Ancient 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.