Kimono and other clothing in Japan

The Japanese kimono and the yukata are two of the most commonly worn garments in the country. A kimono is a full-length silky robe, worn by both men and women. Men's kimono is simple, black or brown-colored, but there are different designs of this dress for women. Traditionally, an unmarried woman wears a furisode (swinging sleeves) kimono, which has rather long sleeves (1,1 meter in length). Out of the 9 to 10 different styles of kimonos, a woman chooses one depending on various factors, like her age and marital status, type and color of the garment used, its symbolism, and the sort of occasion. In winter kimonos made of woolen fabric are worn more often. For funerals, a black kimono is worn by both sexes.

Yukata. The yukata is also a part of Japanese traditional clothing, it's a kind of a casual version of the kimono. People generally wear a yukata after bathing, which is a common sight at traditional Japanese inns. These garments are meant to cool the body. That's why they are made from fabrics like cotton.

Nagajuban. This is a robe that takes the shape of a kimono, and is worn underneath it. Kimonos are usually made of silk, so they are difficult to clean. A nagajuban is worn to avoid contact between the silk and ones skin. Only the edges of the nagajuban collar are visible from outside the main garment, the kimono. Often, the collar of the nagajuban is covered or wrapped with a haneri for decorative and/or cleanliness purpose.

Haori. The haori is a loose-fitting, coat-like, knee-length garment. This formal-looking coat was originally worn only by men, but nowadays, it has become popular among women too. It is lightweight and generally used as a coat to keep the kimono clean.

Here is another traditional Japanese kimono with a pretty sash called “obi”

Tiny Japanese kimonos on the traditional dolls

Wearing a yukata can be difficult. Do you need some help with it? Someone to tell you all of the tricks? Then this article is just for you: How to wear a yukata – Japanese traditional summer kimono (http://nationalclothing.org/asia/28-japan/161-how-to-wear-a-yukata-%E2%80%93-japanese-traditional-summer-kimono.html).

Japanese outer robe called “uchikake”. It is worn on top of the kimono. This particular garment is very colorful and adorned with embroidered images of a crane – one of sacred animals in Japanese culture.

By the way, in modern Japan, the term “uchikake” is used only for the bride’s outerwear.

Men’s kimono. Its color palette is dark-blue. The obi belt is simple, comparatively to female belts, but the bow is charming and very masculine. This kimono doesn’t have many decorations at the outside but is embellished with rich embroidery at the inside.

Pretty patterns on modern Japanese fukuro obi – traditional belts worn with kimono. They are embellished with skillfully made embroidery.

Japanese homongi kimono. It is a festive garment – women wear it to parties, official events, or even weddings (guests use homongi, not brides). This particular kimono is used by females who are younger than 30.

Japanese embroidered silk furisode kimono from the late Edo period (around the 1800s). This kimono is stored in The Art Institute of Chicago.

Vintage Japanese kimono. Resist-dyed and painted silk satin furisode from the early 20th century. It was on display in New York.

Antique Japanese hakama (traditional pants) from the 2000 “Samurai: Armor of the Warrior” exhibit in Paris, France. The fabric has a cute print.

Lovely modern Japanese kimono, obi belt, pouch, and traditional fan. They’re made in feminine color palette and floral patterns.

Incredibly beautiful fabrics. I have several fabrics in my arsenal for sewing Japanese clothing. I also have an order for a gorgeous blue kimono with flowers and I can't wait to get started on that order! :!:

Japanese traditional clothing. Back view. The woman has such a delicate-looking light-colored obi belt.

Pretty Japanese kimono and obi belts. And just look at their hairstyles!

Japanese lady in traditional kimono performing a tea ceremony. Her makeup, hairdo, and hair jewelry are also traditional.

Modern Japanese female kimonos with interesting striped patterns.

Modern Japanese kimonos and obi belts (each is tied differently, by the way). So lovely!

Japanese furisode kimono – bright and beautifully patterned kimono with long sleeves. It is usually worn by unmarried girls for such occasions as wedding, graduation ceremony, celebration of adulthood, etc. This particular garment is dyed using the shibori tie-dye technique.