#kimono tutorial

Just recently I got to wear an authentic yukata thanks to our landlady.  The yukata is mainly purple with pink and blue accents.  It reminds me a lot of Kaoru Kamiya's kimono in Rurouni Kenshin.

The yukata box set is composed of the following.

The Yukata (Robe)

A manual?  I'm not really sure because I can't read Japanese.  But it does show photos of how the kimono was made, the traditional way.  

Obi (Sash)

Datejime or belt (left) and Koshihimo or soft ties (right)

Draw string pouch

Before we proceed let me discuss the difference between a yukata and a kimono.  Basically a yukata is a type of kimono commonly worn during the summer.  A yukata's fabric is usually made of cotton while kimono is made of silk.

Wearing a kimono isn't an easy task.  It requires a lot of patience and attention to detail.  Sadly these qualities did not come into play because I was too impulsive and stubborn.  I threw it on without thinking and tried to figure our how it's worn by myself.   

There were items in the set that I didn't get to wear and there were some basic rules which I failed to follow.

For instance, a kimono has to fall 5 centimeters from the ground.  As a result, I didn't pull it off quite well.  

Nonetheless, it was a great experience because I got to feel like a real Japanese lady for a day.

(Photography by Jigs Ong)

I've learned my lesson so before attempting to wear a kimono I encourage everyone to watch a tutorial on how it is properly worn.  You might find the following links useful:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCZtGi21ysM