History of Kimono Dresses

Most people have seen a kimono and know that it is Japan's traditional dress. However, most have not heard of the other word for kimono, gofuku. This word means "clothing of Wu." The kimono is worn by, both men and women, although the styles are different and the number of pieces to make up the complete kimono dress are less for men. The layering of traditional kimonos is rarely done by the modern Japanese wearer, except by maiko (apprentice geisha) and geisha (a female entertainer). The occasional bride will want the look of the traditional layering, but there are kimonos that are made to offer the appearance without all the work and layers of fabric required.

History

Han Chinese clothing (silk robes) was the great influence for the first kimonos of Japan. It was an ancient form of dress, worn before the Chinese Quing Dynasty came into power, during the mid 1600s. It is thought that the Japanese kimono dress goes back to the 5th century. It is not until the 8th century, however, that certain styles and gender differences, in the kimono, became obvious. As time moved on and new rulers changed, so did the kimono. Dress changes would distinguish between married and unmarried women, sleeves became longer, hakama pants were removed and the obi (belt) became wider. However, through all these changes, the basic kimono shape and style remained the same.

Features

Men's kimonos can be purchased in different sizes. However, women's kimonos are generally found in just one size (larger) and is adjusted with tucks and folds. The modern dress allows for sleeves to reach the wrist when hanging straight down, for both genders. A man's kimono, falling straight down, should reach the ankles, where the women's is longer to allow for tucking, especially for the ohashori (the tuck under the obi). The main pattern is comprised of four strips of fabric, with smaller strips forming the collar and the decorative, narrow front panel. One kimono is made from a tan (complete bolt of fabric). Traditionally, they were made of silk or satin weaves. However, modern kimonos can be found in fabrics of less quality.

Parts

Men's kimono's are made up of no more than five pieces. Women's are far more complicated, consisting of at least twelve pieces. Added to the fact that every piece on the kimono has it's designated name, there are many parts to this form of dress. The doura is the upper lining, eri is the collar, fuki is the hem guard, furi is the sleeve below the armhole, miyatsukuchi is the opening beneath the sleeve, maemigoro is the main front panel, okumi is the inside front panel, sode is the sleeve, sodeguchi is the sleeve opening, tamoto is the sleeve pouch, uraeri is the inner collar. These are just a few of the parts of a kimono.

Value

The cost of a kimono can vary widely, depending on the quality and workmanship of the garment. It is not uncommon to see a high end kimono priced at $10,000. The total price may shoot up to $20,000, when undergarments and accessories are added in. Kimonos can be made and appreciated as a true work of art. Not everyone can afford these prices. As mentioned earlier, they are made in less expensive fabrics with manufactured-style workmanship for a lesser cost. Still, others make their own garments from a basic pattern. This allows them to use more expensive fabric, teamed with their own high quality sewing to create a kimono that is closer to the higher priced ones.

Styles

Although there are many differences between men's and women's kimonos, the most obvious is the pattern and color. Men's garments come in dark colors, sometimes with a very subtle matte pattern. More casual dress of lighter colors are sometimes seen. The men's formal kimono is plain black, worn with white undergarments and accessories.
The style of women's kimonos are much more complicated. In fact, they are so complicated that many Japanese women require another person's help in dressing properly. There are even licensed kimono dressers that do this for a living. Even choosing the style of garment is more complex than just picking the one that appeals to you. These are some of the styles of women's kimonos: Kurotomesode (black, formal, sometimes patterned below the waist--often worn by mothers of the bride and groom), Furisode (the most formal, worn by unmarried women with colorful patterns), Irotomesode (worn by married women, single-color kimono), Komon (small patterned and casual, worn by married and unmarried women).