Let's talk about Kimono and Yukata!
Howdy! Good day my human and furry friends!! How's your week going? For me this week was so great! Love the weather of Texas so much, I really enjoyed walking in the neighborhood and making friends with dogs and cats!
As my friend Furball has been travelled to China for a week, I still miss him, spend time with a friend in house is so nice, we fight and chase each other all the time but we still love each other! By the way, Furball has landed in China last week and finally live with his mother again! Good for you furball Yeah~!
Last week people are curious about our photo which Furball and I were wearing our Sakura Kimono together, I know we are so cute but let's talk about Kimono and Yukata today and see what's the difference of them! Let's roll!!
Kimono
A kimono is a traditional style of dress that became part of the normal Japanese wardrobe back in the Muromachi period (1392-1568). Over time, styles shifted to denote the wearer’s social rank and occupation. The rules for kimono settled into place during the Edo period (1603-1868), and since the eighteenth century, there have been very few major changes.
Today, only a small percentage of Japanese people wear kimono every day because they are expensive and difficult to put on. A kimono is an extremely dressy garment, so wearing one every day would be the equivalent of wearing a formal dress or fancy suit wherever you go.
(Kimono and Sakura, traditional combination)
The style of kimono worn depends on both the occasion and the status of the wearer. Komon is a casual type of kimono that can be worn throughout the year by both married and unmarried women, while young unmarried women can also wear furisode, a type of kimono with long sleeves to indicate that a woman is eligible for marriage. In addition, there are many other types of ceremonial kimono worn for special occasions.
(Kimono and Torii! So Japanese!)
Let's Talk about Yukata!
As a T-shaped thing you wear, the yukata is a type of kimono. They are sometimes described as yukata kimono, a type of summer kimono, but are more often referred to as a separate category. Far lighter (in terms of material), more casual, and versatile; their role sits somewhere between breezy summer dress, kimono, and robe.
Typically worn during the sweltering summer months, a yukata is most commonly made from breathable fabrics like cotton or thin, synthetic fabric. The name yukata (浴衣) translates to bathing cloth, which is how the original item came about. Similar to a bathrobe or dressing gown in the west, they were originally worn by bathers hopping from one hot tub to the next.
These days however, the yukata has evolved into a summer kimono owned by all discerning Japanese fashion fans.
(Girl in Summer Costume by Hashiguchi Goyo, 1920)
A traditional version of a yukata is most commonly made from cotton. This is for two main reasons: first it’s one of the most comfortable and convenient fabrics, ideal for Japan’s long hot summers. Second, cotton is easy to dry, making it the ideal material for soaking up any extra moisture left on the body after bath. Modern Yukata designed to be worn at festivals are also sometimes made from synthetic materials, which can be even more efficient at evaporating moisture away from the skin.
Perhaps the most obvious difference between a kimono and yukata, at least if you’re wearing it yourself, is that kimono usually (although not always) have an interior lining, whereas yukata never have, and are sewn from a single layer of fabric.
(Morning Glories by Toyohara Chikanobu, 1897)
Yukata are often worn for parties, festivals, and events such as firework displays. Unlike kimono, however, yukatas are not worn at formal ceremonial events. Although it may be difficult to tell the difference for an outsider, wearing a thin, brightly-colored yukata to a serious occasion might come across as too casual!
(Wearing Yukata on fireworks display is a tradition in Japan)
Although you can find Kimono and Yukata have sooooo many difference and it's even difficult for human to wear them, for we cats, on the other hand, we do not have that much constrains! Our Kimono is designed for only one purpose: make my furry friend cute! It won't be difficult for cat or dog to wear it and it still looks adorable!
Thank you my friends for your visit, our new collections will arrive soon and more adorable outfits and accessaries will be available on our website as soon as we receive them! Keep an eye on our website and find out more lovely things for you and your pet! Meow~
(Gonna enjoy my tea and have a nap meow)