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.

Another reason for the ancient Kimono fading out to modern Japanese clothing is the ever growing popularity of man-made fabrics. From 1975 to 1988, silk production fell by 39percent and since kimonos are made of silk, the kimono is losing popularity as an everyday wear. A number of stereotypes have also stopped the Kimono from making a comeback. Younger women lack assistance in buying a Kimono; what colors should they buy and even where to buy them is an unanswered question for a large percentage. It is also a common thought that they are hard to wear alone and that a Kimono is only meant for special occasions. The thought that they are expensive also discourages many young potential buyers.

A total westernization will never happen owing to Japan’s rich culture but a healthy mix of western and traditional can be seen everyday on the streets of Tokyo and many other cities and towns. A Nike t-shirt over a skirt and a Geta is not an uncommon sight; the only saddening part may perhaps be the downhill journey of the traditional Kimono in the modern Japanese clothing.

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.

The Kimono with an Obi or the sash around the waist and the Geta were originated in Japan more than a thousand years ago. The material used to fabricate these varied form the most expensive of silks to the cheapest of linens. The kimono was also an heirloom often passed down from mother to daughter sometimes for several generations.

Since the Kimono had one basic pattern, it could fit people with different body types by adjusting the neck and waist line. Modern Japanese clothing brings together the influences of the traditional Kimono with the modern western clothing.

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!