Kimonos are a traditional form of Japanese attire, usually made of silk and tied with a large belt called an Obi. They are worn on special occasions and festivities. Kimonos for casual wear are simpler than formal ones and feature extravagant patterns.
What is a Kimono?
A Kimono is a traditional Japanese garment with long sleeves extending from the shoulders to the heel. Various types are available, and they are worn according to the occasion. Kimonos are usually made of silk and tied with a large belt known as an Obi.
Where did the Japanese kimono originate?
The kimono originated in China during the Wu dynasty. This Han Chinese clothing or silk robe had a significant influence on the traditional Kimonos of Japan. It was a traditional style of dress used before the Chinese Qing Dynasty in the mid-1600s. As the rulers changed, so did the Kimono dress. From the 8th to the 11th century, an original Japanese style of layers of silk robes was developed by absorbing Kimono dresses from the Chinese kimono.
Who invented the kimono?
The ancestor of the kimono was born during the Heian period (794-1192). Straight strips of fabric were stitched together to make a garment that could fit any body shape. As a result, it was comfortable to wear and very flexible. In the Edo period (1603-1868), it had developed into a unisex outer dress known as Kosode.
What does the Japanese kimono symbolize?
The kimono is believed to last a thousand years and be the realm of immortals. Therefore, it is an emblem of good fortune and longevity. Specific motifs symbolize the wearer’s virtues or characteristics or are related to the season or celebrations like weddings, bestowing good luck to those who wear them. For Westerners, “Kimono” is associated with their perception of Japan.
How has the kimono changed over time?
Kimonos have improved in design, fashion, fabrics, and wearability. From the Nara period (710-794) to the Heian (794-1192), Japanese people typically wore outfits made up of two separate lower and upper clothing (trousers or skirts) or one-piece outfits.
The most common attire worn by Samurais was the kimono, typically consisting of an outer and an inner layer. The kimono was usually made of silk, and the style of the kimono depended on the Samurai’s wealth and status. In addition to the kimono, the warrior would wear a loincloth.
A traditional Kimono is challenging to wear and expensive for the average person. The latest versions of kimonos are made of rayon, linen, and polyester to suit all seasons and let the wearer move more quickly. In addition, they are lighter and don’t cost more than silk versions.
What colors are Kimonos in the different seasons?
Light greens are suitable for spring, while cool shades like dark blue or lavender are suitable for summer. The fall season calls for colors that resemble the shades of the changing leaves, while winter is the time for bold shades like red and black. Elegant embroidery adds a touch of elegance to a simple silk Kimono. Kimonos with printed designs in dark and light shades are in fashion for casual wear by both women and men. For formal events, men dress in the montsuki, a formal black silk kimono paired with an under-kimono in white, and the hakama, traditional Japanese pants.
What is included in the kimono?
Traditionally, the kimono had 12 layers, which is why it is called “juni-hitoe”-“juni” refers to 12 in Japanese. Because the twelve layers are cumbersome, the weight has decreased. Obis for formal wear worn by men are much smaller than women’s (the length is around 10 centimeters (3.9 in) at its maximum). The obi worn by men is worn in a more basic style than women. It is worn in a waistband, beneath the stomach, and tied by an easy knot at the back.
Why are Japanese Kimonos so expensive?
The main reason for the high prices for even the most casual Kimonos is that they need to be mass-produced efficiently. The garment’s design is such that the vast majority of the seams and edges cannot be stitched with machines. They are finished and frequently joined with blind stitches.
Another reason could be the fabric used to make the kimono. It is also why Kimonos or Obi are traditionally made from linen, hemp silk, silk brocade silk crepes (such as Chirimen), or the satin weave (such as rinzu). Contemporary Kimonos are offered in cheaper, simple-care fabrics like rayon, cotton satin, polyester, cotton, and various synthetic fibers.
What is the main difference between Kimono and Yukata?
Yukata and kimonos can be distinguished from one another primarily by their textiles. Cotton is used to make yukata. A Kimono dress is composed of a material other than silk. Yukatas are only worn in the summer, which is another characteristic. In most cases, the kimono has an inner lining. However, only one layer of fabric is used to sew the yukata.
Can I wear a Kimono if I’m not Japanese?
In general, Japanese people generally embrace foreigners in kimonos. There are many places in Japan to rent kimonos for the day. Kyoto is the largest.