Ancient Japanese Clothing

Japanese history includes alternating periods of isolation and revolutionary influences from the rest of the world. As early as the Jomon period from about 14000BC to 300 BC, Japan had a hunter-gatherer lifestyle; wooden stilt houses, pit dwelling, and agriculture. Weaving was still unknown and the ancient Japanese clothing consisted of fur. However, some of the world’s oldest pottery is found in Japan, along with daggers, jade, combs made form shell and clay figures.

The period thereafter to 250 BC saw the influx of new practices like weaving, rice sowing, iron and bronze making influenced by china and Korea. Chinese travelers describe the men ‘with braided hair, tattooing and women with large, single-piece clothing.’ Initially ancient Japanese clothing consisted of single piece clothing. The ancient and classical Japan begins from the middle of the 3rd century to 710. An advanced agricultural and militaristic culture defines this period. By 645, Japan rapidly adopted Chinese practices and reorganized its penal code.

The change of Japanese clothing probably came around after the Second World War. By 1946, a number of fashion magazines began gaining popularity in Japan, like Soen, New style which showed Japanese women how to dress. Not merely a magazine showcasing ready made dresses and attires, these magazines served the purpose of fashion guides. The magazines showed Japanese women how to sew their Kimonos into dresses and their husband’s old coats into suits. These were a complete sewing guide and soon silk Kimonos began transforming into silk dresses at par with New York and Paris designs and Japanese men began adorning suits.

The traditional Kimono however is relegated as a ceremonial dress in modern Japan. The kimono is now worn mostly only during the New Year or a wedding.

Fashion shows in Japan bring together both these worlds by showcasing suits which are draped like kimonos. Geta which was the traditional footwear in Japan shows its traces in modern day platform shoes. Fashion streets of Tokyo display brightly colored socks which are a combination of the traditional tabi with western colors. Tabi is the traditional padded socks worn at home since the Japanese remain bare foot in their houses.

Traces of the Sashiko, the traditional quilted coat can also be seen in modern coats. So, if you are in Tokyo, you may see a fine blend of the ancient Japanese and the western in the youth of modern Japan. Kimonos and platform shoes under them with a western hair style – this is what many young Japanese people can be seen attired in. however, modern Japanese clothing can be best described as largely western with elements from Japanese clothing incorporated.

Modern Japan however incorporates both eastern as well as western clothing and mostly Kimonos are worn at home or special occasions. These are made in a very unique method; the fabric is at least 13 meters long and up to 15 inches wide and is cut into eight pieces. These are then sewn back to create the shape without wasting any of the fabric. Much of the fabric and embroidery techniques were originated in China. Soon, ancient Japan clothing evolved artistic styles and favored plain silks rather than the earlier woven and dyed designs.

Today the world over, people are investing in the ancient Japanese clothing: Kimonos and silk brocade blouses and jackets. These can easily be teamed with pants or skirts! You could buy Japanese fabrics in silk and cotton and have them customized to suit your needs; make a dress or a kimono or a shirt. The rich and pretty designs and the cut and styles complete with the Obi can never go wrong in styling you!