Translated from the Japanese "kimono" means any clothing for men and women, but in our minds this definition is entrenched as a traditional Japanese outward appearance reminiscent of a "gown". This clothing was worn by geisha , dancers and unmarried women, but some models were intended for men. What does a Japanese kimono look like and what are the features of the socks of this uneasy dress? About this below.
History of things: Japanese women's kimono
It was borrowed from the Chinese at that distant time, when the peoples living in the territory of modern Japan, were considered savages, and the way of their life and cultural norms fully subordinated to China. The progenitor of the kimono is traditional Chinese Hanfu clothes, reminiscent of a smelling robe. The Japanese took this silhouette as the basis of their national attire, but after the closure of state borders, the outfit underwent so many changes that it became almost unrecognizable. The width of the sleeves changed, the length of the dress itself, the texture of the fabric and the drawings. Only in the 19th century did the kimono become familiar to everyone.
At the same time, one must be able to distinguish Japanese and Chinese women's kimonos. If you compare them, Hanfu look brighter and more intricate than the Japanese model, which remains more modest and strict. In the traditional dress of Japanese women, there are several characteristics that distinguish it from other clothes:
- in expanded form it resembles the letter T;
- gets to the ankles;
- all the seams in the outfit are exceptionally straight;
- for sewing a lot of cloth is used (up to 11 meters);
- all models are performed in the same size, and only then they are adjusted to the figure by means of all sorts of tucking and folding;
- clothes are fixed solely by the belt.
Today in Japan, people wear traditional outfits solely on solemn occasions. For example, for the wedding, the bride and groom, as well as their parents wear a kimono. On the anniversary of adulthood, which is celebrated every year in January, young girls dressed in traditional kimonos and fur collars appear on the streets.
How was the kimono made?
For sewing a special cut of fabric was used, which had a standard width and length. It had only to be cut into several rectangular parts and stitched. To prevent the appearance of wrinkles and excessive bruising, as well as to ensure that the layers of fabric are not confused with each other, the gown swept free large stitches. Fabrication and sewing were done manually, so the clothes cost a lot of money, and therefore was worn extremely carefully.
However, one does not need to think that all the gowns were exactly the same. In fact, there were many different models designed for formal events, married and unmarried ladies. Depending on these criteria, the following types of kimono robe could be distinguished:
- For unmarried women. As a rule, these were monochrome models with a discreetly woven pattern at the waist. Such outfits were called "iromuji" and "irotomesode".
- For all the ladies. These are restrained kimonos of dark colors, which are usually worn at a tea ceremony or for everyday wear. They are called "tsukesage" and "komon".
- Wedding silk kimono. It is sewed from expensive fabrics, is decorated with embroidery from gold and silver threads or hand painted. Over it is put on a cape uchikake, which has a heavier hem, resembling a train of wedding dress.
With what to wear modern kimono?
Traditional Japanese outfits have inspired many designers to create thematic collections, in which the influence of Oriental culture is traced. Coats, jackets and blouses with their angular lines and wide sleeves resemble a kimono, thanks to which the style looks more original. In the range are also presented free kimono dresses , fastened with a smell. They are recommended to combine with laconic handbags and do not overload with multi-tier ornaments.
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