When you browse Instagram or read fashion magazines, it’s easy to get the impression that only certain kinds of people can wear certain types of clothing. If you’re not a slender white woman with flowing blonde hair and blue eyes, the message seems to be that you probably shouldn’t even try. Even non-whites who love Japanese culture may wonder if some clothes are off-limits to them. Can non-Asian people wear kimonos? What about geisha outfits? Buddhist robes? The answer is yes…and no. Kimonos, or rather yukatas, are the type of casual summer kimono worn by most people when they think of this garment. It is not only something Asians can (and should) wear but also something that mostly only Asians will wear. Although some might feel that these rules are limited to a narrow set of circumstances, just take a look at any high-end department store and ask yourself if you have what it takes to ever wear their clothes — unless you have an inheritance coming your way soon!
Can White People Wear Kimonos?
Yes, white people can wear kimonos. While kimonos are traditionally worn by women in Japan, they are also available for purchase and wear by women and men of all ethnicities. A kimono is a Japanese garment that can be worn both as casual or formalwear. They are often brightly colored and elaborately patterned. Kimonos are available in both women’s and men’s sizing, so anyone can wear one regardless of their gender.
What Are The Rules For Wearing a Kimono?
hiki-ori
There are two ways to start wrapping a kimono – the hiki-ori and the ichimo-ori way. While both ways achieve the same outcome, they are used in different situations. The hiki-ori way is usually used when putting on a kimono for the first time (known as oyahamushi in Japanese). It’s also used when putting on a kimono that has an unusual pattern (known as mukkurashimashita in Japanese). This is the way to wrap your kimono. – Start with the left side of the kimono. – Take the left side of the kimono, and cross it over the right side. – Then, take the right side of the kimono, and cross it over the left side. – Finally, take the left side of the kimono again, and tuck it in from behind. – Take the right side of the kimono, and tuck it in from behind.
Wrapping the obi
Next, you’re going to tie the obi. Start by folding the obi in the middle so you have two even pieces of fabric. Then, place the obi behind the kimono and under the left side of the kimono. – Bring the right side of the obi around to the front, then cross it over the left side. – Bring the left side of the obi around to the front, then cross it over the right side. – Bring the right side of the obi around to the front again, then tuck the fabric under the left side of the kimono. – Bring the left side of the obi around to the front again, then tuck the fabric under the right side of the kimono.
Wrapping the body
Now that the obi is tied and the kimono is wrapped around your body, it’s time to start wrapping the body. To do this, cross your arms in front of your body, with your hands clasped together. Now, take the left side of the kimono and bring it over your right shoulder. Next, take the right side of the kimono and bring it over your left shoulder. Finally, take the left side of the kimono and tuck it in from behind. Take the right side of the kimono and tuck it in from behind. Your kimono is now wrapped and ready to wear!
The oroshi
The next and final step in kimono wrapping is the oroshi. The oroshi is a wide sash that wraps around the entire kimono and is tied in the back like a corset. The width of the oroshi helps keep the kimono wrapped tightly around the body. You can tie the oroshi in a variety of different ways, depending on your preference and the type of kimono you’re wearing.
Hanging the kimono
After you’ve tied the oroshi, the next step is to hang the kimono. This is done to preserve the kimono and keep it from getting creased. To do this, find a wall stud as this is the best place to hang a kimono. If you don’t have a stud in the wall, you can use a hook. The trick is to find a spot that’s close to your height when you’re wearing the kimono. The best place to hang the kimono is the back of the wall, about one foot away from the floor.
Wearing the kimono sleeve(s)
Now that the kimono is hanging and you’re fully dressed, it’s time to put on your kimono sleeves. There are two ways to wear kimono sleeves – the uwagi (over the kimono) or the juban (under the kimono). The uwagi is the more traditional way of wearing kimono sleeves, and the one you should be using if you’re wearing a vintage kimono. The juban method is for when you’re wearing a modern kimono.
What Are The Different Types Of Kimonos?
Sashimono Kimono
These are the most used kimonos by most Japanese people. They are made from silk, which is often dyed in a variety of colours. They come in many different styles and designs and can be worn at all seasons.
Heian Kimono
Heian is the name given to the period of Japanese history when the country was ruled by the Fujiwara family, which lasted for around 500 years between 710 and 1185 AD. This period was one of peace and prosperity, during which there were no wars or disturbances. It was also called ‘The Golden Age’ because of its high standard of living and artistic achievements at that time, such as poetry, painting, calligraphy, and music.
Edo Kimono
The period of history in Japan between 1603 and 1867 was called “Edo” (pronounced as ‘ed-oh’) because the capital was located there. The name refers to the city of Tokyo, now known as “Tōkyō”.
Heian Kimono: A Brief History
Heian is the name given to the period of Japanese history when the country was ruled by the Fujiwara family, which lasted for around 500 years between 710 and 1185 AD. This period was one of peace and prosperity, during which there were no wars or disturbances. It was also called ‘The Golden Age because of its high standard of living and artistic achievements at that time, such as poetry, painting, calligraphy, and music.
The Tale of Genji – The Heike Monogatari (Story)
The Tale of Genji is a 12th-century Japanese novel which tells the story of the noble Heike family. It was written by Murasaki Shikibu, a lady in the imperial court. The story is told from the perspective of two women, who are friends and sisters, and who were very fond of each other. It is considered to be one of Japan’s greatest literary works, and it influenced many writers from that era.
The Tale of Genji – The Heike Monogatari (Film)
The Tale of Genji is a 12th-century Japanese novel which tells the story of the noble Heike family. It was written by Murasaki Shikibu, a lady in the imperial court. The story is told from the perspective of two women, who are friends and sisters, and who were very fond of each other. It is considered to be one of Japan’s greatest literary works, and it influenced many writers from that era.
The Tale of Genji – A Brief History
The Tale of Genji is a 12th-century Japanese novel which tells the story of the noble Heike family. It was written by Murasaki Shikibu, a lady in the imperial court. The story is told from the perspective of two women, who are friends and sisters, and who were very fond of each other. It is considered to be one of Japan’sasaki Shikibu, a lady in the imperial court. The story is told from the perspective of two women, who are friends and sisters, and who were very fond of each other. It is considered to be one of Japan’s greatest literary works, and it influenced many writers from that era.
Final Thoughts
There’s a lot of talks these days about “cultural appropriation,” but it’s important to remember that these are cultural exchanges. We all can and should share the cultures we belong to with those around us — but only when those cultures are invited inside. If you’re invited to wear a kimono or a hakama, don’t hesitate to accept the invitation! You’ll have an opportunity to experience a piece of Japanese culture that would be otherwise closed to you.
