Posts Tagged ‘kimono for sale’

Common Questions About Kimonos

Friday, February 17th, 2023

What is a kimono?

Kimonos have become a fashion staple in recent years. Many people are still unaware of the history and culture that is associated with this famous type of clothing. As an iconic piece of Japanese tradition, kimonos carry a wealth of cultural meaning. A kimono is a traditional Japanese robe that is typically made of cotton or silk. They are known for their beautiful lines and shapes, intricate patterns, bright colors, and elegant fabrics. It’s no wonder why so many people admire this traditional garment. Kimonos are usually worn during special occasions, such as weddings or tea ceremonies, or for a more formal appearance.

How is a kimono worn?

First, choose the right size kimono for your body type. It should be snug but not too tight. Second, select the appropriate length based on your height. Third, determine which style of kimono you would like to wear.  Do you want a casual kimono for lounging, and hanging out with family and friends? Do you want a more formal style that can be worn to a ceremony, wedding, or special gathering?

Most kimonos and yukatas today are made for everyday use and are easy to wear. Slip one on just like a bathrobe, folding the left side over the right and then tying it with the belt, sash, or obi.  Which way you fold the front of the robe is very important. Wearing it folded right over left signifies death and is usually reserved for a funeral.

How do I tie a kimono obi?

The kimono is worn like a bathrobe and folded over in front, left over right. A belt, sash, or obi is then used to wrap around the waist. Gently tie and this holds your robe in place and keeps it closed. A formal kimono often has a broad sash and is tied at the back reflecting the age and social status. The yukata´s obi sash ties in front to emphasize its casual nature. Whether you choose to experience the traditions associated with wearing kimono or relax in a breathable summery yukata, each has its unique beauty.

What is the difference between a yukata and a kimono?

Although these garments look similar, kimonos are generally more formal. Kimonos feature intricate patterns produced in high-quality cotton and silk. While yukatas are designed for daily summer wear, they are made of cotton and feature simpler designs. Kimonos usually extend to around ankle length, while the cut of yukata offers several lengths from longer to shorter.

How do I take care of a kimono?

When caring for kimonos and yukatas, it is important to take precautionary measures that will protect the cloth and its designs. To keep kimonos and yukatas in their best condition, store them in a dry place away from direct sunlight. Regularly spot clean kimonos with a damp cloth, but avoid washing them in hot temperatures which can shrink the fabric and affect the design.

If your robe is machine washable, we recommend cold water washing on a gentle cycle.  Look at the manufacturers instructions or tag that is sewn in to the robe.  Follow these instructions to maintain the longest life of your garment. Whether they suggest dry cleaning, hand washing or machine washing, be gentle and you will extend the life of your beautiful Japanese robe.

How do I choose the right size kimono?

When considering kimonos, you should consider both your height and your body shape. If you’re petite, look for kimonos tailored for smaller frames. If you’re taller or plus-size, kimonos made for those sizes will fit better. Quality matters too; higher-end kimonos usually are made with a heavier fabric and some will even have layers. This gives it a more elegant feel, exceptional comfort and  can be the reason for the higher cost.

For yukatas, focus on fabric type as much as fit. Check that the material isn’t so coarse that it’s uncomfortable against your skin. Some vendors offer yukatas with a shrink-resistant finish which provides a softer feel. Ultimately, remember there’s no one “correct” size when it comes to kimonos or yukatas. Choose the one that fits your body best and makes you feel confident.

The best place to start when trying to find the perfect kimono size is to measure yourself. Draw a measuring tape around your waist, chest, and sleeve length to get an idea of what sizes you’ll need. You can also enlist the help of online store customer service for advice on the perfect kimono fit for you.

Where can I buy a kimono?

Shopping for kimonos and yukata has never been easier. A wide variety of retailers offers these traditional Japanese garments. From boutiques to online stores and kimono-specialty shops, you are sure to find the perfect kimono for your wardrobe or gift needs. Many stores even offer kimonos and yukatas in a range of sizes and fabrics that suits both men’s and women’s fashion. With some prior research, you can also find kimonos made from exclusive fabrics as well. Kimono shopping doesn’t have to be intimidating.  With so many options available, finding your perfect kimono is now just a few clicks away!

The key to finding your new kimono is to locate a reputable dealer. Locate one that has been in business for many years or decades. One that is honest and trustworthy. Don’t fall for the trap of some online dealers that claim they are Japanese-style, but actually made in China or elsewhere. A scan of Amazon, Etsy and eBay and you can locate some of these dealers that are less than truthful.

We recommend dealing with a vendor located in the USA. This way, returns are easier, shipping is a fraction of the time and unless you speak another language, English is spoken, used and easy to understand. A reputable dealer will list the details of the kimono or yukata in the description box. There should be no second guessing yourself. Their policies should be clear and distinct.

Another way to determine if the dealer is the “real-deal” is selection. Do they offer a large selection in many sizes? A shop that only offers a dozen robes isn’t really in the kimono business, but rather it is a side business.  Chopa – Your Kimono Source was established in 1994 and carries over 100 different patterns, colors and sizes for men, women and kids. It’s obvious that this is their business. They aren’t offering kitschy Asian home décor items and spreading their efforts thin. They deal with what they do best – Kimonos and Yukatas.  You can check out their online Kimono Shop here. Happy shopping and congratulations on your new wardrobe.

Floral kimono for women

Hanu Garden Kimono

 

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Posted in Kimono for women, mens kimono, online kimono shopping, Plus size kimono, Uncategorized, Yukata | Comments Off on Common Questions About Kimonos

Why Are Kimono So Popular?

Sunday, November 28th, 2021

The Japanese culture has a long history of wearing kimono. The word “kimono” is actually a translation for “thing to wear”.  Kimono are beautiful pieces of clothing originally worn by men in Japan. Following World War II they became more popular among women. Kimono  originated as a form of armor to protect warriors from arrows, but are now seen as ceremonial garments for special occasions. There are many different styles of kimono characterized by their sleeve length, colors or other details such as hemlines. The most recognizable feature of the kimono is its wide sleeves. Kimono are typically made of cotton or silk with intricate patterns and distinctive colors.

Kimonos and Work Clothes

The kimono is sometimes referred to as the oldest work clothes. The kimono has been used as a work garment for centuries in countries around Asia. They allow workers to stay clean without getting dirty. It protects against dirt and sweat by keeping them on its surface, which can be easily shaken off or washed at the end of the day.  What’s more, since kimonos were typically worn with pants underneath, they provide an extra layer of warmth during cooler seasons.

The Most Well-Known Kimono

The most well-known type of kimono is called the “Yukata”. Yukatas are casual versions which were traditionally used after bathing and before dressing in more formal clothes for celebrations at night. They provide a cover-up during the day while still being light enough to be worn indoors or outside when it’s cool.  Today there is still great interest in this garment both within Japan and abroad.

Kimonos are popular because they look great and can be worn in a variety of settings. They are known for their elegance, traditional design, comfort, versatility and easiness to slip on. Wearers can put on a kimono without any help from another person. This is very convenient for the wearer. If you want to dress like a samurai or geisha without having to pay the expensive price tag of designer brands, then kimonos are perfect for you.

These Japanese robes are available in different colors and styles, so they can match any occasion. Some people wear them as an accessory to their outfit. Others wear them for more formal occasions like weddings, tea ceremonies, parties and festivals. They go easily with other items in your wardrobe. There are many different styles to choose from, each with their own meaning. A colorful kimono is often for celebrations or ceremonial purposes. More muted colors are typically worn during the day by women who work outside the home.  A popular color found on kimonos is red which signifies happiness and good luck. The way one dresses themselves reflects their personality so it is important for people to know how they are seen by others.

Choosing a Kimono

When selecting a kimono, the first step is to consider the fabric you want your kimono made out of. Make this decision before you pick a color or pattern. Then, choose whether you’d prefer a short kimono or one that goes down past your knees for a more formal look. You’ll also need to decide if you want long or short sleeves. A kimono is traditionally worn closed with a sash, obi or belt. But did you know that they can be worn in a variety of ways? Contemporary fashion has created the style of wearing kimono or yukata open and loose or flowing. This  makes them perfect for hot summer days when you want something light and cool to wear.

Kimonos can actually be worn as tops with pants or shorts. Another popular trend is to wear it over short shorts or leggings. They can also be used in place of a blouse layered under sweaters and jackets for Fall and Winter. It’s easy to dress up kimono tops with accessories like necklaces, statement earrings, scarves, belts and hats. Many retailers call their oversized sweaters or sheer gowns, kimonos. Those in the “know” realize it is simply marketing. Nothing makes a kimono statement better than an authentic Japanese Kimono.

The kimono has been around for centuries and is still a staple in Japan. They can be seen on the streets or worn as formal attire. The kimono is a garment that can be worn in many different ways. It’s no surprise that the history of this versatile piece of clothing is varied. Chopa – Your Kimono Source, offers many styles of kimonos to fit all occasions and budgets. We’re sure we’ll have something great for your needs. Browse our large selection today at www.chopa.com.

Kimono fashion combines a kimono as an outer item over pants.

Kimono Fashion

 

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Posted in Japanese kimono, Kimono for women, Men's kimono robe, Plus size kimono, Plus size kimono robe, short kimono | 1 Comment »

Financing a Kimono?

Saturday, July 31st, 2021

Buying a Kimono on Credit?

Occasionally we receive an inquiry from a customer asking if we offer a credit line or payment plan to purchase a kimono or yukata. While we do not have an in-house credit department or offer credit, we do accept PayPal Credit.

PayPal is a payment processing service used by millions of retailers and businesses worldwide. It is an electronic alternative to paper checks and money orders.  Established in 1998, it was acquired by eBay in 2002 and in 2015 was subsequently divested to shareholders where it again, became an independent company. PayPal became part of the Forbes 500 group in 2019. Today, PayPal sports annual revenue of over $20 billion.

Chopa has used PayPal to process its credit card payments for many years. They are a trusted company and continuously work on updating their state of the art security and technical platforms to ensure customer safety. Chopa has always made customer security a top priority and after reviewing the workings of PayPal it became a partner of our company and we anticipate it will continue into the future.

One feature of PayPal, besides using your own secure account to pay for a purchase on our website, is their credit division.  PayPal Credit is featured on our site and available to anyone.  If you do not have a PayPal account, you can fill out a simple account application online and receive a credit decision in just seconds. In most cases, they provide a minimum opening line of credit of $250.00.

PayPal Credit is a reusable credit line that may be used at millions of stores that accept PayPal. While the interest rate charged can be high like many credit cards on the market today, they offer promotional rates that can save you money. PayPal is currently offering six months same as cash on purchases over $99.00.  This means  you pay zero interest if the credit is paid off in the first six months of the purchase.

Purchases of $98.99 or less enjoy zero interest if the balance is paid in full at the end of each month by the payment due date. PayPal emails you reminders of the due date and you can review your account online anytime.

Circumstances arise when sometimes you need a little bit of help or have an urgent need for credit. Perhaps you have spent your allocation for the month, but need to make a purchase now for a special event or occasion. PayPal Credit may be the right option for you, especially of you have the ability to pay it off by the first due date or within six months.

Several years ago, a customer needed to purchase a dozen kimonos for a family reunion. She didn’t have the balance available on her credit card but wanted to take advantage of a group discount we offered her for the large purchase. She knew she would be collecting the money individually at the reunion in two weeks and investigated using PayPal Credit as an option. Long story short, she financed the purchase, made it to the reunion, everyone loved the kimonos and she collected the money and paid off the loan with a week to spare eliminating any interest charges.

We also had a non-profit group that was producing a theatrical performance at a local theater and needed a eight yukata for the act. They had a lot of money tied up in the production and preperformance expenses and needed a bit of credit to get them through the performances, when they would receive ticket revenues. One of the individuals applied for the credit, received confirmation and a generous credit line within minutes. They purchased the robes and the performance was a huge success.  The cast wrote us a beautiful letter thanking us for the loan. We were humbled but reminded them that it wasn’t us, but rather PayPal Credit that provided the assistance. We just provide the direct link on the shopping cart page at check-out. The advantage of this credit line is that it is electronic, quick, no long waiting period, terms are disclosed upfront and very easy to understand. Just like Chopa takes the guesswork out of online kimono shopping, PayPal Credit takes the guesswork out of financing your purchase.

While we don’t advise or portray ourselves as financial advisors to anyone, we appreciate the alternative that PayPal offers customers. It’s a quick and simple way to pay for a purchase now and pay it later. We strongly advise and recommend you evaluate your own circumstances and review the terms of PayPal Credit before you accept a loan. Chopa does not necessarily recommend financing purchases, but understand that each individual or group has their own unique circumstances and financial needs. Review and evaluate your own financial abilities before accepting any credit offers from anyone.

Since 1994, Chopa has been a leading online provider of Japanese kimono, yukata, short length robes, loungewear, full length kimonos and plus sized yukata in a large selection of styles and colors. Join our family of over 32,000 happy customers and counting and more importantly treat yourself to a luxury kimono in soft 100% cotton. Happy Lounging.

Photo courtesy of Andrea Piacquadio.

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Posted in cotton yukata, cute kimono, Kimono for women, Men's kimono robe, short kimono, Tall kimono for men | 1 Comment »

Is Scrooge Visiting for Christmas?

Friday, July 2nd, 2021

As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic which brought worldwide closures, shut-downs, lock-downs and layers of additional government regulations, many retail operators are bracing themselves for what could become big shortages of merchandise for the Christmas Holiday shopping season.

Target, Walmart, Amazon.com and other retailers reported to Reuters News that they were attempting to place holiday orders for goods as early as possible this year. Besides backlogs in the manufacturing sector, shippers are facing major hurdles trying to keep up with soaring demand for container space on ships transporting goods over the oceans.

Across the globe, shipping ports are backed up, shipping containers are scarce and ships are experiencing delays entering ports and unloading goods. The Port of Los Angeles is experiencing record high volumes of container processing. Adding to these delays, China recently shut down or minimized operations at three major shipping ports due to a rise in Covid cases. In the U.S., once containers are unloaded there is a fight for the limited number of chassis available. Chassis are used to mobilize the large steel boxes for truckers to haul to their destination. Beyond these problems, truckers are in shorter supply as more veterans quit or retire and the younger generation has less interest entering the trucking business as a career, thus diminishing the number of truckers overall.

All of these situations are putting intense pressure on the price of goods. The rate to ship a 40′ container from Shanghai to Los Angeles was recently quoted at $9500.00.  One year ago, the same rate would have been under $3000.00. The cost of container rentals has seen large increases as have chassis rentals, trucking and shipping costs. Some US importers report their containers getting bumped from ships because other parties offer a higher bid for the ship space days or even hours before the ship sails. Additional surcharges imposed by shipping operators are also adding fuel to the demand fire.

Whether it’s toys, computers, electronics or clothing, many retailers and suppliers are warning customers to shop early this year. Others are quick to point out that they don’t expect much in discounting either. When there is a shortage of goods along with high demand, there isn’t a compelling reason to do offer sales. This year, retailers are facing lower margins to begin with. Many are absorbing as much of these cost increases as possible to remain consistent and competitive, but at some point they must wave the white flag and surrender. If they don’t make a profit, they don’t have a business.

One retail operator who ships packages regularly through her online business expressed disappointment with parcel carriers like UPS and FedEx. She stated that these carriers raise their prices each and every year, but also add additional surcharges in some situations during the holiday season. She explained how FedEx adds a $26.00 surcharge on top of existing rates for packages over 50 lbs. She sells over a dozen outdoor items on her website that weigh around 60 pounds and says she is absorbing the additional cost, but isn’t sure she can do so much longer.  Her product costs have already risen 10-18% on average because manufacturers are experiencing raw material and labor cost increases. Add that to rising import and shipping rates, growing packaging costs, her own higher labor costs and domestic carrier shipping costs, she adds “we only have so much profit to work from and all of these outside issues are eating away at the pie. There is barely any left at the end of the day.” Inflation has certainly been in the news over the past few months and while the Federal Reserve is dismissing it as transitory, many others, especially ones running businesses are losing confidence and believe higher prices are here to stay.

Many businesses are also struggling to find labor. Advertisements for help are at near all-time highs, but roughly 16 million people are still at home accepting some form of government assistance left over from stimulus bills and subsidies. Whatever the reason, and people do have reasons for not wanting or not being able to work, the situation doesn’t seem to be ending in the near future.

Chopa Zen Home has been working diligently with our providers in Japan to continue offering fine kimono and yukata to our customers throughout the Pandemic and we will work hard to do so in the future. Japan is still facing capacity issues with lock downs and partial closures. We have rearranged and restructured our production schedules to better align with their manufacturing abilities. If a select fabric or print isn’t available, we back order it and move on to what is deliverable. We have also faced large shipping cost increases and so far, have absorbed these.  In fact, we recently reduced our standard ground shipping cost to just $6.95 and continue to offer Free Shipping on orders of $75.00 or more within the USA. Rather than getting bottlenecked at shipping ports and having orders delayed for weeks or months, we have mainly turned to Air Freight to obtain our shipments directly. It is much more expensive than Ocean rates, but allows us to maintain a broader and more diverse inventory on a regular basis.

While we don’t anticipate shortages of kimono and yukata per se, we would encourage customers to shop earlier. While receiving smaller monthly shipments throughout the year, we rely on large quantity shipments in the Spring, Summer and Fall. Our annual Fall shipment normally arrives in time for the Christmas shopping season and allows us to offer a great selection of styles, patterns and sizing. But we are well aware of the many obstacles facing retailers this year and sometimes events occur beyond our control. We normally publish an extended return window well before the Holiday gift buying season which allows you to shop early and still be able to return or exchange a robe after Christmas. As always, we welcome feedback, ideas, comments and the like. Use our online contact form to send us a message, post below on this Blog or visit us on Social Media like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.

holiday shopping

Photo courtesy of Andrea Piacquadio.

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Posted in Clothing, cotton yukata, Japanese kimono, Kimono for women, Men's kimono robe, short kimono | 2 Comments »

Top 5 Sellers for May 2021 – Consumers Demand Comfort

Wednesday, June 2nd, 2021

One of the retail categories that saw large spikes in sales during the Pandemic was loungewear. It makes sense because whether you were shut in from mandated lock downs or working from home, people like to feel relaxed and comfortable at home. Analysis from a recent study of retailers showed a large jump in loungewear sales online, with some reporting double and triple digit sales gains over the prior year. Many stores found little reason to advertise and promote swimwear last summer and instead saw the demand for loungewear and jumped on it.

Many customers prefer something unique and different rather than a pair of sweatpants and an oversized t-shirt to lay around the home. Whether you are doing chores, binge watching your favorite TV series, cooking or catching up on your reading, Japanese Kimono and Yukata robes have become a popular alternative.  The prints and styles are striking and beautiful. With the wrap around style of these robes, they can be loose fitting or tied more snugly depending on what you are doing and how you are feeling. After all, nothing feels better than cool cotton when hanging out at home. Those that want an even lighter feel turn to Happi Coats. Happi Coats are shorter length versions of kimono and yukata. They are available in several lengths and have one or two side pockets making it easier to keep your glasses or cell phone close to you.

We received several notes from customers who were on work-at-home assignments and expressed their desire to permanently work from home. One customer, Janice said if she was granted the opportunity she would buy five yukata and Happi Coats so she could wear a different one each work day. She thought it would give herself the feeling of a traditional workplace with the added luxury of loungewear.  We can’t argue with her.  Another customer said his work at home team enjoyed their daily Zoom teleconference calls because he wore a different kimono each day. They all wanted to know where he was getting them from and was happy to refer several new customers to us over the months.  Thank you Ben, we always appreciate referrals.

Another longtime customer of ours discovered another benefit of the Happi Coats. She wore them out when she went to pick up food for dinner or had to drop something off at the post office. Ellen shared with us that she would never feel comfortable heading out of the house in a regular bathrobe, but in a Happi Coat she was making a fashion statement. Slip on a pair of shorts or jeans and she was good to go. She regularly received compliments from others and it not only boosted her confidence, but she started trying on different outfits at home preparing for the days when America fully reopens again. She discovered that her Happi coats complimented some of her slacks and jeans even with heels.  She plans on educating her girlfriends when they start heading out again on weekends to restaurants and clubs. She calls this fashion Street-Chic. Ellen, we welcome your photos if you would like to share, so we can show the rest of our Happi Coat audience. Happi Coats, they aren’t just for lounging anymore!

Each month we like to share with our customers what is currently popular among the kimono and yukata we offer.

For the month of May, 2021, here are the Top Five Sellers:

  1. Yukata – Red Crane and Tree
  2. Yukata – Pink Cherry Blossom
  3. Yukata – Eternal Chain
  4. Yukata – Blue Dawn
  5. Yukata – Dragon and Bamboo

Three of the ladies styles made the Top Five this month. Sales were brisk early on as Mother’s Day was approaching. Don’t forget about Father’s Day. It’s just a few weeks away. Nothing would make Dad happier than lounging in a summer yukata. Happi Coats make great cover ups at the beach and pool. If Dad is an active swimmer, give some thought to this unique gift idea. Thanks for reading, we will be back soon with another blog. Please comment below or email us with any questions, comments or thoughts, we love hearing from our customers and might mention you in a future post.

 

blue dawn yukata

Blue Dawn Yukata

red crane yukata

Red Crane and Tree Yukata

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Posted in Japanese kimono, Japanese kimono for sale, Kimono for women, Men's kimono robe, Plus size kimono | 1 Comment »

New Shipment of Kimono and Yukata Arrived!

Monday, January 18th, 2021

Chopa strives to have a full offering of Japanese Kimono and Yukata at all times, but with sudden surges in sales related to Holiday Gifts, a mention in social media or a large bulk order, we experience shortages from time to time. We like to be busy and shipping hundreds and hundreds of robes, but we dislike running out and work hard to alleviate the dreaded “Out of Stock” notation on any particular style.

The good news is that a new shipment, the first of the year, just arrived and we are pleased to announce that over 25 sizes and colors are back in stock and ready to ship. Among the list of new arrivals are the Men’s Kagome yukata, the ever popular “Dragon” yukata, Tree of Life, Daimonji Kimono, Royal Cranes, Ukiyoe, Dragon and Tiger, Cherry Blossoms, and Ribbons Kimono.

Some styles are offered in five different sizes and those are back in stock. This is just the first of many more shipments scheduled over the year. We generally receive new inventory monthly along with several large shipments in the Spring, Summer and Fall. It has been more difficult scheduling over the past 6 months due to Covid restrictions throughout Japan. Production has slowed and in many situations, our producers are working with smaller staffs for social distancing and to allow others to work from home.

We welcome inquiries on any pattern or style of kimono or yukata we offer. If you don’t see a size in stock, email us and we can let you know when we expect more to arrive. Chopa offers a free email notification service to anyone. When a particular size or style is available, we send you a courtesy email alerting you of the news.  There is never an obligation to make a purchase and we will only send you one email.  It’s a free service and we are happy to monitor upcoming shipments for you.

Happy Shopping!

kimono and yukata robes

Fresh Kimono and Yukata.

 

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Posted in Clothing, Japanese kimono, Japanese kimono for sale, Kimono for women, Men's kimono robe, Plus size kimono, Plus size kimono robe, short kimono, Tall kimono for men | Comments Off on New Shipment of Kimono and Yukata Arrived!

December Top Selling Kimono and Yukata Robes

Monday, January 11th, 2021

December is always a busy month at Chopa Zen Home.  Our large selection of  Japanese Kimono and Yukata are popular gifts and we experience a substantial surge in business each year.  We wish to thank all of our customers for their loyalty and patronage in December and throughout the 2020 year. Here is to a bright and healthy 2021. Happy New Year to all.

Top 5 Sellers in December 2020:

navy dragon yukata

(1) Black – Zen and Martial Arts Yukata

(2) Blue Koi Yukata

(3) Navy Dragon & Mt Fuji Yukata

(4) Tree of Life Yukata

(5) Navy Kagome Yukata

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Posted in Japanese kimono, Japanese kimono for sale, Kimono for women, Men's kimono robe, Plus size kimono, Plus size kimono robe, short kimono, Tall kimono for men | Comments Off on December Top Selling Kimono and Yukata Robes