Japanese Kimono Fashion Revolution
Many Japanese wore Kimonos in Ancient Japan. Japanese
Kimono styles
have changed with the times as with any fashion but the modern Kimono still
bears a striking resemblance to those of ancient Japan. The choice of
material, cut, colors, and decorative design of a kimono are different
depending on many variables.
From the beginning of Japan's recorded history until present day the Kimono
has been an integral part of Japanese fashion, adapting to changing
lifestyles and trends. Weaving and dyeing skills and the ability of various
raw materials have improved over time thus allowing the Kimono to improve in
quality and design. Traditional style clothing plays and important role in
Japan and even today the Imperial family will wear clothing from as far back
as the Nara period during special rituals and ceremonies.
Men of ancient Japan wore kimonos in white, black, brown, blue, and gray
color tones which tended to be more conservative in design than those worn
by females. Around the waste a narrow sash tied into a knot at the back was
worn. This was known as an Obi. In summertime, which is very hot and humid
in Japan, a Yukata is worn which closely resembles a kimono except it is
made of much lighter material and is usually white or blue. Floral patterns
and bright colors are usually popular with women who wear kimonos. In
martial arts films you may see Japanese men wearing a Hakama, or pleated
pants, over their kimono. A bridegroom might decide to wear a Haori, a type
of jacket, with his Hakama and kimono. Braided material tied into a fancy
knot keeps the Haori closed.
A young woman not yet married wears a Furisode which is a bright kimono
which flows around the ankles. Married women might choose to wear a similar
style but with short sleeves. The Obi is often eye-catching and can be as
much as 30 centimeters wide and 4 meters long taking up to an whole hour to
tie properly. At a wedding a bride will usually wear a white kimono with a
red or orange outer-kimono. Brighter patterns and prints have traditionally
been worn by children and seldom by adults.
Although kimonos are not as common as they were in ancient Japan they can
still often be seen on certain Japanese holidays. A special technique is
used to produce these kimonos. The fabric is at least 14 meters long and up
to 40 centimeters wide and is cut into eight pieces and then sewn so as to
not create any waste. A lot of the material and embroidery methods
originated in China.
Japan is no longer the only country enthusiastic about Japanese
Kimono as the
fashion trend spreads around the world. It is easy to adapt wear them with a
skirt or even pants. One can purchase Japanese fabrics and have them made
into dresses, shirts, and of course kimonos.
About the Author
Alton Trevino lives in Japan and enjoys writing about Japanese fashion
and food. You can read more about Japan and its history by visiting this
page about
ancient Japanese society.
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