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The samurai kimono is a traditional Japanese tunic worn by men, women, and children. It has different fabrics for each season and is held closed by an obi. The garment has evolved over time, but is still worn on special occasions.
A samurai kimono is the garment worn by men, women, and children from samurai and Japanese families. It is a Japanese tunic with a different type of fabric for each season. It has the appearance of a T-shaped garment that resembles a dress.
The kimono had its beginnings around the year 794. Before that time, the Japanese wore separate upper and lower garments. Traditionally, kimonos did not have bright patterns or colors during their early introduction. It was not until around 1192 that bright colors and styles of Japanese cloth patterns began to appear. Many people associated the quality and style of kimonos with financial and social status.
Japanese warriors called samurai warriors often wore colors that reflected who their leaders were. Samurai wives would wear the colors and cloths that represented the status of their husbands and the leaders. Extremely bold colors and patterns were considered inappropriate for adults, but the children dressed elaborately until they had their traditional coming-of-age ceremony. The elderly often choose to dress in soft colors, except on special occasions.
During the winter, kimonos were worn over underwear as a loincloth. This crossover robe was made to be more protective. By using a thicker cotton, heat could be created. However, many Japanese particularly preferred their summer samurai kimono.
Summer kimonos had to be made of a lighter fabric, which was usually silk. Japan’s summer heat and the need for increased movement required a fabric that was cooler but still allowed a great range of motion. With a silk robe, both goals were met, and could often be worn without the need for undergarments.
The samurai kimono does not have the closures that other robes might have. There are no ties, snaps or buttons to keep the gown closed. An obi serves this purpose. The obi is a wide strip of cloth that is wrapped around the waist and tied in the back to hold the kimono closed. There are a few different types of obis that can be used.
The maru obi is formal and has an elaborate pattern that runs the entire length of the cloth. The fukuro obi is not as formal and has a pattern on one side of the cloth that extends only about two-thirds of the length of the cloth. The nagoya obi is lighter than the previous two types and is sewn half width across the front section; the narrow section is wrapped around the front and the wider section is used to tie the bow at the back. The hanhaba obi is of the medium-wide type and is worn for casual dressing; the entire length of the cloth is half of what the formal types are.
Although the samurai kimono is no longer worn as it was many years ago, there are still occasions when traditional Japanese clothing is worn. On special occasions, many Japanese will wear extremely formal and elaborate kimonos. The birth of a child and a wedding are two such occasions.
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