Until you watch the video now being shown at ChopaTV and on Chopa.com, it is easy to think of Japanese kimono robes as “just another piece of clothing”. Despite the fact that the word “kimono” actually means “thing to wear”, these stylish and colorful robes are anything but ordinary.
You may be wondering, “How are Japanese kimono robes and yukatas so different than other robes or loungewear?”
Well, what really sets them apart are the elaborate patterns and colorful fabrics, which include symbolic imager like cranes, dragons, koi fish, cherry blossoms and other meaningful icons of Japanese culture. While they have a more casual and comfortable look than the robes worn in Asian ceremonies, the basic design of kimonos and yukatas hasn’t changed much since the Edo period of the 17th century.
A lighter, more summery version of the Kimono is called the Yukata. This 100% cotton, kimono-style robe is more commonly worn as loungewear, after a bath, or as a cover-up at the pool. While most are made in less decorative fabrics than kimonos, there are many brightly colored yukatas available for women.
Most kimonos come with a matching fabric sash, but they are often worn with a heko or kaku obi, or belt, on special occasions.
In case you are not familiar with the design of a kimono, they are generally shaped like a capital “T” and are roomy and wide with very little design variation, other than being available in a selection of splashy satin fabrics and colors. In Japanese ceremonies, kimonos are worn by both men and women, and they are typically wrapped around the body, left side wrapped over right, and finished with a wide belt, or obi, which is tied in the back. The hem falls about 56” down to the ankle.
To learn more about the fascinating story of Japanese kimono robes, visit the Chopa.com home page and watch a short video fashion show featuring Chopa’s most popular robes. You will also find a number of beautiful kimonos and yukatas for sale on their web site.
