Kabuki sleeves are wide, flowing sleeves often worn on blouses or loose dresses to evoke Japanese fashion. Stemming from kabuki theater, the sleeves evolved from the kimono and are often used in plus size clothing. They can be made at home using sewing patterns.
Kabuki sleeves are wide, flowing sleeves that can be any length, though they are often short. They are most commonly worn in women’s fashion, often in combination with a loose, flowing top or dress. Most commonly, kabuki sleeves are worn on a blouse. As a general rule, clothing with kabuki sleeves is intended to evoke the aesthetic of Japanese fashion, as evidenced by the kimono, an important garment in Japanese culture.
The style stems from kabuki theater, a Japanese art form that evolved from the highly stylized Noh theater. The art of acting first appeared in the 17th century and is traditionally considered popular theater as it is meant to appeal to the lower classes. Kabuki performances often feature bright, colorful costumes along with singing, dancing, and physical performances. Many of the actors wear garments with wide sleeves that show their hands and wrists so audience members can clearly understand their gestures.
Kabuki costumes evolved from the kimono, a loose, long-sleeved robe that was once widely worn in Japan. As is the case with many stage costumes, the sleeves of the kabuki kimono were often exaggerated for the benefit of performance. Unlike formal kimono sleeves, however, kabuki sleeves would be kept relatively short and manageable so that actors would not trip over them. Kabuki sleeves are one of the many aspects of Japanese culture that have been integrated into the West.
Many manufacturers of plus size clothing use kabuki sleeves in their products, as they flow loosely and comfortably over larger arms. Wearing kabuki sleeves also helps to darken the upper arms, making some overweight women more comfortable. In general, these kabuki sleeves extend approximately three-quarters of the arm. On garments designed for slimmer women, kabuki sleeves can be much shorter, sometimes very abbreviated and ending very close to the shoulder.
Many department stores and boutiques sell kabuki-sleeved clothing, depending on how fashionable they are at any given time. It is also possible to make kabuki sleeved clothing at home, using sewing patterns and a fabric of choice. Making garments at home allows sewers to personalize their clothing, making small adjustments to the pattern to make it individual. If you have a favorite kabuki-sleeved top that you want to replicate, you can carefully cut it out to make a pattern.
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