What is a Kimono?
Table of Contents
Before we talk about the Women’s Kimono, we must know what it is Kimono. Kimono in simple words “something That is wearable” .The kimono is a traditional dress of Japanese people which Japan’s people wore in the first century, As Kimono was the custom to dress of Japan. The Kimono Dress is raped from the front and the sleeves are open and wide۔ you can say that like other Nations the Kimono is the national dress of Japan.
What Is A Women’s Kimono?
The Traditional Japanese kimono is worn by both Men and Women as Kimono is their national dress. Women’s Kimono is a Formal kind of traditional Dress but a yukata is an informal Dress in Japan. Women’s Kimono is considered best for those women who are new and don’t know How to Wear kimonos. A women’s kimono is a full-length T-shaped Gown with long sleeves and a Beautifully Decorative belt for both Men and women. Before discussing other Aspects, we must Know About
Difference between Kimono and Yukata
- Women’s Kimono is made of Pure Silk
- While Yukata is made of Cotton Fabric
- Kimono is worn in the winter season
- Yukata is for the summer season
- Kimono is stitched with an inner lining of 12 layers
- Yukata is stitched with single-layer cloth
- Kimono is heavier than Yukata
- Yukata is a very lightweight dress
The Origins of Women’s’ Kimono
A women’s Kimono is an old type of Chinese dress. The idea of the Women’s Kimono was taken from the garments worn in China during the Wu Dynasty after the middle of the 1600s king dynasty. But Women’s Kimono was first invented during the period of Heian(794-1192). After that in the period of Edo (1603-1868), it was in a new shape called Kosode. It would be considered prior to Chinese but as time passed. The traditional Japanese Masks and Women’s kimono also changed with the change of rulers. In the 8th to 11th Century, a New style of Kimono was introduced which is still present in the form of Japan’s Traditional Dress.
How Women Kimonos Are Different From Men Kimonos?
There are many points that Make Women’s Kimono Different from Men kimonos |Let’s talk about them |
Color: The first and most Difference is the color, of women’s kimonos have many more bright colors (Red, Pink, Orange, Purple) On the other hand Men, Kimonos have dull colors (Black, Brown, Gray, White, Women, and navy)
Pattern: Women Kimonos have a strong Pattern on the dress. Men’s kimonos don’t have a strong Pattern only the family symbol on the formal kimono
Fabric pieces: Women’s and Men kimonos have the same amount of fabric layers
Belt: The Kimono Belt which is called Obi is a compulsory item for Kimono as it holds tightly. Men’s obi has three types (stiff-obi, Casual obi, and three-foot-long. obi). Men’s obi is a simple, thinner, and subtle color. A woman’s kimono’s belt is totally different from a men’s obi in color, pattern, and layers also.
Collar: There is not much difference between Men’s and Women’s Collar. Men’s Kimonos collar doesn’t have much space between the collar and neck. The woman has much space between the collar and neck.
Types of Women Kimonos
There are different types of Kimonos according to Japanese Traditions, and occasions and each has its own place in Japanese culture. Here are the types Of Women Kimonos:
- Furisode
- Tomesode
- Hikizuri
- Iro Muji
- Komon
- Yukata
- Wedding Kimono
- Houmongi
Before describing the types, one thing is very important for you to know about the color, I mean to Say what do Different colors of kimonos mean? Because kimonos are designed according to colors. Different types of kimonos have different meanings. According to the Japanese, Green is the most important color, according to them; it brings good fortune and new beginnings. The second most important color is White the color of prosperity Happiness, and growth.
The Blue color of the Kimono means Peace. Red Color is the symbol of love. Red and White colors are the most common and important and are used a lot. In Japan, brides wear White Kimono as it represents joy, Happiness, and celebration of something. Black color is also used in Japanese Women’s Kimono to show Darkness and gracefulness. Black Fabric in Kimono for women is used to represent beauty and femininity in Japan. Yellow is also popular in Japan as it shows light, and smiles. It is associated with Brightness (sunshine).
Pink also shows femininity, calmness, and elegance. This color in Japan is associated with feminism
- Furisode
It is a formal type of kimono. This type is for unmarried women. And has the following properties: Sleeves 100cm—–107cm long. The color of Furisode is very Bright like Red often. It has three sub-types Kofurisode (short sleeves), Chu-Furisode (Medium sleeves), and Ofurisode with longest sleeves.
- Tomesode
It is the most Formal type among other formal types of Women’s Kimono. It is worn by Married women. It has a beautiful design below the waist. It usually consists of Three to Five layers in black color. It has two Subtypes Black Turo Tomesode and colorful Tomesode. The Black varieties were only worn by married women but the colorful Tomesode was worn by Unmarried girls too on several occasions like parties, Wedding ceremonies.
- Hikizuri
In ancient Japan, Hikizuri Kimono was worn by only wealthy and Rich women. But now everyone in public can wear it. Hikizuri means’’ Trailing skirt’’ and this name is just because of its length. This type of kimono is pretty different from others because of its precious fabric. Now, this is especially worn by stage performers and geisha while performing a traditional dance.
- Iro Muji
This is a plain type of kimono without any pattern on the fabric. You can say that it is the simplest type of Kimono due to its simplicity. This is not only for simple occasions but also for tea ceremonies, and family occasions.
- Komon
It is designed for casual day-to-day wear. This type of kimono you likely see often. This Kimono type is not for any formal occasion. You can say that it is just for small celebrations. All the locals can easily wear the Komon.
- Yukata
Yukata is a lightweight type of woman Kimonos. Due to its lightweight cotton fabric, it is best for summer during hot day festivals. You can wear it during summer all day. It is the most popular and common type of women’s kimono. You can experience the comfort of Yukata during the summer festival.
- Wedding Kimono
As the name suggests, it is worn only by brides۔ wedding Kimono is a pure white Bridal dress. According to the Japanese Wedding, the kimono dress is totally pure white because according to them the bride wearing white means that the bride will be able to blend into the colors of the family. Wedding Kimonos have a special place among all types. The white color also enhances the beauty of the Bride.
- Houmongi
Houmongi means “visiting wear”. Married and Unmarried both can wear it. These are available in elegant colors for various visits. There is a beautiful pattern flown over the shoulders and visible on the sleeves. It has an ‘’eba’’ Inspired look. This means continuing the painting spread. It is also the old type of Women Kimono.
Where to Buy Women Japanese Kimonos?
You can buy your loved one Kimono from any online store like Japaneseonimask.com from your home. Kimono Dress in Popular Culture. Here is the question that arises: Why are Japanese Kimonos so popular and compulsory to wear on an occasion and what do they mean?
Why the Japanese Kimono is important in Overall Japan
Here is the answer, Japanese people keep their traditions alive and they believe that people should stay connected to their culture as their culture represents Different groups of people through their customs, dressing sense. Kimonos are specially designed dresses and a part of Japan’s culture. The kimono is the symbol of prosperity and the long glorious past of Japan. Kimono means to ‘’wear ‘’Means good Fortune to the wearer. Kimono tells us a long and good background of Japan’s culture.
We hope to see you soon in Kimono!
FAQs
Can I wear a Kimono if I am not a Resident of Japan?
The answer is yes, you can wear it easily. You can rent a Kimono or Buy it from any online store. You can carry it easily as a Foreigner in Japan.
Where to Hire a Kimono?
In Japan, there are countless places where you can hire any type of Informal Kimono. In large cities, it is very easy to hire a kimono. There are many tourists who visit Japan who can easily hire it. A quick Google search will also give you the best offers and places where you can find them.
Are Kimonos still popular in Japan?
In the 1930s most people were kimonos, and western dresses were not allowed. But now all western clothes are allowed but Japanese Kimonos are still popular on Traditional occasions, Weddings, and Cultural programs, Japanese traditional dances. It is often worn by women.
Few old Japanese families still wore kimonos on a daily basis. In short, the Japanese Kimono is still worn on special occasions.
How to Wear a Women’s Kimono?
Traditionally you don’t need to wear any panties or other garments; you just wear them directly on naked skin. And you just have to wear a Belt ’’ Obi’’ to tighten the Kimono. That’s it, now you are ready to walk.
Who Wears Kimono?
Kimono is worn by both Men and Women But there is some difference in Women and Men’s Kimono which the difference we have told you above۔
Why are Women’s Kimonos so Expensive?
There are many factors that restrict Japanese people from selling kimonos at a cheap price like Less Production of Kimono. Kimono is also expensive due to its Fabric quality, purity and design too.
The vast majority of Kimonos can’t be sewn by a Machine. And also because of the material used to make the belt like Pure silk. Linen and silk crepes.
Good thing is that now you can also buy less expensive Women’s kimonos, which are not very Traditional-made with Cotton, Cotton Saltin, and Synthetic Fibers.
