The kimono, meaning clothing in Japanese, has been worn by Japanese men and women from the Early Nara period (645–724) to the present. An ankle-length gown with long, full sleeves it is wrapped left over right across the chest and secured at the waist by a broad sash known as an obi.
The style, colour, and fabric of a kimono vary according to the sex, age, and marital status of the wearer, the occasion for which the kimono is worn and the season of the year. For example, for a woman, a kimono designed with butterflies or cherry blossoms would be worn in spring or summer; a kimono with a maple leaf design would be worn in the autumn and a kimono designed with bamboo, pine trees or plum blossoms would be worn in the winter.
Yukata, is an informal lightweight kimono, made from cotton and often worn
in the summer. The word yukata comes from the words 'yu' (bath) and 'katabira'
(underclothing). Linen yukata were first worn by court nobles, hundreds of
years ago, after taking a bath. Today, Ryokan and other hotels in onsen
(hot spring) resorts often provide yukata for guests to wear after their spa
bath. The fabric patterns of yukata vary from the traditional plain cross hatch
to more colourful floral/scenic designs.
Happi coats, short kimonos, were traditionally worn by shopkeepers, but now are
worn for a variety of occasions including festivals. The short style of the
happi coat makes it ideal for use as an attractive robe.
Furisode, a long-sleeved kimono worn by unmarried women, literally translates as swinging sleeves. They are usually worn at Seijinshiki (a coming-of-age day celebrated on the 2nd Monday of January by 20 year olds) and by unmarried female relatives of the bride at weddings.
A kimono is not only a beautiful garment to wear, it can make a stunning wall hanging. Japanya sells extendable hangers specially designed for hanging kimono and will allow the full beauty of a kimono
to be displayed. The back or front can be displayed with the front edges of the garment pulled out to the sides.
For both men and women, always wrap the right side of the kimono over the body,
then overlap it with the left side. (Right on top of the left is only used to
dress a corpse for burial.)
(1) Lay your garment flat and fold the left side of the shoulder section out to
the right. (2) Similarly fold the right side of the shoulder out to the left.
(3) Fold the entire garment in half, lengthwise. (4) Fold sleeves into centre.
(5) Fold in half as shown in picture (or in thirds or as preferred).
