The kimono is a T-shaped, wrapped-front garment with square sleeves and a rectangular body, and is worn left side wrapped over right, unless the wearer is deceased. The kimono is traditionally worn with a broad sash, called an obi, and is commonly worn with accessories such as zÅri sandals and tabi socks.
An obi belt is a long decorative belt that is wrapped around the body to wear a Japanese kimono or yukata. They have no fastening, and instead are tied together in a bow or other attractive knot. Obi can be made from any fabric if it is strong enough to pull.
The kimono is traditional clothing for women, men, and children in Japan. It is most frequently worn by women. There are many rules in how to wear a kimono in a traditional way. For example, married women should wear shorter sleeve kimono, or some kimono should have obi with appropriate bows.
A kimono that is too long will never bother you, because a kimono should always be longer than you are tall. When putting a kimono on, you adjust the length by folding the additional fabric over at the waist. Putting on a short kimono, however, is like wearing short trousers.
Kimono Rule #1: Left over RightFor both the nagajuban (kimono underwear) and the kimono there is one important rule. 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!
You can wear your kimono with a Kitsune mask anywhere. Since your cardigan already has a Kitsune mask print, it obviously will be conspicuous.
3) No watch, accessories or jewelry when wearing a kimonoBelieve it or not, there are specific rules to not wear accessories when you wear a kimono. It's important that you take all your accessories off before you wear a kimono. All kimono are made of silk, and some of them are made from very expensive ones.
Momo-iro (pink) kimono. Photo: Courtesy of PIE International. In Japan, pink is a color associated with springtime. However, because the price of the plant used to create pink dyes was historically high, lighter shades and peaches were more common, as dyers diluted the base materials.
Kimono are always wrapped left side over the right. The only exception is when dressing the dead for burial the right side of the robe is placed on top. It's considered incredibly bad luck to get this wrong. You'll look like the walking dead.
Haoris are versatile articles of clothing that look good with any bottom. Jeans look great with them because they are a neutral bottom that gives the haori a casual vibe. You can wear this outfit when you go shopping or out with friends.
The obi or sash is also simpler and easier to tie.
- Put on the yukata with undergarments worn below.
- First wrap the right side of the yukata around to your left hip. Then wrap the left side over the right.
- Holding the yukata closed, wrap the sash around yourself two to three times.
- Tie the sash into a bow.
You can wear them with shorts, mini dresses, crop tops, swimsuits, tank tops and over anything you want. It's kind of silk summer jacket that has the same versatile styling options as a basic blazer. The best ones for summer wear so far are long/short, fringed, silk, oversized, printed and asymmetric.
Perhaps the most obvious difference between a kimono and yukata, at least if you're wearing it yourself, is that kimono usually (although not always) have an interior lining, whereas yukata never do, and are sewn from a single layer of fabric.
In general, kimono are worn with traditional Japanese sandals, called either zori or geta. The former has a flat sole and the latter's is raised, but in either case their classic design adds a traditional air, as does the distinctive clicking and clacking they lend to the wearer's footsteps.
Shorter styles go with fit and flare dresses while the medium and long lengths go well with maxi dresses, skinny/flare jeans, and shorts. For a lean and longer look, wear long kimonos with skinny jeans, long necklaces, and platform boots. For a more structured look belt your kimono and make them into a flare dress.
Although it's true they look stunning with jeans, kimonos also look perfect worn with midi skirts, long dresses, culotte trousers or knitted shorts. And remember you can wear it open or closed.
So, if you ask me, you can wear a kimono with just about anything, from a romper, denim shorts, t-shirt dress and even to a dressier dress.
However, when it comes to children's Halloween costumes, cultural sensitivity has gone too far. Halloween is that special holiday that lets kids transform into their favorite people, real or imaginary.
If anything it would be considered honoring a warrior class. Ninja were foot soldiers and Samurai were the elite soldiers of the lords throughout Japan. A Ronin was a Samurai without a master. As long as you treat the costume and culture with respect there is no harm in wearing them for Halloween.
