There are various kimono styles, patterns, and colors to match the seasons. However, there is also a stark difference in Japanese kimono types. Each has it’s own unique place in Japanese culture and customs.
In this post
Are kimonos gender specific?
Today, Kimonos are most often worn by women, and on special occasions. A few older women and even fewer men still wear Kimonos on a daily basis.
What does the color of a kimono mean?
Vibrant purple robes usually are used to honor a member of society. In contrast, vibrant green and pink floral patterns are used on kimonos and other clothing articles to symbolize peace, life, and happiness. The geisha famously wore a different colored kimono for every month of the year.
What are small kimonos called?
The haori (羽織) is a traditional Japanese hip- or thigh-length jacket worn over a kimono. Resembling a shortened kimono with no overlapping front panels (okumi), the haori typically features a thinner collar than that of a kimono, and is sewn with the addition of two thin, triangular panels at either side seam.
What are casual kimonos called?
A yukata (浴衣, lit. “bathrobe”) is an unlined cotton summer kimono, worn in casual settings such as summer festivals and to nearby bathhouses. Originally worn as bathrobes, their modern use is much broader, and are a common sight in Japan during summer.
What does a black kimono mean?
Black Kimono Worn by Bride in the Past
Black colous symbolized the bride’s strong intention to “not be dyed by anyone else”, and it is a kimono that gives an image of “hard chastity” like Shiromuku.
Is it OK to wear a kimono?
In short, you will not be viewed as ‘stealing’ Japanese culture if you wear a kimono and you are respectful when doing so. In fact, many Japanese would be pleased to see you wear a kimono as it demonstrates your passion for Japanese culture.
Is it OK to wear red in Japan?
In fact, as far as fabrics are concerned, red is considered in Japan as the happiest color you can get.
What do purple kimonos mean?
Koki-murasaki (Purple)
It was reserved for the kimonos worn by Japan’s highest-ranking individuals and denied to lower classes.
How do you respectfully wear a kimono?
Kimono Rule #1: Left over Right
Always wear the left side over the right side. Only dead people have their kimono worn right over left. So unless you are at your own funeral, remember this basic but important rule for wearing a kimono! A useful and amuzing memory aid for this rule is the phrase “leftover rice”.
Is it okay to wear short kimono?
Putting on a short kimono, however, is like wearing short trousers. As vintage kimono are a big trend in Japan these days, which tend to be a little too short for modern consumers, lots of people have started to wear their kimono without the fold at the waist. This makes it possible to wear even too short kimono.
What is a yukata vs kimono?
Kimono are usually made from different types of silk, while yukata are generally made from cotton or polyester. This reflects the fact that in general, kimono are more luxurious and formal. Yukata are cheaper, more casual, and made to be cooler since they are worn during the summer months.
Why do kimonos have wide sleeves?
It became popular for unmarried women to imitate the dancers when expressing their feelings to men, which is the reason that the furisode became a kimono for unmarried young women. Additionally, the long sleeves are thought to ward off evil and bring in good luck and relationships.
Are kimonos gender neutral?
Both men and women wear kimono. They can be worn year-round and have different seasonal styles – unlined in summer, lined in autumn and spring, and padded in winter. There are also different types of kimono depending on the occasion as well as the wearer’s social status.
What color should my kimono be?
1. The kimono and obi should be shades of the same color. For a light orange kimono, choose a yellow or red obi of the same color to coordinate the shading. This is a very calm coordination, so it is suitable for a small stage show, a dinner, or party.
What color means death in Japan?
White
White (Shiro)
White is like a double-edged sword in Japanese culture. It is a blessed and sacred colour that you see in traditional wedding and Japanese national flag, but not the other hand it inherently denoted death and mourning too.
What color is good luck in Japan?
Blue is also one of the most important lucky colors in Japan with the others in the category being yellow, white, purple, green and, red.
Is it disrespectful to wear a kimono if you’re not Japanese?
“Ok, fine. You can wear the kimono while you’re in Japan, but not outside (or to non-Japanese events) because that would be disrespectful”
Is it okay for non Japanese to wear kimono?
Can foreigners wear kimono? To get straight to the point: As long as a kimono is worn out of respect and appreciation of the Japanese culture, it’s perfectly fine to wear a kimono as a foreigner.
Is it OK to wear black in Japan?
You can wear all black whenever and where ever you like. Tank tops and shorts are perfectly fine. Working Japanese usually do not wear shorts, so you don’t see them in shorts except on weekends. But you see lots of people on leisurely activities (including tourists) wearing them.
What is inappropriate to wear in Japan?
No exposed shoulders
With women, wearing short shorts or skirts and I mean the shortest of shorts is completely fine but wearing anything with spaghetti straps or a revealing chest area is considered especially inappropriate. Tank tops are seen as underwear here so be sure to cover up if you want to blend in.