Decoding & Reading a Yohji Yamamoto Care Fabric Tag

Decoding a Yohji Yamamoto product code or fabric tag, often found on the care label, can help you determine the season, garment type, and size of the piece.

Decoding the Product Code

The product code, which looks like a sequence of letters and numbers (e.g., HH-B69-006), is the key:

1. First Letter (Brand Line): This typically indicates the specific Yohji Yamamoto brand line:

   • H → Yohji Yamamoto POUR HOMME (Men's)

   • F → Yohji Yamamoto Femme

   • N → Yohji Yamamoto Noir

   • Y → Y's

   • L → Limi feu
     
     

2. Second Letter (Season/Year): This letter identifies the season and year the item was released. You need a specific chart BELOW to fully decode this, but it typically alternates between Spring/Summer (S/S) and Autumn/Winter (A/W) for certain years.
   
   

3. Third Letter (Garment Type): This letter signifies the type of garment:

   • J → Jacket

   • C → Coat

   • S → Skirt

   • B → Blouse/Shirt

   • P → Pants/Trousers

   • K → Knit

   • T → Top

4. Remaining Numbers:

   • The two-digit number (e.g., '69') is typically the product number for that specific item.

   • The last three digits (e.g., '006') often refer to the sizing (e.g., 001 for size 1, 002 for size 2).

Sizing and Age

The way the size is written can also indicate the piece's age:

• Alphabetical Sizing (S, M, L): Generally found on items released before the 1999 Autumn/Winter season.

• Numeric Sizing (1, 2, 3): Used for items released after the 2000 Spring/Summer season.

Laundry/Care Symbols

You can also cross-reference the season with the laundry care symbols:

• Items after Spring/Summer 2017 feature care symbols right under the "Made in Japan" text.

• Items before Autumn/Winter 2016 have them at the bottom of the tag, which can also help with dating the piece.