foreigners (non-japanese) in kimonos

[akihito89]

I don't think foreigners look bad in kimonos.  I dressed up an Irish girl in a blue houmongi and she didn't look bad at all.  The only problem is there weren't accessories and for a background, I had a van.

Mor on the subject, I'm American (and proud of it) but if I had my way, I'd wear kimonos as much as anything else.  I've seen myself in a kimono.  If you wear it right, wear a color and design that's appropriate, and don't mix stuff like baskett ball shoes with a yukata, you'll be fine.

[chiiyo]

I'm not sure, but I think it really depends. I've seen a chinese woman on a kimono book looking very strange, even though she had that "tanned look". I've even seen japanese women look very strange in kimono, not just the ones who put on makeup and stuff, but normal japanese women looking strangely out of place.

But on the other hand, there's this thing about honey blond hair put up that makes it look really weird with kimono. And brunette bearded man in kimono also looks slightly out of place, which is why when I watch english shows with karate in it I kind of cringe...

[[e-mail]]

I think that both japanese and non-japanese people are capable of wearing and looking wonderful in them. It depends on the person. Kimono tend to emphasize the inner nature of the person. If they are a reserved, gentle person, the kimono will look fabulous. Likewise if they are a flamboyant and unreserved, the kimono will look bad.
Skin and hair color dont affect how a kimono looks on a person any more than it affects how western clothing looks on that person.

[Kiyoaki]

Rachel,

Thank you for your comment. I had not thought of it that way. but your observation seems to have hit the mark.  Being both dignified and graceful in bearing (I blush at my own self-praise, but it's true) and never having seen the other kind (except for Japanese movies), it didn't occur to me that attitude made the difference.

Kiyoaki

[MarieNY]

Wearing kimono well probably has as much to do with the beholder as it does with the wearer.

As a Caucasian woman I have been complemented when wearing kimono, but those complements came from other Americans. On the other hand the same presentation may look odd to Japanese. We in the States are just not attuned the social nuances implied by the wearing of different types of kimono.

[Franck]

Hi !
I'm French and i use to give Cha No Yu ceremonies in my town, for me and my guests ( usually friends, allmost girls ) it is a pleasure to show french people japanese traditionnal culture and we do like put a kimono on
I made a very good friend out of this, she's from LAOS and when she's wearing tomesode she really looks natural and so is a french girl of mine, more than a japanese girl who i know so it's just a question of natural way to put clothes, some can put whatever they want and look gorgeous and other may look strange but it doesn't matter, the important thing is to get a good time and to enjoy new opportunities in life

[Meiji]

[e-mail] said:

I think that both japanese and non-japanese people are capable of wearing and looking wonderful in them. It depends on the person. Kimono tend to emphasize the inner nature of the person. If they are a reserved, gentle person, the kimono will look fabulous. Likewise if they are a flamboyant and unreserved, the kimono will look bad.
Skin and hair color dont affect how a kimono looks on a person any more than it affects how western clothing looks on that person.

That pretty much sums up what I was going to say.


Varies from person to person and after all, kimono is an expression of one's inner self, it's not just a robe or garment to wear now, is it?


I know that some foreigners look odd wearing a kimono but some Japanese people may look out of place either. Race, skin colour and height and stature don't really play a big role in determining whether or not one looks right wearing a kimono or such.

[alien333sbcglobalnet]

HI: Im new here... But I love this kimono stuff!
I was recently on ebay where i bought from our WONDERFUL hosts.
I Love this juban.. (im male and american) Its a olive green with birds on the back with a grey ground-mountain scene. I think I look wonderful.. but I agree that its all attitude when wearing one...
Now the next thing is that i would love a kimono in some of the colors the women have.... I have a tomesode with a beautiful castle scene with gold leaf and embroidery...(also purchased here) (I wish i could wear it.. but it hangs on the wall now).
So i guess im stuck with the brown,grey,green and black
for haori (also on the way).

I dont think i could go out to eat in a complete outfit, then i would feel out of place, but for at home and for some of the social scenes, I would be right at home.

I was in japan for about 3 months back in 84, so ive seen some beautiful places and things, wearing kimono just reminds me of them.

Thanks for reading my pratteling!

;D

[sg715]

This is really interesting because it has been a topic of debate between myself (Hungarian) and a friend (half-Japanese). Recently I gave her a furisode (she is the appropriate age and single) to wear since she is planning to visit family in Japan soon. She told me that she was ashamed to wear it since she's "not Japanese."

I, on, the other hand, think it's quite fine, and that the kimono reflect the inner qualities of the wearer. I have no shame in wearing kimono anywhere, and I plan to get married in traditional Japanese attire. And I won't be ashamed. ;D

[Kiyoaki]

Alien333

For guys, the limited color range need not stop us completely. One option is to wear colorful hakama with a sober kimono. I've several that are brightly colored, with gold and/or silver thread in the designs. One of those would brighten up a traditional look.

Another choice is to wear a decorated 'juban' (under kimono with no lapels) as an outer layer. You still need to wear a full kimono under it though. The lapels of the juban will cross at your waist, so the full kimono keeps your front from being exposed. Probably white would be suitable.

Both styles are unconventional, so be prepared for questions and unwelcome attention.

Kiyoaki

[Reiko]

I think if you wear the kimono properly along with the accessories, it will not matter if you are japanese or not. If it looks good and neat, there should not be a problem. I'm not Japanese or part-Japanese, but I still love kimono and I won't stop loving it, no matter what others my think.

[babymookie]

I agree that kimono brings out the inner self. My husband and I were dressed in kimono for our wedding, myself in a furisode and him in the traditional kimono, haori and striped hakama. Everyone said we looked beautiful, and the people who helped aquire our goods (who are Japanese) said that we looked right at home. I loved wearing it, and plan on wearing my new kurotomesode for formal occasions. If you want to look at the pictures the link is brycevickmark.com/wedding/katealex
It does take a bit of clicking to get to them, but it's worth it!!

[CAcationu2]

ah kate you looked so beautiful! I loved the obi and how it was tied an you're right; you two looked right at home and comfortable in them. You looked happy and comfortable and beautiful - you and your husband. very nice! and congratz on the wedding!

[Flock]

Defentetely, Kate looks great, I'd be so proud to look as good for my wedding day! I like the hairstyle too, it fits in with the look.

[Kate425]

Thanks so much- we had such a good time, and got so many compliments. I can't wait until I have the opportunity to wear kimono again!
kate aka babymookie