A kimono dress is a traditional Japanese garment that is often worn by both men and women on special occasions. It is typically made of silk and has a long, flowing skirt that reaches the ground. The sleeves are usually long and wide, and the neckline is often high. Kimono dresses are often brightly colored and decorated with intricate patterns. Kimono dresses are a great way to add a touch of Japanese style to your wardrobe and they are also very comfortable to wear. So why not give one a try today?
The History of Japanese Kimonos
A kimono dress is a traditional Japanese garment. Kimono means “something to wear” in Japanese, and they are typically made from silk. They are worn by both men and women, although women’s kimonos are usually more colorful and ornate than men’s.
Kimonos have been around for centuries, and their designs have changed over time. The first kimonos were made of hemp or linen and were simple in design. Over time, the fabric and the style of the kimono evolved, and by the Edo period (1603-1868), kimonos were made of silk and were very elaborate, with intricate patterns and colors.
During the Meiji period (1868-1912), Western clothing became popular in Japan, and the kimono fell out of fashion. However, in recent years there has been resurgence in interest in traditional Japanese masks, and kimonos are once again becoming popular.
Today, kimonos are worn for a variety of occasions, including weddings, tea ceremonies, and other formal events. They are also worn by geishas, who are traditional Japanese entertainers.
If you’re interested in wearing a kimono, there are a few things you should know. First, it is important to choose the right size. Kimonos are sized according to your height and weight, so it is important to get measured before you purchase one. Second, kimonos should be worn with traditional Japanese footwear, such as geta (wooden sandals) or zori (flip-flops). Finally, you will need to learn how to tie a kimono properly; if it is not tied correctly, it will not look good.
The Types of Kimonos
As mentioned earlier kimonos are for both men and women. But there is a slice difference between them which is explained ahead.
Men Kimono
Men’s kimonos typically come in muted shades of black, brown, navy, and gray. The only prominent pattern on traditional kimonos for men is typically the Kamon (family insignia). An obi is a belt used to tightly fasten kimonos. Obi for men tends to be thinner and has muted colors and designs. A man’s kimono collar doesn’t have much room between the neck and collar.
It is distinguished by its flowing silhouette and long, loose-fitting sleeves. Kimono dresses can be worn as a standalone dress or as a layering garment over other apparel. They are typically composed of lightweight fabrics like silk or cotton.
Women Kimono
Women’s kimono typically come in a wider range of colors, often in eye-catching hues like red, pink, and purple. Women’s kimonos frequently include patterns inspired by the natural world. But you can also discover some amusing contemporary kimonos. Women’s obi are thicker and come in a wider range of colors and patterns. In addition, there are more ornamental obi tying variations for ladies than for men. So, it’s possible to see women walking around with their obi wrapped around their backs like a flower or butterfly. For young ladies, the area between the collar and neck might occasionally be wider, displaying more neck. Women who are older or married typically wear more subdued kimonos that don’t bring much attention to the neck.
Some people might be wondering why there is a greater selection of kimonos for women. The reason for this is that kimonos are increasingly popular with women these days. As a result, more are provided for them. For many formal occasions, including graduation, seijinshiki (coming of age ceremonies), and weddings, women tend to prefer kimonos over Western clothing, while males today primarily wear Western suits.
How to Wear a Men’s Kimono
Precautions
If you would like to try wearing a kimono dress, then there are a few things that you need to keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to choose the right size dress. If you choose a dress that is too large, then it will swamp your figure and make you look larger than you actually are. Conversely, if you choose a dress that is too small, then it will cling to your body and accentuate any lumps or bumps that you might have. It is therefore advisable to try on a few different sizes before deciding on the perfect fit. When it comes to accessories, less is definitely more when you are wearing a kimono dress. Avoid wearing any chunky jewelry or belts, as these will only serve to spoil the look of the dress.
Step-by-step guide
If you follow these simple tips, then you should have no problem pulling off the perfect kimono dress look.
- Put the socks (tabi) on first because it will be difficult to do so afterward without ruining your kimono and obi.
- There are various kimono undergarments available. For the upper body, you can wear a hada-juban or a separate undergarment (han-juban), and for the bottom body, a fundoshi.
- Obis for men are tied lower on the waist and are urged to resemble a pot belly. If there isn’t a natural belly shape, you can achieve one by donning a particular yukata pad or towel.
- Wear the naga-juban (under kimono), a type of wafuku undergarment worn with kimonos underneath the primary outer garment, next. These garments can have wonderful scenery on the back.
- Han-eri, a long piece of cloth at the neck to avoid getting the collar dirty. Last but not least, wear a kimono.
The Diverse Variety of Men Kimono
As it is discussed in the starting part of the blog men’s and women’s kimonos are different. Similarly, there are different Men kimono dresses for different occasions. In fact, wearing the incorrect kimono for a particular event is seen as a sign of disrespect. The kimono styles Houmongi, Tsukesage, and Mofuku are common. Momofuku is ceremonial mourning clothing that is worn during funerals and is all black. Due to its lighter construction and lack of matching undergarments, the Yukata is a more relaxed and informal variant of the kimono. The word “yukata” means bathing cloth, and it was initially used to refer to bathrobes. In Japanese bathhouses, you can still see people wearing them. Aside from these variations, each kimono comes in a variety of patterns and hues.
Caring For Your Men Kimono
Here are a few things you should keep in mind when taking care of your kimono:
- Hang your kimono up when you’re not wearing it. This will help keep its shape and prevent wrinkles.
- Be careful when putting on and taking off your kimono. Don’t pull or tug at the fabric too hard, as this can damage it.
- If your kimono gets wet, hang it up to dry as soon as possible. Wet fabric can cause stains and damage the fabric.
- When storing your kimono, fold it carefully so that it doesn’t get wrinkled.
FAQs
Following are the answers to the most asked questions about kimonos.
Q: How to wear a kimono for men?
There are a few key things you need to know in order to wear a kimono correctly. Firstly, the left side of the kimono should overlap the right side. Secondly, the kimono should be tied with an obi (belt) at the waist. And finally, the sleeves of the kimono should not be allowed to hang down below the hand.
Q: How do you choose a kimono for men?
The main thing you need to consider when choosing a kimono is the occasion. For example, if you are attending a formal event then you will need to choose a more traditional and formal kimono. However, if you are just wearing the kimono around the house or for casual occasions, then you can choose a simpler and less expensive kimono.
Q: What kind of fabrics is used for men’s kimonos?
The most common fabric used for men’s kimonos is silk. This is because silk is a very strong and durable fabric that is also comfortable to wear. Other fabrics that are sometimes used for kimonos
