Kimjang Vests & Ahjummas
- Judy T
- 4 days ago
- 1 min read
Judy here. At last there is a Korean fashion trend I an embrace! Nope, it's not the underboob look. Nor is it the incredibly short skirts that you have to use a blanket to cover yourself when seated. What is it, you ask? Well, it's the kimjang vest favored by all ahjummas!
What is an ahjumma? Well, it technically means middle aged woman but it's kind of morphed into a perjorative since no one wants to accept the fact that they are, in fact, middle-aged. It's kind of like being offered the Senior Discount in the US when you're only 45... good discount but boy it stings! (I would be happy to be called an ahjumma since I am technically a halmeoni - grandmother - in Korean.)
And what are kimjang vests? Apparently these are quilted vests, frequently in floral patterns, that were traditionally worn while making kimchi...and they're popping up with Kpop idols as THE THING to wear! This is something that even I can embrace.... quilting & Korean.... the perfect item for me to love. Utilitarian, disguises coffee spills, and hides those lumps and bumps that ahjummas and halmeoni have.
I may have to whip up a few of these & distribute to my closest friends. I'm sure once they see me sporting mine they'll want one for themselves... or maybe a gift for favorite daughter?
Judy, I’m happy to be the recipient. Anything that covers up lumps and bumps can’t be all bad!~Pat
Well 'Guest' won't be getting any custom made Kimjang vests from me since I have no CLUE who they are!!! And Barbara, I think the floral pants combined with vests, etc are simply a way to say 'Nope, I don't need to have everything match in my life.... I'm free to choose what I want.' At our age we should be comfortable doing that!!
I had just been wondering why ahjummas wear brightly colored floral prints. I'd be curious to know the history of that custom. I hadn't been aware of the vests, but that one in the photo sure is pretty. These are the perfect thing for you to make, Judy... maybe you could start an Etsy shop!
Finally, you have a way to combine your two favority interests, quilting and all things Korean. I'm sure you will be making me a kinjang vest since I am one of your "closest friends."