If you think the Japanese kimono robe, with its summer counterpart called yukatas, is just another piece of clothing, then you are mistaken. Wait until you read this fascinating story of Japanese kimono robes. Despite the fact that the word kimono actually means thing to wear, these stylish and colorful robes are anything but ordinary. But how are these robes and yukatas so different from other robes or loungewear?
Introducing the kimono and the yukata.
Well, what really sets them apart are the elaborate patterns and colorful fabrics, which include symbolic images like cranes, dragons, koi fish, cherry blossoms and other meaningful icons of Japanese culture. While they have a more casual and comfortable look than the robes worn in Asian ceremonies, the basic design of kimonos and yukatas hasn’t changed much since the Edo period of the 17th century. By the way, the yukata is the lighter, more summery version of the Kimono. This 100% cotton, kimono-style robe is more commonly worn as loungewear, after a bath, or as a cover-up at the pool. While most are made in less decorative fabrics than kimonos, there are many brightly colored yukatas available for women. Most kimonos come with a matching fabric sash, but they are often worn with a heko or kaku obi, or belt, on special occasions. In case you are not familiar with the design of a kimono, they are generally shaped like a capital “T” and are roomy and wide with very little design variation, other than being available in a selection of splashy satin fabrics and colors. In Japanese ceremonies, kimonos are worn by both men and women, and they are typically wrapped around the body, left side wrapped over right, and finished with a wide belt, or obi, which is tied in the back. The hem falls about 56″ down to the ankle.
Summary
The elaborate patterns and colorful fabric of the Japanese kimono robes include meaningful icons like crane, the koi fish and the cherry blossoms and others. They give you a glimpse of the rich Japanese culture developed through its long history of existence as a nation. Shaped like a tee, the yukata is worn after bath and the kimono is worn in Japanese ceremonies both by men and women with a belt or obi. The hems of the kimono reach 56 inches down the ankles. That is the fascinating story of the Japanese kimono robes and yukatas.