Japanese Traditional Clothing

The Japanese people has a traditional dress that has been a topic of interest for a long time. They wear different types of kimonos for every and each occasion, they have for formal or casual. They are very fascinating on their traditional kind of clothes.The kimono and the yukata in Japan are the most two commonly worn clothes in the country. 

Kimono (kuh-moh-nuh)
The kimono is a full-length robe that is made of silk, this is worn by both women and men. Men have a black or brown coloured kimono and it is simple, while women have different designs of kimonos. When a woman is not married traditionally she wear a furisode (swinging sleeves), wich has long sleeves about 110cm in length. A woman chooses a style of kimono on various factors. Kimonos made of woolen fabric are worn more often in winter. A black kimono is worn by both men and women in a funeral. 

Yukata (yoo-kah-tah)
This is also part from the traditional dress. Yukata can be considered as a casual version of kimono. Generally people wear a yukata after a bath. It is meant to cool your body and it is made of cotton.

Nagajuban (naa-ga-JOO-ban)
This is worn underneath the kimono as it is a robe that takes a shape of kimono. Nagajuban are usually worn underneath because kimonos are usually made of silk, and they are different to clean so they avoid contact between silk and skin.The only part that is seen from the outside the main garment is the collar. The collar of the nagajuban is often covered or wrapped with a haneri for decorative and cleaniness.

Haori (HOU-ree)
This is a coat like, knee length garment and it is loose fitting. The haori was originally worn by men but nowadays, even women wears it. It is not heavy and generally it is worn to keep th kimono clean.

Haori himo (HOU-ree, HEE-moh)
It is a kind of tie-up, that is usually a woven string, which holds the haori together. the colour of this tie-up is usually white.

Hakama (ha-KAH-mah)
The hakama is an ankle skirt with wide-pleated. It has 5 pleats on front and 2 at the back in all. It is always worn on the kimono and it can b divided or undivided. Th hakama is usually worn around the waist with ribbons. In acient times the hakama was usually worn by Samurais so others cannot be able to see their footwork. Nowadays it is worn by both sexes but originally it was worn only by men.

Tabi (tah-bee)
They are traditional Japanese socks that are worn by both sexes. Generally they are ankle-high, and have a separation from the big toe to the other toes. The juka-tabi are often worn by workmen.

Zori (ZAWR-ee)
The zori is a major part from the traditional clothing and it is worn with a kimono. Zori are sandals that are described as slip ons or flip flops. They are made of leather or cloth and are usually worn in formal or informal occasions.

Obi (oh-bee, aw-bee)
It is worn with many traditional clothing, such as kimono. Obi is kind of sash that is worn by both sexes. This can hide several sashes that are worn beneath. Obi can be tied with various knots, that each and one of them have a different meaning. In early days they believed that knots keep evil spirits away. Obi was also worn as martial art uniform.

Obiage (oh-bee-ah-gee)
Obimakura is a pillow used to suppost the knot of the obi and obiagi is a piece of clothing that covers the obimakura. It shows the marital status of a woman, an unmarried woman always wear her obiagi visible to others and married woman wears it semi discretely.

Obijime (oh-bee-JEE-may)
It is a string which ties the knot on the obi. This can be made by different materials  such as silk, satin or can even be from a woven material. The obi is generally around 150-160 cm in length, with a different knot for different occastions.Obidome are deocrations that are placed over the obijime. 

Kanzashi (kaan-za-shee)
Kanzashi is usually worn by woman, it is kind of a hairpin that holds a hairdo in place. They change the colour of this hair ornament in accordance to the month or season. 

Japan are known for their highly-detailed work in clothing and it gives a woman's marital status and position in the society. Even small flaws in the arrangement or choice of clothing can be considered to be an insult or disrespect


Japanese Traditional Clothing. 2013. Japanese Traditional Clothing. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/japanese-traditional-clothing.html. [Accessed 21 May 2013].