Japanese Fashion Japanese Male Supreme Fashion

1. Kimono

The about iconic and easily recognisable of all traditional Japanese wear, the kimono (着物) is still a staple piece for many Japanese people and is growing in international entreatment as well. Drawing influence from ancient Chinese style clothing, the kimono was worn initially with a hakama, a long skirt type slice that sometimes featured a divider down the center. Over time, however, tastes changed and it became far more popular for the kimono to be worn without the brim and instead held together with a sash known every bit an obi. Typically worn for special occasions, both traditional and gimmicky, the kimono has stood the test of time, its flattering and torso-hugging silhouette is a timeless representation of Nihon's great appreciation for carefully considered beauty.

You can purchase your own authentic women's kimono or men's kimono hither at Japan Objects Shop.

2. Yukata

But put, the yukata (浴衣) is the lighter, summery version of the kimono. Made from soft, lightweight cloth similar cotton wool, the garment's name translates to bathing cloth, for which it was originally created. Worn by men and women the yukata is fastened by a sash (obi) and is very easy to vesture. It is nigh popularly worn while onsen bathing, and this stylish and informal robe is also the unofficial garb for vibrant summer matsuri events during the sweltering summertime months.

Men's yukata tend to characteristic understated colors like gray and navy, but otherwise are very similar in design to women'southward yukata. These casual kimono can exist worn with footling to no help, making yukata an easy gateway to the globe of Japanese traditional habiliment.

Observe out more well-nigh the differences between Yukata and Kimono, or get your ain authentic Japanese yukata and hard-to-find plus-sizes right here!

iii. Hanten

A hanten (半纏) is a winter coat and was typically worn by regular people during the Edo period. Its history may exist far-reaching, however, thanks in large office to its simple, minimalistic blueprint, the jacket is a very flexible slice of clothing that can very seamlessly fit into the mod-day wardrobe. The throw-over style coat-jacket is padded and tailored for a cozy, but flattering fit. If you're interested in incorporating some Japanese flair into your wardrobe, this is an excellent place to begin, and even better we've already penned an entire guide here.

If you know someone who remains determined to wait good even when temperatures are dropping, tell him that wearing a hanten is how it should be done. Hanten layer hands and pair well with business casual attire and athleisure. For added warmth, slip in a few kairo, or heated sachets, in the pockets of the hanten.

4. Haori

A more formal incarnation of the hanten, a haori (羽織) is a medium-length jacket designed to be worn over the kimono. In previous times was only accessible to those of a higher social class, while in the Sengoku menses, men would wear sleeveless variations of the haori over their armor like tabard was worn in Europe. Women besides flirted with wearing the haori every bit a statement style slice, a motility spearheaded by geisha in the 1800s.

This haori kimono jacket is hand-dyed using the painstaking shibori technique. This involves tying up parts of the textile before it is immersed into to create intricate patterns between the dyed sections and raw fabric. Each of the hundreds of tiny dots yous see has been manus-tied to create this fascinating pattern. You tin can check out our vintage haori collection here

At kickoff glance, men's haori seem understated compared to women'due south haori; however, haori were once the uniform of the "bad boys" of Japan's Edo Period. During the 18th century, when conspicuous displays of wealth were outlawed, fashionable men would customize their haori with decorative linings - hover over the haori above to accept a look! These days, yous're free to wear your haori as you please, whether it's worn together with kimono and hakama or with denim and slacks.

five. Samue

Samue (作務衣) is an incredibly simple outfit originally worn by Japanese Zen Buddhist clergy, still even to this day when they are parking in concrete, mindful piece of work known as samu. Activities that fall nether the samu umbrella include cooking, cleaning, outdoor labor, and they're all said to exist excellent ways to practice the fine art of mindfulness. Consisting of a simple pair of pants and a top, they're typically crafted from linen or cotton and dyed indigo blue, or brown. Its understated simplicity, and carefully considered blueprint is an first-class representation of the do of Zen Buddhism. To find out more almost Samue, check out these 10 Things to Know!

Samue loungewear is designed for contemporary living and is completely adjustable to ensure ultimate comfort whether lounging at home or doing errands effectually town. The best cotton samue loungewear to be found is handcrafted in Kurume, Kyushu. For even greater condolement, check out our samue pajamas!

6. Kimono Robes

A kimono robe is really more similar to a yukata, the kimono's more informal and relaxed counterpart. The history of kimono robes is intertwined with bathing culture and ryokans, or Japanese style inns, with onsen hot springs. Bathing culture in Nippon dates back to most 12^th century Kamakura period.

Nowadays, the yukata y'all volition run across at a ryokan have been simplified then that they tin can exist worn very easily with a elementary necktie around the waist, but like a bath robe. They don't require whatever special underwear, extra ties, or complicated folds.

This is exactly what a kimono robe is, a simple yukata generally worn at home instead of the ryokan. You lot can detect out more about in 23 Things You Should Know Near Japanese Kimono Robes!

vii. Men'southward Nagajuban Robes

Men'due south nagajuban are worn underneath a kimono in order to keep information technology clean and dry out. These kimono undergarments usually made from white cotton or silk material, though it's not uncommon to run across vintage nagajuban with elaborate hand-painted artworks, making them a ideal equally loungewear robes too! Check out the collection hither.

8. Obi

The sash which keeps the kimono together, the obi (帯) is oftentimes easily overlooked, only when styled right it'due south a standout piece of traditional Japanese article of clothing. As simple or as improvident as you similar, there's a blazon of obi for every occasion and every style. The patterns can be chosen to match the material of the kimono, or to provide a sharp dissimilarity. For some outfits, the kimono becomes a mere canvass for the artistry of the obi. For women the obi'southward principal function is to be decorative, while the bodily piece of cloth keeping the garment together is hidden underneath.

Mens' obi are narrower than women's, and play a more than applied role in keeping the kimono tight. But as men's yukata and kimono often come in subdued colors like gray and navy, adding a colored or patterned obi is a great manner to let i's personality and unique fashion sense shine through.

ix. Obijime

The obijime ( 帯締) is a decorative, braided cord that is tied around the obi, and knotted in the front end of the kimono. Originally they were thought to have been gifts from a patron or lover, simply today y'all tin purchase your own! Obijime can be plant in most modernistic kimono ensembles in a huge diversity of designs, colours, shapes, and fabrics. However the most popular obijime tend to made of silk.

x. Obidome

Often found in paired with obijime, an obidome ( 帯留) is a small accessory threaded through the obijime, much like a bead or necklace pendant. Obidome can exist almost annihilation: from simple wooden and dirt beads to expensive ornamental brooches made from diamonds, pearl, and ivory. Some obidome fabricated in the very early days were remade from decorated metal pieces originally used in Japanese swords. Obidome used to be a somewhat casual add-on to kimono, but now many formal kimono contain them.

xi. Obiage

The final item in the obi-trio is the obiage ( 帯揚). Similar in form to a silk scarf, the obiage is rolled and inserted betwixt the kimono and obi belt, showing a little pop of color. It's used to hibernate the strings of obimakura, or obi absorber, so that the kimono looks tidier and more than beautiful. Obiage are usually fabricated of silk, polyester, or cotton fiber, and come in an nigh limitless number of colors, chosen to complement the other colors of the kimono.

12. Nagajuban

Hidden under a kimono is where you'll find a nagajuban (長襦袢), a sparse robe worn to continue the residuum of the kimono make clean. Typically made from cotton fiber or silk, the garment separates the layers of the kimono away from the body. Kimono can be very hard to clean, especially when made of silk, then the nagajuban is important to go on sweat away from the outer cloth. The nagajuban is ordinarily only visible at the collar, where you encounter a thin strip of white.

Even simpler than a nagajuban this men's cotton wool kimono undergarment, or hadagi, can keep you comfy and clean while wearing any kimono, yukata, or other jacket. A short-sleeved kimono undershirt like this is only buttoned up. It is ordinarily worn with underwear, or lightweight shorts.

thirteen. Tabi

A shoe-sock hybrid, the tabi (足袋) is a traditional piece of footwear worn for many different purposes by both men and women. The tabi style is a separation between the big toe and and the others, like a mitten for the foot! The almost common way you'll meet tabi worn is in its sock-form with a kimono. The split in the sock makes the garment piece of cake to article of clothing with traditional footwear like geta and zori. The traditional color was white, only these days you can get tabi in all sorts of colors and designs. Check out our selection hither!

14. Geta

Geta (下駄) wooden clog-like shoes that are elevated from the ground on wooden teeth. You'll probably be familar with them from any woodblock print, as in the by they were often worn every bit formalwear. Withal, these days, people are not then used to walking on this high-rise shoes, so you'll more than often run across a version that is a lot lower to the ground. They tend to be a bit more than coincidental than zori, and are unremarkably paired with yukata and other summer outfits. If you are interested in knowing more than near the shoe, where it came from, how it'southward worn and how to wear it in a contemporary setting, check out our article on Japanese Geta.

xv. Setta

Did y'all know that all setta are a blazon of zori, but non all zori are setta? Setta ( 雪駄) are easier to wear than other traditional footwear being lightweight, softer, and having a flat heel. Unlike zori'due south harbinger or wooden sole, setta sandals characteristic an additional leather sole, giving it both durability and water resistance. This makes it adept for the rainy season and more durable confronting the humidity of Japanese summers. The heel setta often features a metal clasp, which makes a distinctive audio when you walk. If yous want to try out setta for yourself, have a look at our collection!

Setta do non need to be limited to kimono outits. In add-on to complementing traditional Japanese summer garments like jinbei, and yukata, they too pair cute with western clothing.

sixteen. Zori

Zori ( 草履) are the become-to footwear when information technology comes to formal Japanese way for both men and women! They have been fabricated from a variety of different materials over the years. The characters literally hateful harbinger, simply these days they are very ofttimes made with synthetic materials. The uncomplicated flip-flop style pattern makes them an easy piece to incorporate into your wardrobe. Zori tin can be both casual or formal, usually decided by the color of the toe strap, or hanao, and are more than often than not worn with tabi socks. Women's zori feature a wedge-like pattern, whilst men'southward zori take a apartment profile. Find out more about the differences between Japanese traditional footwear at our article on Japanese Sandals.

A mod version of the zori makes ideal slippers for men or women The hand-woven sole is fabricated with an anti-odor and anti-bacterial fabric that combines the soft comfort of natural cotton fiber with the strength and flexibility of polyester to cushion and protect the foot. Wearable them on nature walks, hikes, at the beach, or in your garden.

17. Maekake

Maekake (前掛), literally translating to front-worn or front-hang, is a traditional manner of Japanese apron, worn on the hips and tied at the front. Traditionally, maekake were worn past craftsmen and staff members of a diverseness of unlike stores including sake, rice or miso shops. The indigo-dyed thick cotton canvas is hard wearing, and many used the apron every bit shoulder padding when carrying heavy loads. These days maekake are nonetheless used past many vendors of rice and other produce, likewise equally worn by staff members in Japanese bars, or izakaya.

xviii. Jinbei

A picayune like to a samue in style, jinbei (甚平) are often worn by regular everyday people, and therefore often characteristic more decorative flourishes than their Zen Buddhist cousin. Fabricated from hardy but natural materials like hemp and cotton wool, the matching height and pants set up, is a summery house outfit worn by men and women, and indeed children. They are most popular with boys, who might wear a jinbei to the same event that would run across girls sporting yukata. Although it's mainly worn at habitation, jinbei are also considered suitable for running errands, visiting matsuri festivals and relaxing at an onsen resort.

nineteen. Tenugui

Tenugui (手拭い) may be apprehensive in design, but definitely non in use and importance. As we covered in bully detail at Nihon Objects magazine, it'due south a handy piece of textile, always in gorgeous Japanese patterns, with an about infinite number of uses. Used both around the house and as a souvenir wrapping, it'due south as well worn as a headscarf of sorts, honey past kendo fighters equally a handy way to continue their hair out of their confront. Check out our tenugui collection to get one of your ain!

twenty. Hakama

Inspired by the trousers worn in the Chinese imperial court during the Sui and Tang dynasties, in many ways hakama (袴) was a predecessor to the kimono we know today. Hakama come in ii varieties, the undivided andon bakama, which looks a little like a long pleated brim, and the divided umanori, which translates to horse-riding hakama, and resembles loose-fitting pants. Over fourth dimension the identify of the hakama in Japanese club shifted. Today men are more likely to wear hakama under their kimono on formal and informal occasions, while women typically only clothing the garment for graduation ceremonies and when performing traditional Japanese sports like aikido and kendo.

21. Happi

Most oftentimes seen in deep bluish indigo or dark-brown, if you see someone wearing a delightfully named happi (法被) it typically ways one thing: they're off to a festival. A comfortable, light jacket, with slightly shorter than full-length sleeves, the back of the happi is usually adorned with a crest. These crests were once family crests, as happi was worn by Japanese house servants. Today however they're used mainly to identify members of the same group at a matsuri (Japanese festival), similar a mikoshi (shrine carrying) team fellow member.

22. Tanzen

The tanzen (丹前) is another form of kimono, this time worn predominantly by men in the cold winter months. Information technology retains the same general shape every bit a kimono, just instead of the simple lining of the usual garment, it is thickly padded to ward off the cold. Befitting its wintertime utility information technology is made of thick cotton, rather than the more than decorative silk, and is generally in darker colors and plainer patterns to appeal to men's fashion tastes. Most ordinarily seen in the more northern parts of Japan, such every bit Tohoku and Hokkaido.

23. Michiyuki

Michiyuki ( 道行), whose characters translate literally as 'travelling', is a traditional coat, worn over the top of a kimono for both protection and warmth, much like a Western windbreaker. Michiyuki are similar to haori in that they're worn over the kimono, just the former serves a more than practical, protective function. Michiyuki tend to be pretty uncomplicated in design, ofttimes with no or very pocket-sized patterning. One of the trademarks of a michiyuki is its square-shaped neckline, fastened with buttons at the front end. In fact, the name michiyuki refers to the shape of the collar of the coat, which is said to have evolved from the traveling kimono, or michiyuki kimono, worn by men on their travels a couple of centuries ago. Different haori, michiyuki are always worn airtight and strictly an exterior garment, never to exist worn inside.

24. Tonbi Coat

Inspired by the Victorian-era inverness capes worn past the likes of Sherlock Holmes, tonbi coats ( 鳶) are overcoats with brusque fastened capes, worn over the top of kimono. Worn by men, the tonbi is sleeveless to fit a kimono outfit, just still retains a somewhat Western feel, often made from wool or cashmere fabric. Tonbi coats had a pinnacle in popularity in the belatedly 19th century into the early on 20th century. Whilst a bit harder to come by in recent years, tonbi are the perfect outerwear for a walk around the park in the colder seasons.

25. Gakuran

Outside of Japan, you will nigh certainly have seen it in countless manga and anime series, the gakuran (学ラン) is the sleek, traditional boy's loftier school uniform which consists of a long buttoned glaze with an ethical collar, full-length slacks, and typically worn with black dress shoes. Although we consider it function of the Japanese way landscape today, this uniform was modeled on the apparel worn by European navy personnel. It's worth noting that there is a female person version of the compatible also modeled on a similar style, known every bit the crewman fuku a crewman mode uniform consisting of a navy blue skirt, white shirt, and colored neckerchief.

26. Fundoshi

1 of the more unforgettable pieces of Japanese traditional fashion, fundoshi (褌) are traditonal men's undergarments. These cotton briefs were the Japanese precursor to the mainstream adoption of western manner underpants, which happened following World War II. The fundoshi has several different styles, but the virtually known one these days is the variation with the loose frock-like front, frequently seen at Hadaka Matsuri, aka the state's infamous naked festival held at in February in Okayama.

27. Tobi Pants

Nigh unremarkably seen on Japanese workmen, tobi (鳶) are ultra amorphous pants, which at offset glance look more like a 90s raver fashion throwback than serious heavy duty working man's wear! The proper noun means kite, equally in the bird of casualty, which comes from the slang terms for the high-ascent construction workers who wear them. The loose fit not only allows for comfort and flexibility, but it is also said that past making them so loose, they deed equally an early warning system past making depression-down objects before they take a adventure to reach a workman's legs. Tobi wearers can continue working without having to look down to figure out whether in that location are any obstacles in the style.

28. Hachimaki

An accessory loved past sushi chefs across the nation, the hachimaki (鉢巻) is a bandana-similar slice of fabric worn around the head. They're handy for hot days to prevent sweat from dripping in the optics. These days they're worn typically for style, during competitions and tournaments, every bit many are brandished with slogans of encouragement. Their origins aren't 100% clear, merely theories attest that they were initially adopted by samurai to prevent their helmets from cutting their foreheads.

29. Judogi

Judogi ( 柔道着) are the traditional compatible used for Judo practice and competition, and is the basis for many other mod Japanese martial arts uniforms. Designed effectually the turn of the 20th century by Jigoro Kano, judogi was derived from the kimono and other Japanese garments, including heavy hemp hanten which were worn by traditional Japanese firefighters. A judogi set consists of a very heavy jacket (uwagi), lighter canvas pants (shitabaki or zubon), and a cotton belt (obi), commonly in bleached white cotton fiber. Although at that place accept been a few adjustments over the years, the uniform is still very close to that used 100 years ago.

30. Karategi

Karategi ( 空手着), the uniform for karate, is adjusted from judogi. However, the material, smooth cotton or canvas, and cutting of the karategi is generally much lighter and looser plumbing equipment, maximizing mobility and speed. Karate doesn't involve the grappling of judo, so the extremely coarse and strong cloth of the judogi is unnecessary. Modern karategi also come in a wider variety of colors.

31. Jujutsugi

Jujutsugi ( 柔術着) are the preparation uniform for jujutsu, a Japanese martial art. It uses the same thick, heavy fabric as judogi, only features closer plumbing fixtures, slimmer sleeves. In jujutsu it's of import to avoid being grabbed by your opponent, so the looseness of judogi would be a drawback.

32. Aikidogi

The aikidogi ( 合気道着), used for aikido, was created and its nowadays form defined in the 60s by a famous Japanese brand that originally specialized in Judo equipment. There are two main types of aikidogi: one that is almost identical to the classic judogi with jacket and trousers, and another that incorporates traditional hakama over the classic judogi. When wearing hakama, the jacket tends to have shorter sleeves with a longer body, making it easier to tuck into hakama. The lighter karategi jackets are besides frequently used.

33. Kendogi

Kendogi ( 剣道着) is the uniform worn when doing kendo, the modern Japanese martial art, that uses bamboo swords as well as protective armor. Much similar the sport itself, which is based upon traditional swordsmanship, the uniform is derived from the clothes of samurai. The basic uniform consists of hakama and a jacket, made from thick fabric to absorber the touch on of an opponent's blows. The hakama likewise supports adept posture with its fastening bands under the belly button and its trapezoid-shaped dorsum piece, which is essential in kendo. Much similar the Western sport of fencing, kendo athletes also suit up in armour, consisting of a number of pieces to protect the caput, shoulders, artillery, throat and trunk.