Posts Tagged ‘best kimonos’

How New US Tariffs Could Impact Kimono and Yukata Prices

Friday, April 4th, 2025

The timeless elegance of kimonos and yukatas has long been cherished by enthusiasts and retailers alike, serving as both a symbol of Japanese tradition and a personal expression of style. However, recent changes in US trade policy may bring a surprising twist to the market for these treasured garments. With a new 24% tariff on Japanese imports, the prices you pay for these handcrafted pieces might soon reflect additional costs.

What Do These Tariffs Mean for Kimono Enthusiasts?

This new tariff directly impacts Japanese goods imported into the United States, including the beautiful cotton kimonos and yukatas our customers adore. But who will bear the cost of this tariff? Will it be absorbed by manufacturers? Passed along to retailers? Or ultimately reflected in the prices paid by customers? These questions create a complex ripple effect through the kimono industry.

For a traditional cotton yukata robe priced at $100, an additional 24% tariff could push the price to $124 even before factoring in other costs like logistics and handling. These numbers demonstrate how a seemingly small percentage can have a significant impact, especially for those who are deeply passionate about owning an authentic, high-quality Japanese kimono.

Kimono Shop’s Commitment to Quality and Affordability

At Kimono Shop, we’ve weathered countless storms over our 30 years of experience in logistics and international trade. From shipping disruptions to container shortages, we’ve maintained an unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional quality and value to our customers. This is no exception.

Our team is already working tirelessly to mitigate the effects of these new tariffs. Leveraging our longstanding relationships with suppliers and an unmatched understanding of global logistics, we are determined to find solutions that minimize cost increases while preserving the quality you expect from us.

What Does This Mean for You?

While prices for authentic Japanese kimonos and yukatas may experience an increase, our commitment to craftsmanship, tradition, and customer satisfaction will remain unchanged. When you shop with us, you’re not just purchasing a garment—you’re investing in a story, a culture, and a tradition that’s been passed down through centuries.

How You Can Support Kimono Tradition

  • Choose quality over quantity. Every kimono or yukata from Kimono Shop is made with meticulous attention to detail, offering a piece of wearable art that will last for years.
  • Stay informed. Understanding how tariffs impact pricing helps you make more informed purchasing decisions.
  • Join a community of enthusiasts who are passionate about Japanese culture. By supporting businesses like ours, you help ensure the enduring legacy of traditional Japanese garments.

Looking Forward

While these tariffs present challenges, they also invite us to reflect on the craftsmanship and heritage that make kimonos and yukatas so special. We at Kimono Shop are honored to bring you these timeless garments and are committed to overcoming obstacles to ensure your experience remains as elegant and seamless as the garments themselves.

To explore our collection and learn more about how we’re navigating these challenges, visit Chopa today.

Lightweight cotton cherry blossom yukata for women

Pink Cherry Blossom Yukata

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Happi Coats: A Timeless Blend of Tradition and Modern Elegance

Thursday, March 27th, 2025

The Happi Coat is a fascinating garment steeped in history, cultural significance, and evolving uses that merge tradition with contemporary fashion. Whether you’re a Japan enthusiast, a kimono lover, or simply someone looking for elegant yet comfortable loungewear, the Happi Coat is a one-of-a-kind addition to your wardrobe. This blog takes you on a rich and immersive exploration of the Happi Coat’s evolution, offering insights into its significance, styling tips, care, and why you might want to call one your own.

A Brief History of the Happi Coat

The Happi Coat has been a cherished part of Japanese culture for centuries. Originally worn by workers and festival participants, the Happi Coat was adorned with symbols and family crests that denoted unity and pride. Over time, this knee-length kimono, often made of lightweight cotton, transformed into a versatile piece of Japanese fashion.

During the post-war period, the Happi Coat gained global attention, especially in the West, where it became known as the “shortie.” Women’s house coats became shorter and more casual, and today, the Happi Coat’s appeal transcends its cultural roots as a timeless blend of comfort, tradition, and personal expression.

Cultural Significance in Japanese Society

The Happi Coat plays a prominent role in Japanese festivals and ceremonial events. You’ll often spot them in vibrant parades, worn by groups to show unity and identity. Typically crafted with bold colors and patterns—such as kanji characters or family crests—they are symbols of celebration and tradition. This garment embodies the spirit of Japanese craftsmanship and respect for cultural heritage, making it a garment with deep sentimental value.

Modern Fashion Integration

Today, the Happi Coat is more than just a cultural artifact—it’s a versatile fashion statement. Its short-length design and airy fabric make it the perfect wardrobe piece for various occasions. Here are a few ways to style your Happi Coat in modern life:

  • Beach or Pool Cover-Up

Transition effortlessly from a swim to lounging by the shore by pairing your Happi Coat with your favorite swimsuit. The light fabric and colorful designs make it both practical and eye-catching.

  • Loungewear Chic

Whether you’re reading, listening to music, or simply relaxing at home, Happi Coats make for the ultimate sophisticated loungewear. Their knee-length fit combines comfort with a touch of elegance.

  • Layered Streetwear

Make a bold fashion statement by incorporating a Happi Coat into your casual outfits. Layer it over a plain top and jeans, or elevate your look with sandals and accessories reminiscent of traditional Japanese design.

Choosing the Right Happi Coat for Every Occasion

Selecting the perfect Happi Coat is an art in itself, and at Kimono Shop, there are countless designs waiting to inspire you. Here are some tips to find the one that suits your needs:

  • Elegant Simplicity: Opt for muted tones and minimal patterns when looking for a Happi Coat suitable for home or laidback occasions.
  • Festival-Perfect: If you’re drawn to vibrant celebrations and parties, go bold with bright colors and intricate designs. Look for traditional motifs such as kanji or floral prints to honor the garment’s festive origins.
  • Versatility in Design: For everyday wear, choose Happi Coats in neutral palettes with subtle prints. These can seamlessly blend into your wardrobe while still making a statement.

Browse the beautiful selection of Japanese Happi Coats for men and women at Kimono Shop and find one that speaks to your unique taste.

Care and Maintenance

Your Happi Coat deserves premium care to maintain its quality and beauty. To ensure your garment stays as stunning as the day you received it, keep these tips in mind:

  • Handle with Care: Always wash your Happi Coat using a gentle hand-wash cycle or by hand to avoid damaging intricate designs.
  • Mild Detergent: Opt for a mild detergent that won’t fade the garment’s vibrant colors.
  • Air Dry: Avoid exposing your Happi Coat to direct sunlight for extended periods, as this can diminish its color. Instead, air dry it in a shaded area.

By following these simple steps, you’ll keep your Happi Coat looking impeccable for years to come.

Experience the Timeless Elegance of Happi Coats

Happi Coats encapsulate the beauty of Japanese tradition, the artistry of fine craftsmanship, and the versatility of modern-day fashion. Whether you’re using it as a breezy beach cover-up, a luxurious lounge robe, or an artistic statement piece, the Happi Coat is a wearable celebration of culture and comfort.

Explore the exquisite collection of Happi Coats at Kimono Shop and discover designs that honor tradition while fitting effortlessly into today’s lifestyles. Each garment is a testament to quality and care—offering you not just a piece of clothing, but a legacy of art and history.

Happi Coat Kimono

Popular Happi Coat

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The Top Five Selling Kimonos and Yukatas for July 2023

Wednesday, August 16th, 2023

For almost three decades, we’ve been dedicated to offering high-quality and unique Japanese Kimonos and Yukatas to our customers. With a wide variety of styles and colors to choose from, we know how overwhelming it can be to find the perfect one. One of the biggest frustrations is that there isn’t a centralized and reliable source of data to help determine the most popular choices.

However, at Chopa, we’re breaking this mold by keeping close tabs on the purchases of our thousands of customers globally. Unlike other sources of sales data, our analytics are based on actual sales. This makes it the most complete and trustworthy data available. Each month, we compile this data and provide an honest and factual list of the best-selling kimonos and yukatas. This is produced with customer feedback made through purchases, not a blind voting system. Trust us to provide you with the most accurate information when it comes to finding the perfect Japanese kimono or yukata.

Yukata – Pink Cherry Blossom – Introducing the Japanese Yukata: Versatile and Stylish. Step into the world of tradition and fashion with the timeless Japanese Yukata. These elegant robes are a must-have addition to every woman’s wardrobe. Suitable for any occasion – from formal events to casual outings. Immerse yourself in the vibrant colors and textures of Japan with this exquisite robe.

The gentle pink background adorned with delicate cherry blossoms, Japan’s national flower, exudes a sense of tranquility and peace. Crafted with expertise in Japan using 100% cotton, this yukata is designed to last with a shrink-resistant finish for easy care. For optimal results and to prolong its lifespan, simply machine wash it with cold water. Complete with traditional butterfly sleeves and a matching belt, this yukata combines comfort and style effortlessly. Elevate your fashion game with the Japanese Yukata – the epitome of timeless elegance.

Kimono – Embroidered Samurai – Experience the elegance of this authentic Japanese Samurai robe, crafted with care from 100% shantung cotton. A unique weaving technique creates a luxurious ribbed effect, showcasing a distinctive vintage flair. The slubbed cotton fabric offers a soft touch, breathability, and a linen-like appearance.

Embrace the spirit of the Samurai with the eye-catching 6″ square, satin gold embroidered “Samurai” calligraphy symbol on the back and the elegant red Sakura crests on each front panel. Complete the look with the included matching belt. To maintain its pristine condition, simply hand wash in warm water and allow it to drip dry. Avoid dry cleaning for the best results. Indulge in the rich history and superior craftsmanship of this traditional Samurai robe.

Yukata – Tree of Life – Introducing our men’s Yukata featuring a distinctive Japanese tortoise print. This ancient geometric pattern dates back to 2000 B.C. and symbolizes stability. Samurai warriors valued this design, and its popularity in old Japan continues to this day. Wear it on special occasions or in battle to channel the spirit of the samurai. Made with 100% cotton, this robe boasts a sleek black, gray, and white color palette. Its traditional butterfly sleeves add an elegant touch. Easy to care for and machine washable, it will be a long-lasting addition to your wardrobe. Complete with a matching belt, this Yukata is proudly made in Japan by master clothiers.

Kimono – Black Crane and Peony – Experience elegance and tradition with this stunning Japanese Kimono robe. Adorned with a captivating palette of peony flowers and graceful cranes, it symbolizes wealth, honor, and prosperity. The striking black background perfectly highlights the bold pink, purple, gray, and white peonies, as well as the flying cranes and Sakura blossoms. Gold accents add a touch of natural beauty.

Crafted with utmost care, this women’s kimono is made of 100% soft and luxurious cotton sateen. This premium material is not only breathable but also highly durable. Made in Japan, it exudes true authenticity. And to complete the ensemble, a matching belt is included.For easy care, simply machine wash cold for the best results. Elevate your style and embrace the beauty of Japanese culture with this exquisite kimono robe.

Yukata – Red Crane and Tree – Experience the beauty and joy of Japan with this stunning women’s robe. Adorned with the symbolic crane, known as the bird of happiness, this robe brings a touch of elegance to your loungewear collection. Against a vibrant red background, delicate Japanese pine trees create a calming ambiance with shades of blues and greens, accented by touches of gold. The intricately detailed crane is showcased in shades of white and gold, adding a touch of grace.

Crafted in Japan using 100% cotton with a shrink-resistant finish, this yukata is not only beautiful but also easy to care for. Simply machine wash with cold water for best results. Whether you’re relaxing at home or enjoying a day at the beach or pool, this red robe is the perfect cover-up. Embrace tradition with its butterfly sleeves, while a matching sash completes the ensemble.

Immerse yourself in Japanese culture and style with this women’s robe. Indulge in the comfort and elegance it offers while embracing the symbolism and beauty of the crane.

Our selection of kimonos and yukatas from Japan is a testament to the timeless appeal of these traditional garments. Shop our online store now for your Japanese robe.

Lightweight cotton cherry blossom yukata for women

Pink Cherry Blossom Yukata

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Posted in cotton yukata, Japanese kimono, Kimono, Kimono for women, Men's kimono robe | Comments Off on The Top Five Selling Kimonos and Yukatas for July 2023

How To Buy a Kimono Online

Sunday, December 18th, 2022

We frequently receive questions from friends and customers about how to buy a kimono. Sometimes they ask where to buy a kimono and what should someone know when buying a kimono.  Let’s walk through some basics of purchasing an authentic Japanese kimono.

One of the most important aspects of buying a kimono is how you plan to wear it.  Is this for lounging? Are you attending an event? What is the event and when? If you simply love Japanese culture and want a kimono to wear as a robe or for lounging, then simple cotton robes are the best choice. Robes made of 100% cotton are easy to care for and good quality garments are machine washable.

A soft cotton kimono or lighter-weight yukata is wonderful for lounging around the house. After a soothing shower, slipping into a kimono is not only practical and easy but is extremely comfortable to wear. The distinctive designs place you in a mood and mind of your own. The designs can be very relaxing to the eye and help you remain calm and destressed after a long day. We often find people wearing one after a swim or as a coverup at the beach. Useful, practical, and stylish – that is what a kimono is all about.

If you are seeking a kimono to wear to a ceremony or special event, a cotton robe is still a good choice. Cotton fabric is available in many grades and levels of quality. A tightly woven fabric with a decent cotton count makes for a long-lasting, frequently worn treasure. One you can wear often for many years. The type of design or print will be important depending on the event you attend. The design should flow with the ceremony or social gathering. Consider it similar to a wedding. How formal is the wedding? How formal is the event?  Be practical in your choice and you will not only look great but feel good too.

It is fairly easy to purchase a kimono today. As the popularity has increased, especially in the west, there has also been an influx of dealers or retailers offering these beautiful robes. Shopping online is the easiest. Locate a dealer that has a large selection, quick shipping, especially if you are in a hurry, and easy returns in case it doesn’t fit the exact way you like. One wants to be very careful when shopping online. Like buying anything there are unscrupulous dealers and below-standard retailers trying to take advantage of customers.

We prefer shipping with a dealer that has a long and extensive track record. After all, if a business has been around for over 20 years, it says something about them. In general, a business with a long history shows stability in the market place and their experience will help you find what you are looking for. We receive countless emails each month about foreign-based dealers and the bad experiences customers had with them.

Bad results from shopping overseas include lengthy transit and shipping times. Dealers may offer delivery in a few days but it actually takes over a month to arrive. Taxes, duties and import fees are another issue we hear about. The customer wasn’t told that there may be import taxes due and discover this when they get a bill for $10-$40 for these fees.

Returns seem to be an automatic nightmare for many. Countless unanswered emails and phone calls, translation issues and simple refusals to accept a return are common. Shipping a kimono back to Japan or Asia can be very expensive. Costs range from $25 and up to $45 depending on the level of service, weight, insurance and tracking services.

There are also many dealers who lie about the robes. They ship alternate patterns and prints, use a different fabric and sizing can be far different than what is advertised. A big deception that takes place is where the garment is made. While dealers may claim a Japanese origin, they are often made in China, Viet Nam or Pakistan.

In simple terms, locate a dealer based in the USA. Be sure their reviews provide a positive experience. Look at social media to see they are active and in steady business. Check their listings to see if the Japanese kimono is actually made in Japan. Verify their return policy. Are returns accepted without a lot of fine print and exclusions? Has the online retailer been in business at least 15 years or longer?  If the answer is yes, then you should have some confidence in making your purchase and having comfort that the dealer will honor their promise.

This online dealer has been a leading kimono specialist for nearly 30 years….https://www.chopa.com and has one of the best reputations around.

Floral kimono for women

Hanu Garden Kimono

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Posted in Kimono, kimono for men, Kimono for women, kimono men, mens kimono, Plus size kimono, Yukata | 1 Comment »

MOST POPULAR KIMONOS

Saturday, August 6th, 2022

The results are in for July and here is our list of the Top Selling Kimonos and Yukatas for the month. We want to thank everyone for the nice emails we receive. Your support and appreciation for this monthly posting prove to us that this is something you genuinely look at and look forward to.

For those who are new to this blog or our company, we are Chopa.com – A.K.A. Your Kimono Source. We have been an online purveyor of authentic Japanese Kimonos and Yukata robes since 1994. Our love for these garments spread to friends and acquaintances many years ago and here we are, loving what we do every day.

This list highlights just five of our best-selling Kimonos. We offer over 100 different styles and colors of quality cotton robes and loungewear imported directly from Japan. These handmade robes are crafted by experienced craftspeople. The kimono is both stylish and comfortable. They have beautiful patterns that will look great with most outfits. You can wear it to work or school or even just around the house. Steeped in symbolism and color, you’re sure to find one that matches your style perfectly.  Shop online 24 hours a day at our online Kimono Shop.

Our customers decide through their purchases. Here is the list:

  1. Yukata – Tree of Life. This ever-popular men’s yukata is part of our Premium Collection. This collection features higher-quality fabrics and prints. Available in six sizes.
  2. Black Kimono Samurai Robe. Crafted in fine 100% cotton broadcloth, this stylish kimono for men is perfect for lounging, martial arts, or meditation.
  3. Yukata – Dragon and Mt Fuji – Blue. It seems this pattern becomes more popular by the day. The dragon and Mt. Fuji are two of Japan’s most iconic symbols. This style is also available in black and both colors in the shorter length Happi Coats are also available.
  4. Yukata – Navy and White Bamboo. This women’s yukata is stylish and inspiring. In Japan, bamboo is symbolic of prosperity, purity, and innocence. What more could a lady ask for?
  5. Yukata – Sakura and Mt Fuji. This lady’s yukata is a favorite among our female staff members. The gorgeous blue background accents the colorful image of Mt. Fuji and Japanese sakura blossoms. Available in four sizes.

There you have it. With our large selection of styles and patterns, competitive pricing, and quick shipping, it’s no wonder Chopa is Your kimono Source. Now Get Your Kimono On!

               Sakura and Mt Fuji Yukata

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