Traditional Female Japanese Dress to Make or Buy
A kimono is a type of Japanese dress that was traditionally worn both by women and by men up until the end of the 1800s. Today we associate the kimono with the Japanese Geisha, who wears traditional dress while performing and entertaining guests. However, you can still find modern Japanese woman wearing kimonos for special occasions or even simply because they love this style of dress.
Here we take a look at Kimono and available to Westerners. Kimonos for sale in North America and beyond include informal outfits that can be worn for relaxing around the home as well as more elaborate silk kimonos and haori. The Japanese-style dress featured here is for ladies, with pretty fabrics and colors. A man can also wear a kimono but his will be a more masculine fabric and style.
Men and women in Japan also wear the Haori, which is a shorter, coat-length garment. It forms part of traditional Japanese costume for men. However, feminine versions of the Haori can be worn over a kimono. The Michiyuki is a longer version, more like a raincoat, but unlike the Haori is often made from a plain fabric.
Image credit: courtesy of johninportland on morgueFile.com
Text copyright IndigoJanson.
A Beautiful Kimono from The Smithsonian Store
Elaborate Pattern on a Blue Kimono
This gorgeous kimono is a furisode style, traditionally worn by young women in Japan. It is made from cotton sateen and has a vibrant floral design that includes the beloved sakura (cherry blossom) as well as images of beautiful Japanese women in richly colored outfits. On the top part and sleeves of this blue kimono is Japanese writing in a contrasting yellow. A stunning outfit to wear or simply to display.
Japanese Kimonos with Rich Obi (Sashes)
Apprentice Geisha Wear Elaborate Outfits Based on Kimono
A Selection of Kimonos
For relaxing, cosplay or a special outfit
These kimonos can all be bought via Amazon.com for peace of mind. These days many Kimono style outfits are made in the Far East and often are cheaper when bought from China and other Asian countries than when imported from Japan. You will have to search a little harder to find a genuine Japanese kimono, but these garments are ideal if you are happy with an alternative that was inspired by the real thing.
A genuine Japanese-made item, this pink Kimono has a lovely flowers and geisha-style lady motif. It includes a sash belt (but not a full obi) and is 100% cotton.
This kimono is supplied by a costume store but you don't have to keep it for dressing up -- wear at home too if you want a little Japanese elegance! The attention to detail in the obi (sash) is wonderful and it has a lovely geisha and flower print. The sash (obiage) has a bow (obi-ita) at the back which is fastened with a cord (obijime). Made from satin.
This kimono-style robe is imported from China and is made from a silky brocade material giving it a traditional look. It has a belt in the same fabric to tie it at the waist, and is more suited to wear at home as a robe rather than for dressing up. However, it looks beautiful and is very highly rated by a large number of customers.
This is a stunning short kimono made from silk and has a hand-painted flower design. The painting varies depending on the color of the silk, with an alternative floral design on a black robe and a crane design available both on black and plum silk. Very feminine and pretty no matter which color you choose.
Why Do You Want to Buy a Kimono?
Would You Rather Make a Kimono?
Create the Kimono of Your Dreams!
If you want a true Japanese style kimono and obi, you might be better off making your own or asking a friend to sew a kimono for you.
Popular sewing pattern brand Simplicity has teamed up with designer Andrea Schewe to come up with this very authentic looking Japanese kimono pattern.
Fabric for Your Homemade Kimono
Choose a Japanese Motif
These lovely fabrics would be wonderful for making your own kimono.
Japanese Lady and Man in Kimonos
Make a Haori Style Japanese Jacket
Sewing Pattern for Haori
It can be difficult to buy a Haori. It's simply not as well known a garment in the West as the traditional Kimono, despite being versatile and easy to wear.
Fortunately, this sewing pattern will give you the instructions you need to create a women's Haori. This coat-like item ends mid-thigh on most women and has elbow-length sleeves.
Although the pattern illustrations and photos look rather dated (fun, aren't they!) the Haori itself is a traditional item of clothing that is timeless. Use vintage fabrics or make it look contemporary with your latest fabric store finds.
Vintage and Unusual Kimono Silk on eBay
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