Japanese Tabi

The Art And Mystery Of The Kimono

History

The Japanese kimono was adopted in the 8th century A.D from the Chinese. The overlapping collar was used primarily by women. During the Heian period the kimono became increasingly fancy and a ½ apron, called a mo, was worn over it. In the Muromachi Age, the single kimono was starting to be seen without the overskirt or trousers under it. When the Edo period came to pass, the sleeves began to get longer. This was especially true for unmarried women whose sleeves sometimes will reach to the floor. The obi also got wider still and new ways of tying it came into fashion. Today's kimono is essentially unchanged from the Edo period one hundred and fifty years ago.

How is the kimono made?

The best kimonos are still made from a single bolt of silk. Today you can get a kimono made from fabric that is easier to care for such as rayon and cotton. These easier care kimono are not to be used for formal wear however and a real kimono can cost around ten thousand dollars USD. The price is well worth it as a formal kimono is made from hand-dyed silk. They are all completely hand sewn and to wash them correctly they must be taken apart.

How to wear a kimono

While traditionally the art of wearing a kimono was passed down from mother to daughter that has changed and today there are actually schools you may attend to learn to wear this difficult, yet beautiful, item of clothing.

The first step in putting on a kimono is the juban or under slip. This used to be a full kimono in its own right but most women today just wear a collar to resemble it for comfort as the juban is very hot when layered with the kimono itself.

Once you have put on the juban you will want to put on the tabi--or socks--as bending over in a kimono with the obi on is difficult. Then you will put on the kimono, making sure that the back seam is centered. You must wrap the right side over the body first as only the dead wear a kimono wrapped from the left. Then adjust the juban to show evenly around the collar. Now you will tie your obi.

The kimono is a truly lovely item of clothing steeped in history and for the Western woman, mystery. Today many women must use a professional kimono dresser to wear this outfit. I hope the art is never lost.

About the Author

Click here to find other Kimono Japanese related items

POP Kawaii Japanese Fashion Jika Tabi Shoes Sneakers / Boots

Umiyuki/Tozai Nanboku Hitori Tabi

$18.99

CD SINGLE...

Hit Song Collection 5: Hikari No Tabi

$22.99

...

Boukyou Hatoba/Tabi No Ame

$15.49

...

Kino's Journey: Complete Collection

$25.32

Studio: Adv Films Release Date: 02/03/2009 Run time: 325 minutes...

Koumoto Junichi (Jityou Katyou) - Iratto Kuru Kankokugo Kouza Vol.1 Koumoto Kun No Tabi Ga Hajimaru Seyo! -Kiiroi Pajamas(Shita Nomi) [Japan DVD] YRBN-90357

$45.43

...

Sakura Saki Inagaki - Rokemitsu Roke X Roke X Roke Sakura Saki Inagaki No Mezase! Kagoshima Nishi Nihon Odan Blog Tabi 18 Niwatori No Maki [Japan DVD] YRBN-90353

$52.33

...

Okaki Rice Crackers, Okaki Rice Crackers, 5.3-Ounce Bags (Pack of 12)

$29.88

Fat free. MSG free. Gluten free. Cholesterol free. Rice Crackers - the royal snack. A proverb says that the richer its grain, the more the rice bends its head - suggesting that the greater a person's power, the more humility he should show towards others. Humility and willingness to yield are traditional Japanese virtues. The humble rice has come a long way from being the food of aristocrats, rich...

Ninja High Top Tabi Boots Size 13

$32.99

Tiger Claw's Ninja High Top Tabi Boots are made of soft canvas fabric. Ninja High Top Tabi Boots have upper Velcro closure and non-slip rubber soles for Ninja secure and quiet footing. available in Men's US shoe sizes: 7 to 13....

Child's Ninja Shoes, Tabi Boots, Jikatabi, Rikio Tabi/ Travel Bag! 22.5cm(US3.5)

$37.00

This Particular Item Will Be Shipped Domestically From Michigan Via U.S.P.S.
Most Other Items Are Sent Directly From Japan. When Purchasing Multiple Orders Will Be Shipped Separately....

Tabi Socks, Japanese Geisha/ninja Female Tabi Sandals Geta Socks: Night Cherry! 22- 25cm!!!

$10.00

Tabi socks are made in the form of cute when I took off my shoes.
Japanese tabi socks pattern is also fit well with casual clothes.
Since the toes move freely, so increasing comfort and mobility,
The better the blood circulation.
Stuffy little more leg, comfortably spend.
Because of the rich colors and patterns, please by all means give your favorite find....

Ninja Tabi Socks, Japanese Ninja/ Samurai Tabi Socks: Uni-sex (Spider) 25 - 27cm!!!

$10.00

Tabi socks are made in the form of cute when I took off my shoes.
Japanese tabi socks pattern is also fit well with casual clothes.
Since the toes move freely, so increasing comfort and mobility,
The better the blood circulation.
Stuffy little more leg, comfortably spend.
Because of the rich colors and patterns, please by all means give your favorite find....

Japanese Geisha/ninja Female Tabi Socks: Blowing Sakura 22- 25cm!!!

$9.90

Tabi socks are made in the form of cute when I took off my shoes.
Japanese tabi socks pattern is also fit well with casual clothes.
Since the toes move freely, so increasing comfort and mobility,
The better the blood circulation.
Stuffy little more leg, comfortably spend.
Because of the rich colors and patterns, please by all means give your favorite find....

Japanese Ninja/ Samurai Tabi Socks: Uni-sex (Wood) 25 - 27cm!!!

$10.00

Tabi socks are made in the form of cute when I took off my shoes.
Japanese tabi socks pattern is also fit well with casual clothes.
Since the toes move freely, so increasing comfort and mobility,
The better the blood circulation.
Stuffy little more leg, comfortably spend.
Because of the rich colors and patterns, please by all means give your favorite find....

Tabi no Yubisashi Kaiwachou DS: DS Series 2 Chuugoku [Japan Import]

$45.78

Tabi no Yubisashi Kaiwachou DS: DS Series 2 Chuugoku Japanese Format (NTSC-J). Box,package,...

Simple 2000 Series Vol. 76: The Hanashi Sou Eigo no Tabi [Japan Import]

$29.35

Simple 2000 Series Vol. 76: The Hanashi Sou Eigo no Tabi Japanese Format (NTSC-J). Box,package,...

Tabi no Yubisashi Kaiwachou DS: DS Series 5 Deutch [Japan Import]

$38.47

Tabi no Yubisashi Kaiwachou DS: DS Series 5 Deutch Japanese Format (NTSC-J). Box,package,...

Rikio Fighter Black Jikatabi (Outdoor Tabi)

Produced by Rikio, the top manufacturer of jikatabi in Japan, their "Fighter" series are the standard for Japanese Jikatabi. These calf height jikatabi feature 12 kohaze (metal tab) fastening, extra-durable double stitched rubber soles for improved durability, reinforced material at toes and sides of foot, and 4 levels of sizing for the back of the calf....

Ninja High Top Tabi Boots Size 07 to 13

Tiger Claw's Ninja High Top Tabi Boots are made of soft canvas fabric. Ninja High Top Tabi Boots have upper Velcro closure and non slip rubber soles for Ninja secure and quiet footing. available in Men's US shoe sizes: 7 to 13....

Japanese Indoor Tabi

These authentic indoor tabi are imported direct from Japan. They feature kohaze (metal tab) fastening and are constructed of high quality Japanese cotton offering superior craftmanship and durability. Every pair comes with our 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you are not completely satisfied we will offer a prompt refund. Don't waste your money with cheaper immitations. Want your tabi to last longe...

Make Your Own Japanese Clothes: Patterns and Ideas for Modern Wear

$14.00

Classical elegance. Loose-fitting comfort. Versatility. Functional design. These are just some of the reasons why traditional Japanese clothes have captured the imagination of modern fashion designers and stylish dressers around the world.Making Japanese clothes is surprisingly simple. Patterns consist of virtually all straight lines, and the non-body-conforming shapes require no darts, buttonhole...