday.” Yes, I know, I am a dork. And this inspiring me to make some more (until I can read kanji a little better >_<)

    Posted by: IchaIchaAlanna on May 25th, 2007 at 11:42 pm

  87. It’s on sale now! I just bought myself 6 haramaki. That should last me till the next sale

    Posted by: maggie on May 30th, 2007 at 4:44 pm

  88. [...] the freezer section would put me into a foul mood. I’m dying to make a knitted version of the haramaki. It’s perfect for someone like [...]

    Posted by: Been Tagged on June 11th, 2007 at 12:05 am

  89. [...] bidang saat ini menjadi sumber inspirasi dan perhatian belahan dunia lain. Misalnya saja, ”haramaki” semacam “stagen” (pelilit perut) kalo di Jawa itu pun diperkenalkan massal [...]

    Posted by: Fashion Check, Onegaishimasu! « A SUNNY DAY on June 11th, 2007 at 3:34 pm

  90. Perfect!!
    Does the english site already exist?!
    Im going Tokyo this year and i’ll love to have one, in fact, i’ll need one for sure..
    it’s really a great idea..

    Posted by: bi. on July 13th, 2007 at 1:51 pm

  91. They’re sold out of them on the websie!!

    Does anyone know a way I can get them in Canada.

    Posted by: Jacqueline on July 25th, 2007 at 10:19 am

  92. Please please please set up an english site. I am from Chicago and it gets knives-cutting-at-my-face-bone-chilling-cold here! There are never enough layers to put on and even if we have enough we end up looking like multi-colored marshmallows rolling around in the streets. I think this product would be perfect for chicago, so please make an English site so I can be the first chicagoan to sport these awesome things!

    Posted by: Tina on July 30th, 2007 at 2:09 am

  93. Must have it - I love that its 95% cotton -can’t stand the feel of synthetics or wool on my skin.

    Posted by: Dequa on September 13th, 2007 at 2:51 am

  94. In no way uncool. Watch the 1970s yakuza films that Taratino learned so much from, all the tough guys are wearing them.

    Posted by: rule on September 29th, 2007 at 8:38 am

  95. those would also be great for wearing underneath short-ish shirts and over pants, so that i can prevent the embarrassment of having the kids i work with say “aaa, sensei, your back/stomach is showing!”
    x___x

    Posted by: nyankorita on October 1st, 2007 at 8:20 pm

  96. I would LOVE one of those!

    Posted by: Jenny on October 2nd, 2007 at 4:47 am

  97. ..oh and get an English website!! I’d get several!

    Posted by: Jenny on October 2nd, 2007 at 6:10 am

  98. Oh how my bloated American beer belly call out for one!

    Posted by: Big Dave on October 16th, 2007 at 10:37 am

  99. [...] maglioni e camicie che li coprano per bene. Se poi siete fashion victim potete sempre seguire l’ultima moda giapponese per le panciere ;-) PUBBLICITÀ PUBBLICITÀ postato da petula il martedì 16 [...]

    Posted by: Arriva il freddo: tenete al caldo i reni on October 16th, 2007 at 5:51 pm

  100. I loved the idea second I saw it, got a sweater from the thrift store, cut the bottom off and hemmed. Perfecto, my own haramaki, making more for christmas now. LOVE IT!

    Posted by: Inki on October 21st, 2007 at 12:42 am

  101. I really really want one!!! Especially now it’s getting cold… Went to the Japanese webbie but they don’t have the cool designs shown here on PingMag. Please set up an english website! I’d buy a few!! Great Christmas pressies too!

    Posted by: shimamoto on October 22nd, 2007 at 5:22 am

  102. Please please please get an english version up. Knitting my own will take to long…

    Posted by: reesa on October 24th, 2007 at 12:34 pm

  103. check out more info on Hobonichi designer … en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hobonichi

    Posted by: Dubai - Website development on October 30th, 2007 at 5:49 pm

  104. I need it!!! absolutely!!! please make it available also in Italy

    Posted by: Micol on November 18th, 2007 at 5:48 am

  105. I need it!!! absolutely!!! I always have to wear like a sherpa to avoid stomach-ace…. please make it available also in Italy

    Posted by: Micol on November 18th, 2007 at 5:51 am

  106. I am looking to buy haramaki and have been using and old cashmear neck scarf wrapped around my middle but it keeps falling off and embarrassing me. Help!!!!!!!!!!!

    Posted by: carol on November 25th, 2007 at 9:46 am

  107. I’d really love to get one of these for my girlfriend. I’ve found the belly warmers on their website, but it looks like they’re sold out since i can’t enter any number of items i want.

    Anyone who can confirm this?

    Posted by: Emmanuel on December 17th, 2007 at 8:35 pm

  108. Please, is there an English site that is more understandable than this one?

    http://www.1101.com/store/haramaki/w_hobonichiair/notice/english.html

    I’m sort of accustomed to figuring out Japanese translations, but this leaves me at a loss. Please, friends, take pity on your English-speaking readers!

    Posted by: MeezieMom on December 20th, 2007 at 12:37 pm

  109. wow, these are great…

    I’ll sure pick some up my next trip to japan.

    Posted by: replica watch-man on January 19th, 2008 at 11:03 pm

  110. I want one, hurry with the English translated site, its winter in Ireland and my tummy needs warming!

    Posted by: Sharon on February 14th, 2008 at 8:42 pm

  111. [...] Haramaki! A granny item made fashionable » Filed under My media (sideblog archive) by andrea at 8:45. » Share This back to top [...]

    Posted by: a peek inside the fish bowl on February 28th, 2008 at 10:45 pm

  112. Bring on the English web site because, dang it, I want one!

    Posted by: Never teh Bride on February 29th, 2008 at 1:16 am

  113. I want one! Please make it happen Haramaki Fairy. I live in England and it’s cold here

    Britain NEEDS Haramaki!

    Posted by: Monica on February 29th, 2008 at 4:15 am

  114. Please open an English site! Haramaki are amazing!

    Posted by: Niyse on February 29th, 2008 at 7:57 am

  115. I want ooooooooone (in California)

    Posted by: Traci on February 29th, 2008 at 8:50 am

  116. New is well forgotten old .. The same applies to fashion

    Posted by: tundra on February 29th, 2008 at 5:59 pm

  117. I talk about your article in my blog.
    Spanish people will know about haramaki too!

    Posted by: christopherboone on February 29th, 2008 at 11:09 pm

  118. [...] 29, 2008 por Christopher Boone No deja de hacerme gracia pensar que esta posible tendencia que viene de Japón, se la vi a mi Lore hace ya unos añitos. Si es que tiene un ojo la tía para [...]

    Posted by: El Haramaki: tradición hecha moda « El último que cierre la puerta on February 29th, 2008 at 11:11 pm

  119. [...] Japan haramaki were originally worn as part of samurai armor to protect the stomach and kidneys. They have evolved [...]

    Posted by: news.healthsciencenews.info » Blog Archive » If you take diabetes seriously and manage the types of foods and timing of meals and snacks as well on March 2nd, 2008 at 7:33 am

  120. Yes please! I’d love one!

    Posted by: Sara on March 2nd, 2008 at 9:40 pm

  121. Dang…don’t they have food in Japan? They all look like they’re anorexic.

    Posted by: Ignatz Horowitz on March 3rd, 2008 at 12:38 pm

  122. [...] Japan haramaki were originally worn as part of samurai armor to protect the stomach and kidneys. They have evolved [...]

    Posted by: Health For Life » Blog Archive » The exhilarating and stimulating influence of alcohol and narcotics such as opiates or hashish upon on March 4th, 2008 at 3:10 pm

  123. [...] Japan haramaki were originally worn as part of samurai armor to protect the stomach and kidneys. They have evolved [...]

    Posted by: Health For Lifetime » Blog Archive » This catching a cold through being exposed to a cold draft, through wet clothing, etc on March 4th, 2008 at 9:17 pm

  124. .
    ..

    …

    I want a “NATURAL HARAMAKI” for me…

    I am…an italian male…[*******]…

    …
    ..
    .

    Posted by: Anonymous on March 9th, 2008 at 11:32 am

  125. http://404.jodi.org/bcd/

    Posted by: Anonymous on March 9th, 2008 at 11:47 am

  126. This is so cool! I hate wearing heavy layers in the winter, it always makes me feel irritated when I walk everywhere and start getting damp on the inside. I would so love a few of these!

    Posted by: Aska on March 22nd, 2008 at 7:51 am

  127. All I Wanna say is…I want one!!! It’sjust to cool to be true! ^^ hehe

    Posted by: enrica on March 28th, 2008 at 4:00 pm

  128. [...] of japan, the japanese are always so fashion forward. maybe i should knit a haramaki, which is basically a “belly warmer”. i’m not sure when or if my belly gets cold, [...]

    Posted by: lots o’ knitting links (stolen from blog.craftzine.com) « Lists Ahoy! on April 17th, 2008 at 7:14 am

  129. If I made replicas of these would anyone buy them from me? I’m in the US, but of course would ship everywhere, I just want an honest opinion to get an idea of the demand… I’d use the same materials and everything….

    Posted by: knittygritty on May 21st, 2008 at 3:47 pm

  130. Thank you very much for your continued interest in our Haramaki!
    We have launched an English page - check out this site!
    http://www.1101.com/store/haramaki/nonbilly/english/index.html
    If you have any problems, please let us know at store@1101.com

    Posted by: Hobonichi Staff on June 5th, 2008 at 11:42 am

  131. Please please start to sell somewhere in English. A friend of mine wore one of these for years and I was so jealous. I’ll be forced to knit my own, but they won’t be as stylish as these.

    Posted by: Courtney on July 1st, 2008 at 3:14 am

  132. FAO knittygritty

    I’ve just bought 3 haramaki from the Hobonichi site - stayed up till 3am to be able to buy it when the sale started at 11am Japan time. But if haramaki were available around the same prices or cheaper, I would order some if you were to make them. I actually prefer the old patterns/designs as seen in the pictures above which are sadly limited edition. I don’t know if you were thinking of making anything so detailed but it would be amazing if you did.

    Posted by: shimamoto on August 1st, 2008 at 12:04 pm

  133. recently bought some of these and is very happy :)

    Posted by: pixy on August 26th, 2008 at 12:35 am

  134. Haramaki looks great and Norway is cold during winter:D I think I’ll knit one for myself soon.

    Posted by: Anonymous on October 14th, 2008 at 4:47 pm

  135. Hobonichi Haramaki latest collection is NOW ON SALE!
    Click here!
    http://www.1101.com/store/haramaki/warmers2008/english/index.html

    Posted by: chiemi on October 27th, 2008 at 7:36 pm

  136. [...] Decorate, re-arrange, dance, exercise, organise and potter about if you’d rather get your blood flowing. Wear outrageous socks and cheap fluffy slippers . Customise them with felt moustaches or eyes or butterflies. Make heat packs with wheat or rice or dig out your old hot water bottle. Put them in your bed to make it warm and toasty. Make sausage dog draft excluders (with moustaches) for every door in your house. Make belly warmers! [...]

    Posted by: empty-purse.com » Blog Archive » The skint girls guide to a cosy winter. on November 9th, 2008 at 2:02 am

  137. Haramaki looks great and Norway is cold during winter:D I think I’ll knit one for myself soon

    Posted by: tiffany Jewelry on November 15th, 2008 at 10:38 am

  138. I also really adore the haramaki’s! If they did have a shopping site in English I would definitly buy some! Though seeing as there isn’t, I have started making some myself. I have only made 2 so far - plain yellow, but I love them still and they really work. I took the pattern from this site:

    http://www.planetjune.com/blog/haramaki-tummy-warmer-tutorial/#comment-21421

    It’s instructions are very easy and clear to read. Once you make one - they’re very simple. I plan to make many more and give them as gifts and possibly start selling them once I get better at making them. So Canada will hopefully start to see more of them - if mine catch on, which I really hope they will. I would love to buy professionaly made ones as they look a lot nicer. :D

    Posted by: Vanessa on November 29th, 2008 at 1:35 pm

  139. well it looks like the canuck version of haramaki is already out!
    they are soooo amazing, and have i’ve seen them in a bunch of stores already.

    http://www.haramakilove.com !

    Posted by: emma on December 9th, 2008 at 2:52 pm

  140. why are on haramakilove web page pictures from pingmag? (with hobonichi designs!)

    Posted by: keksy on December 9th, 2008 at 7:42 pm

  141. [...] have cast off unflattering comparisons to “granny panties” and been transformed into a fashionable accessory available in a wide variety of shapes, colors and styles, with or without pockets. My favorite is [...]

    Posted by: Haramaki in a Winter Wonderland « JPBizDirect’s Blog on December 10th, 2008 at 5:09 am

  142. Haramaki can be bought in many places! http://www.replicatickers.com

    Posted by: Logan on December 15th, 2008 at 1:33 am

  143. There are many new designs and artistic impressions at http://www.exquisitebag.com

    Posted by: Christa on December 15th, 2008 at 1:34 am

  144. Haramaki is a great innovation in clothing!!!

    Posted by: Breitling on December 15th, 2008 at 6:13 pm

  145. some of the gangsters in the “Yakuza Papers” series of films wore haramaki.

    Posted by: Anonymous on December 18th, 2008 at 12:00 am

  146. [...] have cast off unflattering comparisons to “granny panties” and been transformed into a fashionable accessory available in a wide variety of shapes, colors and styles, with or without pockets. My favorite is [...]

    Posted by: Haramaki in a Winter Wonderland « Japanizmo Staff Blog on January 8th, 2009 at 3:34 pm

  147. i’m sooo happy with my collection of haramakis from hobonichi store. :)

    Posted by: amy on January 9th, 2009 at 3:50 am

  148. [...] have cast off unflattering comparisons to “granny panties” and been transformed into a fashionable accessory available in a wide variety of shapes, colors and styles, with or without pockets. My favorite is [...]

    Posted by: BabesBlogs.co.cc » Blog Archive » Haramaki in a Winter Wonderland on January 10th, 2009 at 11:33 am

  149. yay! next sale starts in few days!

    Posted by: amy on January 13th, 2009 at 7:29 pm

  150. Haramaki is a great innovation in clothing design!!!

    Posted by: i - replica rolex on March 18th, 2009 at 11:29 pm

  151. Thanks Shimamoto for (being the only one) responding! oh btw, if you haven’t already bought one, this years Hobonichi haramaki collection is about sold out: http://www.1101.com/store/haramaki/warmers2008/english/index.html

    Oh and PLEASE DO NOT POST LINKS TO YOUR SITE IF YOU DONT REALLY SELL HARAMAKI!
    That’s just wrong! Haramakilove exculded cuz she actually does sell her own version. =P

    Posted by: knittygritty on March 28th, 2009 at 9:06 am

  152. 2009 summer collection is now available. It’s cool!!!
    http://www.1101.com/store/haramaki/forest/english/

    Posted by: yoko on April 21st, 2009 at 11:31 am

  153. [...] (via inventorspot, pingmag) [...]

    Posted by: Unterwäsche in japanischer Rüstungstradition « 11k2 on May 6th, 2009 at 3:29 am

  154. Everything can bring about the fashion,if only you like it.

    Posted by: Replica Designer Handbags on June 11th, 2009 at 6:24 pm

  155. what I want to know is why are there only kind of stupid designs for us, or is that for people even in Tokyo?
    not to be rude because I really would like a harmaki but maybe something not so woman like :(

    Posted by: resori33 on August 14th, 2009 at 6:17 am

  156. I like to, if would be better with a bag

    Posted by: aaa-handbag on August 17th, 2009 at 10:26 am

  157. Very beautiful, very beautiful, I like,

    Posted by: aaa replica handbag on August 19th, 2009 at 10:43 am

  158. Vid danande offrar, Mabel Eudora, carol burnett series som är rörd i en fattig byggnad i Hollywood med flickorna beställer in, att de kan gå till prestigefullt skolar.

    Posted by: girlteam on September 25th, 2009 at 9:34 pm

  159. I’m toasty, too. Come on, people- don’t be mindless sheep, pining away for one of these..great post, really well written.

    Posted by: Omega on November 6th, 2009 at 6:10 pm

  160. [...] I think this is a great idea - something that I’ll need to knit for fall. via craftzine.com Belly Warmers [...]

    Posted by: pretendingsanity » inspire on December 28th, 2009 at 7:28 am

  161. Available in Europe now! http://www.nukunuku.co.uk
    Keeping Britain warm!

    Posted by: 3littlepigs on February 3rd, 2010 at 12:20 am

  162. We heard what you want!
    Maki is now available in the US!!!
    http://www.mymakistore.com

    http://www.facebook.com/pages/My-Maki/104120946290227

    Posted by: My Maki on April 16th, 2010 at 9:26 am

  163. [...] já que estamos falando de moda-japão veja o que o povo de lá anda usando – HARAMAKIS, ou cobertor de barriga. Inútil ? Bem, depois de [...]

    Posted by: O mundo de Non-no | SuperZiper on July 5th, 2010 at 10:38 am

  164. I love this!!!! I feel like in the US there is a huge divide between “fashion” and “health” items, so much so that US accessory fashion is coming to a standstill (not completely true, but still…)
    I WANT THESE~!!!!

    Posted by: Anonymous on July 28th, 2010 at 4:11 pm

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