Himiko
New Member
Queen and High-Priestess of Yamatai
Posts: 26
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Post by Himiko on Jun 19, 2002 14:50:49 GMT -5
I think the kimono is such a forgiving and flexible garment that all body types can wear it, regardless of ethnicity. It works by folds and tucks and mainly by putting in extra stuff against the body and the garment, so if properly put on, will look good on almost anyone. The Vietnamese aodai is not so forgiving, since one has to have the slim, slender figure, and also long legs to wear those pants and the relatively narrow Asian shoulders to get into the top which will adhere to every contour you have. However the kimono is quite different as it works on the premise that the body is straight and flat. This is important when putting on the obi after the kimono and juban is in place. I have longer limbs which makes it hard for me to find kimono in an ideal length, after all, I still have to tuck it, and have extra inches for that. Sometimes, I find the sleeves too short, even though the length might be okay. Also, during kitsuke, I have to pad my waist coz the obi won't sit well since it will cave in due to the contours. After dressing up and adding bulk to areas which need it, I think I still look good in kimono, even though I don't have the Japanese figure to start with. The kimono ideally is flattering to the petite, long-torso, shorter limbed Japanese ladies.
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Post by damiri on Jul 1, 2002 15:52:24 GMT -5
Hello everyone! I am new to this forum and very happy to read about everyone's kimono wearing experiences. I have only worn them to Japanese themed live role playing games, and I display them in my home. Now before anyone thinks I am a nut, let me say that I also display European clothing in my home, Renaissance doublets and dresses that I made. Clothing is an art form and I think what makes my Kimono very special to me is that they are genuine articles made for wear by real Japanese people. I could never obtain a genuine Elizabethan surcoat, all the pieces that still exist are in museums. (And should be!) Look how long the kimono has lasted and how wonderful it is. I would love to wear it more often, and perhaps I'll get a chance if I start taking Tea Ceremony lessons here in my home town. I think it's just an appreciation of history and of art, to display kimono. I have seen Japanese people wearing European Renaissance clothing at our Renaissance Festival and they look wonderful because they have taken the time to see that all the pieces are worn properly and fit correctly. Thank you, Donna
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Post by Kiyoaki on Jul 8, 2002 14:32:11 GMT -5
Zaphod,
If you're taking up kendo, there are a few things you should know beforehand. Under all that padding, most people wear an abbreviated jacket with tapered sleeves rather than a kimono. Also the type of hakama that works best is the 'uma-nori' type with the divided pant legs. Finally, the 'men' will guard your face against all those brutal strokes.
Kiyoaki
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Himiko
New Member
Queen and High-Priestess of Yamatai
Posts: 26
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Post by Himiko on Jul 9, 2002 12:01:12 GMT -5
I don't know if this is true, real kendo practioners don't wear any underwear under the hakama, I have heard. Maybe some sort of fundoshi, loin cloth, at least?
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Post by jrockersplaytoy on Jul 20, 2002 0:18:55 GMT -5
I know this is kinda late post... but as for my opinion... it depends on your pride, and how far you want to go to look good. I've been collecting kimono and studying it for about 4 years. A friend of mine came over about a week ago and we dressed her up in kimono. Its a shinto-style shiromuku... thats why it looks so bulky. Traditionally you're not supposed to tie obi over a shiromuku or uchikake, but I have seen brides do it before so we attempted it. She came out quite lovely... and for thoase who are interested, www.moonlotus.net/kimono/kimonofun.htmltheres the result. ^_^ It doesn't matter what background you have... like a prom dress... if you take pride in what you're wearing and make an effort to look good, then you will be a princess... if not... then you're just a person in a dress. -Stephanie
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