Kimono attire for each season
Summer is almost here! Many of us are spending our days in summer clothes.In Japan, with its four distinct seasons of spring, summer, fall, and winter, there is a custom of changing clothes and belongings according to the season. The custom of "changing clothes" applies not only to western clothes but also to kimonos. Please try to know the advantages of kimono for each of the four seasons and try to go out with a more beautiful coordination.
Basics of dressing for each season
Kimonos are basically divided into three types according to the season: Awase (Lined garment), Hitoe (Single garment), and Natsumono (Thin garment). Accessories such as Obi, Obiage, Obijime, and Nagajyuban (long underwear) should also be appropriate for the season.
◆Seasonal kimono standards
October 1 - May 31: Awase (Lined garment)
June 1 - June 30: Hitoe (Single garment)
July 1st - August 31st: Natsumono (Thin garment)
September 1 - September 30: Hitoe (Single garment)
These standards are not absolute. These days are getting hotter and hotter even in April. There is no right or wrong answer. I would like you to enjoy wearing kimono casually based on whether it looks nice or not, or whether you enjoy wearing it or not.
■ Awase (Lined garment) to be worn from October to May
Awase kimono can be worn in spring, fall and winter (October to May). It is tailored with a lining such as a body lining, sleeve lining, and hem lining. Some people wear it in all seasons because of its weight and photogenic appearance. Also, many people choose to make their first kimono Awase.
Awase (Lined garment)
■ Hitoe (Single garments) to be worn in June and September
Hitoe is a kimono made with the exact same outer fabric as the versatile kimono, but without the lining. It is worn when the seasons change from spring to summer and from summer to fall. Obi, Obiage, Obijime and other accessories are the same as for the Awase kimono. The appearance is the same as the Awase version, but since there is no lining, the lines of the kimono may be less visible.
Hitoe (Single garment)
■ Natsumono (Thin garment) to be worn from July and August
During the hot summer months, lightweight garments made of fabrics with coarser thread density for better ventilation are worn. These fabrics include Gauze and Ro, and are tailored without a lining to make them light and cool. The Obi, Obiage, Obijime, and Nagajyuban are specially made for thin Kimono.
Natsumono (Thin garment)
Yukata is worn directly over underwear (or skin), whereas summer kimono is worn over underwear and Nagajyuban.