Styling with Kimono: A Very Introductory Experience

Back in October of 2020, I did a very "introductory" Powerpoint for one hour at a university, geared towards students who didn't know anything about Japan, kimono, or kimono fashion or even Japanese culture. 

Actually, the hour was even shorter because I needed 15mins or so of Q+A time and also a presenter for the university needed a short amount of time for... something I forget now. Perhaps something about an important program or safety or something. It really was more important than kimono at the time. 

This presentation focuses on very American ideas of kimono, particularly in films known to American audiences either through major theatre releases or movies typical in college classes on various subjects like film history, famous filmographers and leaders in the industry (especially if studying Humanities or Asian Humanities, a "core course" for a two-year degree), or some other subjects.

I didn't get to cover as much as I like, such as modern interpretations of "kimono" once brought to the States (particularly post-1910s) fast-forwarded to the modern Free People/Shein/Anthropologie type of "kimono" cardigan, a loose jacket with roughly rectangular or square sleeves, perhaps even going so far as to have some kind of crane, sushi, or other Japanese-ish symbol on it.

I did get to show what the real thing looked like and emphasize that real Japanese shops are there to buy from, want to sell to Americans, and in fact rely on export sales to survive. There are many things open to Americans which are for us to wear that are not special, religious, or ritual in nature. They are meant for export and to show how cool a culture is without us 'taking it over.'

For example:

Even if it's just to see how comfortable tabi stretch socks are on a regular basis so you don't get 'big toe rub' spots, or if you have those weird weather days like Florida does where it's too wet-cold for not having socks? but also too hot for wearing real shoes? And in a few hours, it'll be hot? Solution: cool patterned tabi with your sandals, Japanese-style, and in a few hours just take them off. Toss them in your car. Your hamper. Wash them in a regular washer. 

They're like, $10, regular Target or Old Navy price for patterned nice socks. They're not "scary" expensive just because they came from Japan? What an easy, cheap, awesome way to both benefit yourself AND to support a business in Japan who wants your business, who wants you to wear the cute socks! The socks have no special religious or particular cultural meaning, so they aren't infringing on anyone. 

That is the difference between culture *sharing* and cultural *appropriation.*

Furoshiki are another category because are also largely made for export. You can buy these too because furoshiki are just fabric wrapping 'paper' and are much more eco-friendly and versatile. They are used for wrapping gifts, lunch boxes, carrying daily stuff, and you can even just tie back your hair in the West because it's generally a square of fabric. Washable fabric. Many are cotton but there are also rayon kinds. Some people collect them and sew them together for quilting. Mottanai - waste nothing! I dislike rayon because I think they wrinkle more and stain more easily, but they have a silk look and appear more 'upscale' without being real silk, so they are affordable for nicer gifts without being super pricey. 

You have many options here if you are wanting to wear or use Japanese items, but also are worried about either cultural sharing vs. appropriation, or you are worried about spending money on pretty things you'll never end up using. I honestly worry about the second one a lot! I don't make enough and don't have the space! <3 

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Right now, there may be some postage restrictions and increased VAT or surcharges from different countries. Please check with sellers for changing details since these update frequently.

Try some of these sellers! This is a very short list. It doesn't include a lot of traditional kimono sellers and tries to include people who specifically sell to American audiences + who sell Japanese items that can be used often in different contexts, like daily wear, frequent uses, and crafting purposes.

ChirimenBunny.etsy.com (or better, ChirimenBunny.com )

Sou Japan on Ebay

Rakuten Japan (you may need a shipping service like Noppin and some basic Japanese skills to use this one.) 

3magpiesstudio.com - Kimono, tabi, other accessories

OhioKimono.com - Kimono, accessories, ask about other items. They're very helpful!

facebook.com/wisteriagardensstudio (A handmade kanzashi maker)

etsy.com/shop/KimonoPonchoCom – Tanaka-sensei is a kimono handicrafts supplies seller and a professional kimono tailour. If you are not a ‘traditional’ tiny Japanese size, contact her for a custom-made piece. She is the best and can work out with you what you’d like and where to send it once finished.