How to style Kimonos?
Kimonos are traditional Japanese garments and the national dress of Japan that date back to the eighth century. Kimono means “thing to wear”. It is an open lightweight garment with flowy sleeves typically designed with a pattern on the material. While worn as a customary and often formal ensemble in Japan, the western take on the garment offers an unbeatable combination of versatility, comfort and style. Western kimonos that feature bold designs – and are made from silk or breathable synthetic fibers – can add sophistication to a casual outfit or provide the finishing touch to a dressier approach. Your vintage silk kimono is also the perfect choice on a hot summer evening when a thick cardigan or jacket would be stifling.
Types of Kimonos
There is a stark difference in Japanese kimono types. Each has its own unique place in Japanese culture and customs. There are kimonos for women and men, although they are more popular with women than with men. You can find different types of kimonos depending on the occasion, such as for formal and informal occasions, tea ceremonies, weddings and funerals. Japanese kimono types have evolved over time and the rules for wearing one became less strict.
How to wear a Kimono with Jeans?
Kimono robes pair perfectly with your denim. Both of these garments are extremely versatile, which means the options are endless when they are combined. The soft silk of a kimono outfit adds a touch of femininity to your look. A long kimono paired with tight denim pants is a popular look, but these garments can also be worn with traditional or even flared jeans.
Kimonos can also be used to punctuate outfits and provide contrast. You could do this by wearing a delicate kimono over a pair of distressed jeans or adding a long kimono to an outfit that includes jeans and platform boots. So put on your heels, pick out your favorite kimono and slip into your best jeans.
How to style Kimono Cardigan?
In fashion clothing for women kimono cardigans are a highly versatile piece that pairs well with everything from denim to miniskirts to jean shorts. Kimono cardigans can also add a dash of style to skirts and dresses. Short kimonos can be cinched at the waist to enhance the lines of fit and flare dresses or worn open to enhance pencil skirts, and longer styles could add glamour and sophistication to maxi dresses. Boho chic kimonos look great with short denim jeans and flat gladiator sandals. A swimsuit under a silk kimono is such a remarkable outfit. Wear it with a handmade silk waist belt and enjoy a drink at the beach bar.
Kimono Fabric Types
Silk
Vintage silk kimonos are a great option for everyday loungewear or your favorite robe because they’re both easy and comfortable. Silk fabrics drape and flow beautifully and add exclusivity to your look. Have a look at the one of a kind handmade vintage silk kimonos at the online store for women at MY-BODHI.
Wool
Wool is used as it is warm and supple, does not easily hold creases, can be sewn by machines and by hand, and can be more easily cleaned. Winter kimonos are made from heavier wool fabrics and are lined. Unlined summer kimonos are made of a wool fabric that is light and allows air movement. Wool kimonos are popular as every-day wear, both in winter and in summer.
Linen
A fine handwoven linen or hemp can be used to make durable but light summer kimonos. These kimonos are not worn at formal occasions, and the patterns are often based on blue (indigo dyes), or white colour schemes.
Cotton
Cotton fabrics are traditionally used to make unlined informal summer kimonos because it’s cool and breathable. These are often worn at summer festivals and during a hotel or resort stay.
Synthetic
Synthetic and semi-synthetic materials like Rayon or Polyester etc. are becoming more popular due to their durability and ease of cleaning. They can have a similar feel to silk, when woven into a fine fabric, but are highly flammable. These fabrics breathe less than natural fabrics, often feel like plastic and may be clearly audible when moved. In kimono fabrics, polyester is more commonly used in blends with natural fibers, such as silk, wool and cotton.
Blended Fibers
Synthetic and natural fiber blends such as cotton, wool and silk synthetic blends, are commonly available today. The synthetic component contributes durability, ease of cleaning, and a lower-manufacturing cost, and is often paired with silk (for its beauty and luxuriousness). It can be difficult for even experts to tell if a fabric is pure silk or a silk-blend unless they perform a burn test – something you do not want to do on an expensive kimono!
