着物　Kimono

21st March – 弥生

The real meaning of 着物 (Kimono) in Japanese is clothes itself. Nowadays, the Japanese traditional wear is known and called as Kimono. This style was born in Heian era and generally considered as typical Japanese clothing style.

In the old time back in thousands years ago, Japanese used to wear simple material dresses, trousers and skirts. By some hundred years passed, the new style which cut the cloths straight (直線裁ち-Chokusen-dachi) and add many layers, became popular – this style is now generally known as Kimono in the world. Kimono can adjust the layer of cloths, so in the winter, adding many layers to make warm. On the other hand, in summer time, making Kimono with thinner materials to adjust the temperature comfortable.

Thanks to the arrival of Kimono in Japan, it have made Japanese unique coloration – by matching different color cloth layers. From that time, Japanese started to be conscious about the color and decide the special colors for hierarchy as well as the seasonal colors.

After many years has passed, dyeing and weaving became a trend and more different color were born and moreover heaps patterns on the clothes has developed.

From Meiji era, Japanese started to wear Western style clothes and traditional Kimono style has faded away, Now people only wear Kimono in the special occasions such as coming age ceremony, wedding, traditional rituals.

By the way, have you ever been to Japan in summer and went to 夏祭り (Natsu Matsuri=Summer Festival)?

In the summer festival, many Japanese wear Kimono ish clothes. This is one types of Kimono and called 浴衣 (Yukata) and very popular in those festivals.

The difference between Kimono and Yukata is:

Kimono: has double sided cloths (Using 2 piece of clothes to make one). Inside the Kimono, wear another layer of clothes called 袢 (Han). Wear socks called 足袋 (Tabi)

Yukata: Single layer of cloth. Inside the Yukata is just underwear. No need to wear socks and just wear sandals called 下駄 (Geta). Belt is simpler material compared to KImono ones.