Kimono Costumes – An Elegant Costume From Japan For Men And Women

Kimono costumes are quite easy to make. Just buy a kimono. You would be surprised how easy it is to find a kimono these days. Just go to your nearest mall and ask where you could get a kimono and you’ll probably be pointed in the right direction. Many upmarket department stores will stock kimonos or even women’s fashion stores. Probably near the toiletries or bath wear sections.

In fact many people now use kimonos as a dressing gown or bath robe everyday. They like the silken feel that the robe gives to the body and it is loose and comfortable  to wear on these occasions. These type of kimonos are probably not traditionally Japanese. They probably have a dressing gown design using silk or some other oriental fabric and have a Japanese pattern.

If you really want a Japanese kimono costume then you probably want to dress as a Geisha or even a samurai or ninja if you are male.

Geisha are female entertainers. They would entertain people by playing Japanese music or reciting poems. They would also act a hosts at formal occasions and ceremonies. The would enact the ceremony and follow elaborate protocol which venerated many Japanese ideals and aspirations.

Geishas go through an extensive apprenticeship period where they learn many artistic and protocol skills. They also learn how to dress as a traditional Geisha. There costume and make up change during the apprenticeship period. At the beginning they are known as Maiko and their costume and make up are considerably more bold than older Geisha. For instance, the face will be completely covered in white make up. This is the most striking look that we have of a Geisha, and of course, is an iconic image that many people associate with Japan and Japanese culture.

Geisha numbers have been waning for many years now. Some estimates suggest that there are only  a few thousand practicing Geisha in Japan now. I’m sure the practice will always be kept alive as it is an important cultural identity for many Japanese people however it is hard for the women and girls that take up this occupation. The skills they learn are not really in step with a modern world. Pay or compensation for there work is also poor.

With this said, their costumes are truly beautiful and can make a great outfit for fancy dress parties and other events such as Halloween.

Some men in Japan also wear kimonos. Again, they are worn at home as they are comfortable and loose. Alternatively, they may be worn in a formal capacity at official ceremonies. Sumo wrestlers will also wear a kimono before a fight.

In terms of a fancy dress costume, a kimono can be worn as part of a samurai or ninja outfit. Samurai were Japanese knights. They would often wear kimonos under their armor or when not in battle. Ninjas probably didn’t wear a kimono but it is often used in fancy dress occasions because it looks oriental.

Check out the full range of Kimono costume here