“I don’t have a thing to wear!” Boy, haven’t I heard those words before. Growing up in a house full of women, I think I heard this phrase every Friday and Saturday night, if not more often. Where am I going with this? Well, to Japan of course, to discuss the kimono, their traditional garment. The kimono literally means “thing to wear.” Although it sounds like something you could throw on in a minute, it is quite the opposite. Most Japanese women are unable to put on a kimono without the help of another. It has twelve pieces that must be worn, matched and secured precisely, requiring many to hire a professional kimono dresser. There are many types of kimono styles and fabrics that can be worn depending on the formality of the event. For a casual event the fabric is cotton, while for a formal event, silk. A kimono will use one bolt of fabric which comes in a standard size and is sewn by hand. While some kimonos are dry cleaned, historically all were un-sewn prior to washing and then re-sewn. Imagine if you had to do that for all your clothing! This was a very expensive process and may have caused a decline in its popularity over the years.
Men’s kimonos (yes, men wear them too) are much simpler and consist of five pieces. The colors are traditionally dark and subdued for formal events while the casual kimono utilizes slightly brighter colors. For the most formal events the kimono is black and is worn with white undergarments. Not quite a kimono tux, but the same idea. A child’s kimono is much like the adult’s, only smaller. They are just as elaborate and usually very colorful. Many take as long to put on as the adult kimonos. Kimonos are seasonal as well. Much like American fashion, colors and patterns are worn based on the season. It is common to see bright and floral patterns in spring, autumn colors and patterns in fall and bamboo or pine tree patterns in winter.
Occasionally, you can find a restaurant where traditional Japanese attire is donned by the servers. Fuki Sushi in Palo Alto, California is one such place. Patrons are charmed and awed by the lovely kimonos. So the next time you think you do not have a thing to wear, think of the Japanese kimono and I am sure you will find something.
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