..Japanese Fashion

 

Kimono: The traditional dress of Japan is the kimono. Kimonos, which are generally made of silk, have large sleeves and reach from the shoulders all the way down to the heels. The kimono usually just comes in one size, although distinctions are made between what men, women, and children wear. When choosing which kimono to wear, people think about the designs and materials that best match the season and how well it goes with the belt, which, in the case of women's formal attire, is about 10 inches wide and is elaborately decorated. They are tied with a wide belt called an obi. Kimonos are now usually worn only on special occasions, such as the Shichi-Go-San festival, weddings, and graduation ceremonies. Compared to Western dress, the kimono tends to limit one's movement, and it takes more time to put on properly. In the summer, however, a more easily worn, lightweight informal kimono known as a yukata is worn by children and young adults at festivals, fireworks displays, and other special occasions. In everyday life, though, young people tend to prefer clothing that is easier to move around in, like T-shirts, jeans, polo shirts, and sweat suits. Regular kimonos can accommodate wearers of all heights and sizes because their length and width are adjusted using an assortment of strings. In wearing a kimono, women first put on a pair of tabi (socks split between the big toe and other toes), then put on a hada-juban undergarment and naga-juban inner kimono, holding them in place with a string around the waist. The outer kimono is then worn, its length being adjusted with another string around the torso. Finally, the belt is fastened with an ornamental knot.

Take off your shoes: Japanese have developed the custom of eating meals sitting on tatami mats, not on chairs. They also roll out the futon on which to sleep on the tatami floor. Therefore, they take their shoes off when entering the house to avoid getting the floor dirty. The "genkan" - or the entranceway just inside the front door where shoes are removed - is slightly lower than the hallway and the rooms of the house.