San Francisco Lay Robe

$550

Lay robes were invented to fill a need created by the unique hybrid of lay and monastic practice that has developed in the West. This robe was taught to me as the San Francisco Zen Center version, which is a simplified adaptation of the black priest koromo, but with shorter sleeves, longer skirts, and fewer pleats. The skirt features three deep box pleats: two on the sides and one in the back, and is long enough to completely cover the kimono underneath. There are two long ribbons attached inside for tying up the sleeves.

The standard sleeve drop (the vertical measure of how much sleeve hangs down) for this robe is 30″ deep. However, it is also possible to shorten the sleeve drop to 20″ (a kimono-length sleeve), if you prefer less fabric to manage. See the photo reel for examples of both lengths.

Lay robes should be worn with a juban, kimono, and belt. I offer a simple tie belt in matching fabric (free, specify when ordering if you want this) as a budget alternative to the braided robe belt.

Style options

• Substitute shorter 20″ (kimono-length) sleeve
• Add simple tie belt (instead of robe belt)
• Add permanent pleats (what is this?) +$25
• Add hand-sewn removable overcollar plus a replacement fabric piece (what is this?) +$50