Japanese Traditional Clothing

The Japanese traditional clothing can be seen in many forms and interesting patterns which have evolved over the years. Here’s a look at some of the various forms of Japanese traditional clothing. Japanese fashion trends have evolved over the years. The bizarre to the really creative designs can be found out here. Clothing in Japan now is very much as per the seasons as is the case all over the world. Bright colors can be seen in the spring season and fall colors can be witnessed in the autumn season.

Japanese traditional clothing can be seen in many varieties. Some of these are worn even today. The Japanese kimono and the yukata remain to be the most popular kinds. Formal Japanese clothing can be very elaborate in their design or simple and elegant as well. Let us read about the finer nuances of traditional Japanese clothing.

Kimono The word Kimono actually referred to all types of clothing. It also remains to be the national costume of Japan. Some of the earliest designs of the kimono were hugely influenced by the Hanfu, which is a part of Chinese clothing.During the 8th century, Chinese fashion trends gained popularity amongst the Japanese. The kimono turned into a stylish version during Japan’s Heian period. Over the years, one could see visible changes in the designs of the kimono

This form of Japanese traditional clothing is always worn by women and particularly for special occasions. As per the Japanese tradition, unmarried women wear a specific style of the kimono, which is called the furisode. Today, kimonos come in a variety of styles and forms and one can see designs such as Kurotomesode (mostly for married women), Tsukesage (modest version of an elaborate kimono), Edo Komon (it has tiny dots all over), Susohiki (worn by the Geishas or stage performers) etc.

HAMAKA : This type of Japanese traditional clothing consists of a wide pleated skirt. Today, men as well as women wear the hakama but in the earlier days, the hakama was worn only by men. In the ancient times, the hakama was worn by the samurai so that the opponent would not be able to see the footwork. A hakama has around 7 pleats, which are a representation of certain virtues. These are known to hold a lot of importance for the samurai. The men and women’s hakama are also found in many varieties today.

Yukata People generally wear the yukata after bathing and this is a common sight to see in traditional Japanese inns. These being garments that are meant to cool the body are made in fabrics like cotton. The yukata is also a part of Japanese traditional clothing and can be considered to be a casual version of the kimono.

Junihitoe The junihitoe was worn only the court ladies in Japan. This layered Japanese traditional clothing came onto the scene around the 10th century. This is an elegant garment that is considered to be a prized possession today. The jūnihitoe can also be considered as one of the most expensive of all Japanese traditional clothing.

Uwagi The uwagi consists of a jacket that is almost on similar lines as the kimono. This is worn with the hakama. One can witness the uwagi as a part of the martial arts uniform. An obi belt is used to tie the uwagi.

Footwear and socks Tabi: The tabi are actually traditional Japanese socks. These are worn by men as well as women. The tabi is generally ankle high and has a separation between the toe areas. (Between the big toe and the rest of the toes) The jika-tabi are often worn by workmen because they are made of a stronger material.

Zori: The zori formed a major part of Japanese traditional clothing. These were often worn with the kimono. The zori are open sandals that can be described as slip ons. Today, one can see many styles of the zori being used with modern fashion. Waragi: A waragi is also a kind of footwear that is worn in different ways by different people. As per tradition, when the Japanese wore the waragi, the toes would extend over the front edge of the sandal. The waragi was worn by all the common people in Japan in the olden days; today it is only the Buddhist monks who prefer to wear the waragi

Geta: The geta can be described as our regular flip-flops. These have a high wooden base and are worn with Japanese traditional clothing such as the Kimono or even the yukata.

Obi: The obi was worn with many types of Japanese traditional clothing such as the kimono. The obi is a kind of as sash that is used by men as well as women. Obi also remains to be the outermost sash worn by the Japanese; it can conceal several other sashes that are worn beneath this sash. One can see the obi also worn with martial arts uniform. The colors of the obi denote the rank of the individual.

Modern Japanese fashion Street Fashion has apparently become one of the most popular styles all over Japan today. Outlandish clothes rule in urban fashion areas like Ginza, Shibuya, Odaiba, Shinjuku and Harajuku.