Japanese Clothing - Types and Styles

Types and Styles

An example of a Japanese clothing is the kimono; the kimono is a traditional garment. Japanese kimonos are wrapped around the body, sometimes in several layers, and are secured in place by sashes with a wide obi to complete the human parcel. The modern kimono is not worn as often as it once was. Most women now wear western-style clothing and only wear kimonos out for special occasions. In modern Japan kimono are a marked feminine costume and a national attire. There are 6 different types of kimonos that a woman can wear; furisode, uchikake, houmongi, yukata, tomesode, and mofuku, depending upon her marital status and the event she intends to attend. Japanese clothing, specifically kimono, is styled to fit the seasons. Clothing with more rustic colors and patterns (like russet leaves) are favored in autumn, while in spring more vibrant colors and floral designs (like cherry blossoms) are common. In winter, those dressing in kimono tend to wear darker colors and multiple layers (sometimes as many as ten). It is important that you dress for the season in certain layers, because you do not want to be too hot or cold. These days if you were to go to Japan, you would rarely see kimonos unless you happened to get there at the time of a festival. You are more likely to see modern western clothing on the Japanese while you are visiting. In fact, if you were to watch the women in London and Tokyo, you would have difficulty finding any differences in fashion between them.