Kimono

Question 1

History of Kimono

Answer 1

The Kimono is a Japanese traditional clothing, heavily influenced by traditional Chinese clothing.

During the Heian period (794~1192), the kimono became increasingly stylized as a Japanese garment.

Before the Meiji period (1873~1912), all Japanese people wore kimonos.

During the **Edo period **(1603~1868), the sleeves began to grow in length. Especially among single women the Obi became wider with various styles of tying it coming into fashion.

Question 2

When Kimono is Worn Nowadays

Answer 2

Nowadays, the Kimono is mainly worn by people who like the kimono primarily on formal, ceremonial and social
occasions

Question 3

Yukata & Kimono

Answer 3

**Yukata: **
* Only casual
* Made from cotton
* Only summer time
* Geta with bare feet

Kimono:
* Casual to formal
* Made from silk, cotton and wool
* All year
* Zori with Tabi Socks

Question 4

Obi (Sash)

Answer 4

Obi is a crucial part of the Kimono, which is a **traditional belt **
- around 3-4 m long
- wrapped around waist twice and made into a shape which sits on your back

**Rules for the shape: **
- square shape is for married and single women, BUTonly single women can wear them in fancier shapes, like ribbons or flowers

Question 5

Geta & Zori (Footwear)

Answer 5

Geta: made from wood called geta, typically has “teeth” and thick soles

Zori: no “teeth” & flat bottoms

Worn throughout history, as early as the Ancient Egyptians (1,500 BC)

In the US, flip flops popularized by the Japanese Zori, after WWII
- soilders brought them back from Japan
- became prominent unisex summer footwear starting in the early 1960’s