Kimono

Kimonos are robe-like attire traditionally worn in Japan by men and women, rich and poor, young and old. Kimonos may either be simple with understated patterns or heavily embroidered with intricate designs. The term Kimono basically means 'Japanese style clothing'. A kimono is long; it usually falls till the ankle, and has collars and full-length sleeves. The Kimono is supposed to be wrapped around the body with the left overlapping the right side. This is then secured with a wide belt that is tied at the back. This belt is known as obi. It is said that the Kimono is influenced by the Chinese Hanfu, through culture exchanges between the two countries. A woman's Kimono is very complicated and is difficult to be worn unaided. Kimonos for men, on the other hand, are far simpler to wear. There are different types of women's Kimonos based on their formality. These include Kurotomesode (the wedding trousseau), Furisode, Irotomesode, Homongi, Tsukesage, Iromuji, Komom and Yukata. The Yukata is made out of cotton and is usually worn in the summertime. The others are generally made out of silk with complicated designs and are worn for occasions. The Kimono is generally accompanied with matching traditional accessories. These include Japanese wooden sandals (Geta), divided or undivided skirts worn by men (Hakama), hip or thigh length coats (Haori), a twelve layered robe worn by women (Junihitoe), under-Kimono wear (Hiyoku), hair ornaments (Kanzashi), socks (Tabi), straw sandals (Waraji) and cloth, leather or grass woven sandals (Zori).