Under a kimono wrap, it is recommended to wear a garment such as a tank top, camisole, slip or short-sleeved shirt to give the kimono a better silhouette. Doing so prevents the kimono fabric from directly touching the skin, and helps to provide a open and voluminous look.
Wearing the right undergarment with a kimono wrap can also help to protect the delicate fabric of the kimono from sweat and body oils. Additionally, for a more modest look, an underskirt or hakama (divided skirt) is traditionally worn with a kimono wrap.
In some cases, jogori (a formal kimono jacket) is also worn underneath a kimono wrap. Other accessories such as decorative obi are usually added to complete the traditional Japanese look.
What is the correct way to wear a kimono?
The correct way to wear a kimono is to start with wearing an undergarment, such as a short-sleeved shirt or strapless camisole that covers the bust. The kimono should be placed on the body right-side up with the left side of the kimono overlapping the right side.
Make sure to adjust the sleeves and the body of the kimono until it hangs comfortably without bunching. The obi sash should then be wrapped around the waist and tied in a large knot at the back. For a formal look, the pleats of the obi should be patted downwards.
The kamon (family crest) should be placed on top of the obi knot. Then, the hakama skirt should be tied in the front with a cord, and the extra length should be tucked in the back. Finally, tabi socks or sandals can be worn.
Do you have to wear your hair up when wearing a kimono?
No, you do not have to wear your hair up when wearing a kimono. While it is traditional for Japanese women to tie their hair up when wearing a kimono, contemporary style can be more relaxed. There is a wide range of hairstyles that can be worn while in a kimono, depending on the individual’s preference and how they want to express their personal style.
Some styles that may be appropriate could include wearing the hair in a half-up style, a side-swept ponytail, a low bun, beach waves, or even braids. Additionally, many people accessorize their look with traditional Japanese accessories such as a kanzashi (Japanese hair ornament) or hair sticks.
To make sure the hair is neat and properly frames the face, it can also be helpful to use hairspray or put a bit of styling wax on the ends. Ultimately, when it comes to wearing a kimono, the style of one’s hair should complement their individual look.
Why do kimonos have holes under the arms?
Kimonos have holes under the arms to aid in movement and make the garment more comfortable. The sleeves are traditionally longer than the arms and can bunch up under the arms if there is not enough room to comfortably swing the arms.
The holes in the arm area allow the fabric to provide extra space when the arms are raised, allowing the garment to move freely with the wearer. By having these armholes, the sleeve fabric can remain long and loose-fitting, providing a more traditional and stylish look.
In addition to helping with arm movement, the armholes also help to keep the kimono in place and prevent it from riding or bunched up as the wearer moves.
Can you wear long sleeves under a kimono?
Yes, you can definitely wear long sleeves under a kimono. In fact, it is a common practice for more formal occasions such as weddings or traditional ceremonies. Wearing layers underneath the kimono is important because it helps to keep the kimono in place, and also adds an extra layer of warmth.
It is important to choose long sleeves that are comfortable and of the same color or pattern as the kimono. Depending on the kimono, you may be able to find sleeves that match and can be stitched together.
Additionally, an undershirt can provide an extra layer of insulation and help absorb sweat, allowing the kimono to be worn for extended periods of time without becoming uncomfortable.
What’s the difference between a kimono and yukata?
A kimono and yukata are both traditional Japanese garments, but there are some key differences between them.
Kimonos are usually considered more formal and expensive clothing, usually worn for special occasions such as weddings or New Year’s. They are often more heavily decorated and have longer sleeves and more intricate designs.
Kimonos are more time consuming and difficult to put on, and they require the assistance of a kimono dresser. Kimonos are also traditionally made from silk, while yukatas are made from cotton.
Yukatas are often seen as more casual or even everyday wear, compared to the more formal kimono. They are designed to be worn in the summer, when the climate is warmer, and feature lighter and more breathable fabrics.
Yukatas usually have shorter and less intricate designs, as well as shorter sleeves. They are also much easier and quicker to put on, making them a more practical choice for summer time.
What is the male version of a kimono called?
The male version of a kimono is called a “montsuki”. A montsuki is typically a less formal kimono that is not as brightly colored as a traditional kimono worn by women. It consists of an outer haori coat and an inner kimono that is typically monochromatic in color, usually black, grey, blue, or navy.
Montsukis often feature a crest, or mon, on their back, like many haori for men. The mon often identifies the family crest of the wearer’s house and is part of a community of powerful samurai families.
Montsukis are traditionally worn with hakama trousers and a hakama jacket. On special occasions, they may also be worn with hanten coats. Montsukis are considered to be quite stylish, making them popular as everyday wear or even as formalwear in some situations.
What is the kimono collar called?
The kimono collar is typically referred to as an “erishin” collar. It is a more traditional style of collar that is shorter and rounder than a typical western collar. This style of collar also has rounded corners and often ties with a bow at the neck.
It can be found on a variety of traditional Japanese garments and can sometimes be found on other traditional garments such as Chinese and Korean robes as well.
The erishin is often constructed of the same fabric as the rest of the garment, which means that the collar design can remain consistent with the rest of the kimono or robe. It can come in a variety of colors and can be tailored to fit the needs of the wearer.
The bow that ties at the neck is often ornate and can be a decorative element of the garment. This type of collar is quite striking and can give a unique and stylish look to a traditional ensemble.
Is it disrespectful to wear a kimono if you’re not Japanese?
Generally speaking, it is not considered disrespectful to wear a kimono if you are not Japanese. Kimono are beautiful pieces of clothing and wearing one, no matter your cultural background, can be a great way to show appreciation for the culture.
For instance, a lot of people wear kimono for special occasions like festivals, cosplay events, and other forms of entertainment. However, some people may view wearing a kimono, specifically if taken out of the cultural context, as disrespectful or even culturally appropriating.
That being said, if you do decide to wear a kimono, it is important to be mindful and educated about the cultural significance of the garment. Take some time to learn about the history and meaning of the kimono as well as any customs that are associated with it.
Additionally, avoid wearing any culturally specific items or accessories with the kimono that may be offensive or otherwise inappropriate. Ultimately, if you do wear a kimono it is important to wear it with respect, in a way that honors the culture it comes from and pays it its due respect.
Is it OK to wear black in Japan?
Yes, it is OK to wear black in Japan. Black is a versatile color that historically has many associations in Japan. It is seen as a symbol of strength and power, and is often worn by business people in formal situations.
In the past, it was commonly used in funerals, but nowadays it is seen as a more neutral color and is popular for casual and everyday wear. Darker shades of black are often preferred for occasion-wear, such as weddings and other formal events, but even light black is suitable for many activities.
Additionally, black may have slightly different connotations in certain contexts; in the world of art, for example, black is seen as an aesthetic choice. Overall, it is perfectly acceptable to wear black in Japan.
Are kimonos only Japanese?
No, kimonos are not only Japanese. While kimonos are a traditional garment of Japan and are highly associated with Japanese culture and fashion, they are also worn in other countries like China, South Korea, and Mongolia.
Additionally, the kimono’s influence has gone beyond Asia and East Asia, as evident in the Dutch kimono, also called a japikok in Dutch, or the Filipino barong tagalog, a traditional formal men’s garment.
Beyond fashion, the kimono has also been used in various other contexts such as interior design, art, and even in international cuisine. For instance, the Japanese kimono-style curry dishes are very popular in Japan, and it is not unheard of to find variations in different countries.
Can Chinese wear kimono?
Yes, Chinese people can wear kimonos. Kimonos are traditional Japanese garments, but as traditional dress is often used as a form of cultural expression, it is not unusual in East Asia to see people wearing garments from other neighboring cultures.
This can be especially true of wedding or formal occasions, when people may choose to wear traditional garments from various countries. Chinese people, particularly in certain cities, often borrow and wear kimonos as an aesthetic choice.
Kimonos are therefore becoming increasingly popular in the Chinese fashion scene, whether in the form of hybrid kimono and cheongsam combinations or kimonos worn with modern accessories. Kimonos are now so popular in China that there are even courses available to teach traditional Japanese techniques for wearing the garment with skill and grace.
What counts as cultural appropriation?
Cultural appropriation can be defined as the adoption or use of elements from one culture by members of another culture. It is a controversial topic, as it has the potential to be seen as disrespectful or exploitative, particularly when members of a dominant culture appropriate the customs, symbols, or other elements from a minority culture or disregards the significance of them.
Some examples of cultural appropriation include:
– wearing traditional clothing items, hairstyles, and jewelry associated with another culture
– using offensive slogans or stereotypical images of another culture as part of marketing campaigns
– exploiting indigenous knowledge without giving proper attribution or recognition
– celebrating a holiday not native to your culture (such as Cinco de Mayo) without educating yourself on the historical significance and traditions of the holiday
– using cultural music or art with an offensive message
– misusing language and cultural symbols without understanding the significance behind them
– delegitimizing a culture by casting it in a negative light in films, television shows, etc.
Cultural appropriation can be seen as offensive because it can suggest that a particular culture is inferior to the appropriator’s culture and that it is only useful for the appropriator’s pleasure or capital gain, rather than being respected for its unique history, contributions, and traditions.
It can also be damaging for minority cultures because the appropriation of their traditions or elements of their culture can reinforce stereotypes and diminish their value or cause them to be viewed in a superficial way.