Posts Tagged ‘traditional kimono’

• Traditional Japanese Kimono

  Date: 2010.08.27 | Category: Japanese Kimono Fabric | Response: 0

  Traditional Japanese Kimono

  Ancient Japanese used to wear the traditional Japanese kimono and they still do but their style has changed over time. But with this regard, the kimonos of Japan still bear the resemblance that of Ancient Japan’s.

  From Japan’s history until present, the Kimono has always been an essential part of Japanese culture and fashion – changing with time and lifestyle. Weaving and dyeing have improved over time equally improving the quality and design of the kimono.

  Traditional styles are still used today by the Imperial Family that would date back to the Nara Period. They use it for special ceremonies or rituals.

  Men of Ancient Japan wore kimonos that were grey, brown, white or blue. Women wore conservative designs.

  On the waist, a narrow sash can be tied by a knot on the back known as Obi. During summer, although in Japan it is not that humid, a Yukata is worn by the Japanese. A yukata is like a kimono but is lighter and thinner which usually have blue or white colors.

  In martial arts, Japanese men may use a Hakama, pleated pants, on top of their kimono along with a Haori which is a type of jacket. A braided material would tie a haori.

  I know what you’re thinking, when we think of a kimono, we think of the long flowing wrap with huge sleeves but technically, the word kimono actually means: Attire or clothing so, really any form of clothing can be considered a Ki-Mono.

  A single woman would wear a Furisode which is a vivid kimono that would reach the ankles. Married women can wear a similar-style kimono but with shorter sleeves. The obi can be very flamboyantly long and wide. It may actually take up to an hour to tie in properly.

  A bride usually wears a white kimono with a red-orange outer garment. For children, brighter patterns and prints are used. Japanese still wear kimono during the holidays or on special occasions although they are not that commonly seen at present.

  A technique to produce kimonos is to buy Japanese kimono fabric panels that are already cut into eight pieces. The whole panel is sewn so as not to waste. A lot of the embroider techniques you see today have originated in China.
  

  
  Japan is no longer the single country that wears the traditional Japanese kimono. Around the world, people want to try wearing this clothing. They even buy Japanese fabric and turn it into skirts or pants.