What types of clothes does kim jong un wear?
What Types of Clothes Does Kim Jong-un Wear?
Kim Jong-un, the Supreme Leader of North Korea, is instantly recognizable not just for his distinctive hairstyle and public demeanor, but also for his signature clothing style. Unlike many world leaders who wear formal Western suits, Kim adopts a highly symbolic, consistent, and traditional style of clothing that reflects his political ideology, historical references, and strategic image-building.
This discussion explores in detail the types of clothing Kim Jong-un wears, the historical roots of his wardrobe, the political symbolism behind his choices, contrasts with global fashion, and how his clothing is used as a tool of propaganda and power projection.
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1. Kim Jong-un’s Signature Look: The Zhongshan (Mao) Suit
The most iconic outfit worn by Kim Jong-un is the Zhongshan suit, also known in the West as the Mao suit.
Features of the Zhongshan Suit:
High collar (sometimes called a “Mandarin collar”).
Four symmetrical pockets.
Five-button front.
Usually worn buttoned to the top, giving a rigid, disciplined look.
Colors typically: Black, dark grey, or navy blue.
Significance:
Inspired by Chinese revolutionary fashion and worn by Mao Zedong.
Was also a favorite of Kim Il-sung, the founding father of North Korea.
Symbolizes revolutionary spirit, anti-Western sentiment, and socialist discipline.
By adopting this suit, Kim Jong-un creates a visual and ideological link to his grandfather, reinforcing dynastic legitimacy.
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2. Historical Continuity: Clothing as Legacy
Kim’s wardrobe mirrors that of:
Kim Il-sung, who wore the same Mao-style suits to project power and independence from Western imperialism.
Kim Jong-il, his father, who also avoided Western-style suits, favoring military-style clothing and similar tunics.
Kim Jong-un’s clothing cements continuity in leadership — both visually and politically. It tells the North Korean people: “I am the rightful heir to the revolutionary bloodline.”
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3. Military-style Tunics and Overcoats
In formal events, Kim often wears military-inspired tunics, including:
Double-breasted coats with stiff shoulders.
Decorated collars, although without displaying military rank (as he is Supreme Commander).
Dark trench coats or overcoats in winter, sometimes made of leather, projecting a strict, authoritarian style.
His overcoats are meant to reflect:
Stature and dominance.
Historical similarities to Soviet generals or Korean War-era leadership.
Traditional North Korean elite fashion.
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4. Leather Coats and the 2021 Ban
In recent years, Kim has been seen wearing black leather trench coats, which became so iconic that:
North Korean citizens began copying his style.
The government reportedly banned ordinary citizens from wearing similar leather coats, stating it was “disrespectful” to imitate the leader.
This example shows how Kim’s clothing is elevated to a sacred status — untouchable by common people, symbolizing separation of the ruler from the ruled.
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5. Western-Style Suits: Rare and Strategic Use
While Kim generally avoids Western fashion, there have been exceptions — particularly during diplomatic summits:
Examples:
2018 Singapore Summit with Donald Trump: Kim wore a Western-style dark suit with a white shirt and tie.
2019 Hanoi Summit: He wore a modified version of a suit, blending Western tailoring with North Korean formality.
Purpose:
To appear modern and pragmatic.
To present a flexible, international image during peace talks.
Yet he maintains elements of his traditional look — such as the Mao collar — even in these appearances.
This blending shows controlled openness, not ideological compromise.
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6. Color Symbolism
Kim Jong-un's clothing choices use color to signal mood, power, and ideological tones:
Black: Power, formality, strength. Most commonly worn.
Dark Grey/Navy: Slight variation, often used during state visits or internal celebrations.
Khaki/Olive Green: Occasionally used for military inspections, linking him to his soldiers.
He never wears bright or pastel colors. His wardrobe is purposefully austere, reflecting discipline, seriousness, and masculinity.
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7. Accessories and Footwear
Though minimalistic, Kim does use specific accessories to maintain his distinctive appearance:
a) Footwear:
Wears thick-soled, black leather shoes, often custom-made to subtly enhance his height.
Sometimes seen in boots during winter or military inspections.
b) Watches:
Known to wear luxury Swiss watches, often hidden under his sleeves.
Brands like Movado, IWC, or Patek Philippe have been spotted — despite sanctions.
c) Eyeglasses:
Wears thick-rimmed glasses, which also contribute to his resemblance to Kim Il-sung.
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8. Cultural and Political Symbolism
Kim’s wardrobe is a tool of ideological expression. Every item of clothing represents:
Anti-Western independence.
Revolutionary heritage.
Visual stability and discipline.
Rejection of capitalism and materialism (ironically, despite wearing luxury watches).
His minimalism is not about simplicity — it's state-managed theatrical simplicity, created to reinforce the image of supreme moral and political leadership.
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9. State Media and Visual Management
North Korean state media ensures:
All photos and videos of Kim show him in carefully selected, wrinkle-free outfits.
No public images ever depict him in casual wear.
His clothing is never out of place, always clean, and symbolizes perfection and dignity.
Visuals of Kim are meant to be aspirational, mythologized, and politically correct.
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10. Comparison with Global Leaders
Leader Usual Attire Message Sent
Kim Jong-un Mao suit, military coat Anti-West, legacy, power
Xi Jinping Western suit, Mandarin jacket Modernization, tradition blend
Vladimir Putin Tailored Western suits Masculinity, modern power
Joe Biden Formal Western suit Democracy, professionalism
Kim’s Difference Avoids Western casual or flashy fashion Defiance, ideological purity
Unlike others, Kim uses clothing as ideological armor, not just a fashion choice.
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11. Occasional Civilian Clothing (Very Rare)
There are only a handful of instances where Kim has been seen in:
Casual jackets or windbreakers.
Labor-style outfits, such as during visits to farms or factories.
Even then, the clothing remains well-fitted, dark-colored, and uniform in style — no signs of informality or personal flair.
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12. Clothing and Health Speculations
Observers have noted how:
Kim’s clothing appears tighter or looser, prompting speculation on weight gain or health issues.
After re-emerging from long absences, he sometimes appears thinner, in slightly looser coats — possibly to project recovery or renewed strength.
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Conclusion: Clothing as Command
Kim Jong-un’s clothing style is not random — it is a calculated extension of his authoritarian image. His wardrobe reinforces:
Dynastic legitimacy by resembling his grandfather.
Revolutionary identity through the Mao-style uniform.
Elite authority by banning imitation.
Ideological superiority by rejecting Western suits, except strategically.
Power projection using consistency, discipline, and symbolism.
In a regime where image is inseparable from ideology, Kim Jong-un’s clothing is not about fashion — it is about control, loyalty, and the legacy of leadership.
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