Ancient Japanese Clothing: The Kimono
As per the ancient Japanese clothing norms men usually worer conservatively designed kimonos in blue, black, gray, brown or white. An Obi or sash around the waist was usually narrow and tied in a simple knot at the back. In summers you would find most people wearing a Yukata; it is a light weight cotton kimono mostly in white or navy blue colors.
Women however may wear them in bright colors and floral patterns. During formal occasions or during practicing the martial arts, men wore a Hakama or pleated pants over their kimonos. A bridegroom would add a Haori or a jacket to his kimono and Hakama. This was held closed with braided cord in a decorative knot.
A woman’s kimono differed depending on the age, social status, season and marital status in ancient Japanese clothing. A young unmarried woman would wear a Furisode or a colorful kimono with flowing sleeves up to the ankles. A married woman wore them with short sleeves. The Obi for a woman’s Kimono could be as wide as 1 foot and 13 feet long and would take almost ½ hour to tie into elaborate styles! A bride would usually wore a white kimono covered with a red or orange over-kimono for the reception. The brighter patterns and prints in ancient Japanese clothing were for the children.