Guest Author - Teresa Greene

A complete, authentic Japanese Kimono costume would be comprised of the following pieces:

Socks—Japanese kimono socks are called tabi socks, or tabi boots, and are made from either cotton or stretchy fabric. These are socks that have a split in them to accommodate the big toe separately from the other toes so that Japanese sandals can be worn. Tabi boots, also called odori, have a vinyl sole so they can be worn indoors without the sandals and still protect the feet. Stretch tabi socks are made from stretchy material that is machine washable, very similar to American socks. Tabi socks or boots should be put on first, as once the full kimono is on, it is very difficult to bend in the ways necessary to put on socks.

Undergarment—The undergarment is a two piece garment consisting of a sleeveless wrapped cotton top, and a cotton skirt. This garment is called a juban and functions much like a slip. The collar should peek out all around the neck from underneath the outer kimono layers. In modern practice, many women wear only the collar potion of the garment, called an eri-sugata, to achieve the formal look without the added bulk and warmth of the full undergarment.

Kimono—The kimono robes may be as many as sixteen, all in different colors, or as few as a single robe. Each kimono is put on over the undergarments making sure the back seam is centered and straight. The robes will probably seem too long and drag on the floor, but this is normal. The length will be adjusted when the belts are tied on. The kimono should then be wrapped, with the right side next to the body, and the left side wrapped over the right side. This applies to both men and women. The kimono is now ready to be tied with a series of belts. Never wrap a kimono with the right side on top of the left side. This is reserved for dressing a corpse for burial.

Obi sash and belts—Tying the belts and obi around the kimono is a complicated process, consisting of at least four different belts layered one over the other. You may need assistance from another person to properly tie all the belts and make the kimono look the way it is supposed to.

The final component in the traditional Japanese Kimono costume is the sandals. Sandals come in two primary types: geta, and zori. Geta sandals are any sandal that has a separate heel. They can be made of vinyl or wood, and have one or two heels. Generally, they are constructed to force the wearer to lean forward when walking, and therefore they take some practice to learn to walk gracefully in. Zori sandals are any sandals that have a flat bottom and can also be made of vinyl or wood. Zori sandals that are made of straw are called tatami sandals. All sandals have a thong made of vinyl or velvet. Zori sandals are popular for every day and casual summer wear, whereas geta sandals are generally worn for formal occasions.

Several other accessories can be purchased to complement the traditional Japanese Kimono.