Everything Wafuku!

[kazuchiyo]

So, as a long time afficionado of Japanese clothing (wafuku), I thought I'd start a thread about it. Particularly since I know there are a lot of anime/manga fans or even just young people who would like to know more about wafuku, like where to buy, what to be careful for, how/when to wear and the like!

This thread will always be evolving but I thought I'd start by posting a few links.

Where to Buy:
Ichiroya (http://www.ichiroya.com/)
Yamatoku (http://www.yamatoku.jp/classic/)
Moto-ya (http://www.moto-ya.com/catalog/categories/19-2.html)
eBay (http://www.ebay.com) (note: need to be more careful here.)
Yahoo! Auctions Japan (http://auctions.yahoo.co.jp) (this is a tricky one. You'll need a proxy like Rinkya (http://www.rinkya.com/faq_url.php) to do the bidding and shipping for you.
Hirai-ya (http://www.getaya-net.com/) (only sells to Japan, but they make custom sizes, so no matter the size of your feet, you can buy here! Also just a good reference.)

How to Wear:
kimono.fraise.net (http://kimono.fraise.net/) (English-language Kimono information blog.)

Reference:
Maruya (http://www.kimono-shop.co.jp/) (lots of pretty pictures that you can look at to get an idea of what you want.)
Marubeni (http://www.kyobeni.co.jp/consumer/furisode_index.html) (Same, but primarily furisode/haregi.)
Suzunoki (http://www.suzunoki.co.jp/furisode_c/furisode/index.cgi)
(see above.)
Kimono de Ginza (http://www.kimono-office.com/ginza/ginza_set.html) (this is a group of people who meet once a month or so in the Ginza, Tokyo, to walk around dressed in Kimono. Seems like a fun event!)

Assorted:
Puchi-Maiko (http://www.puchimaiko.com/catalog/index.php) (cute Japanese-styled accessories for everyday use.)

[kazuchiyo]

Kimono Reference: types of Kimono
Women's Garments:
kimono: Meaning *something you wear*, this is a general term for Japanese clothing, especially that which wraps in a robe-like manner.
juban: basically, kimono underwear. It is a thin kimono made to be worn under a kimono. Formerly they were often silk, but now the best are often polyester.
fudan-gi/komon: *daily wear* kimono. These can be made from a thick cotton, and nowadays, washable polyester. Rarely, they will be made of silk or a crepe, though for practical reasons, this is going out of style. Usually comes in more subdued, darker colors, with allover patterns such as design prints or checks.
yukata: Summer kimono, made of breathable dyed cotton. These are less formal than fudangi and often juban isn't worn underneath. They are usually noticeable for their bright colored patterns, often with indigo and white forming the intrinsic part of the design.
houmon-gi: *visiting wear,* more formal than komon, and usually made of silk. Often in subdued, lighter colors, like pinks and blues, with nature-based designs around the bottom and sleeves of the outfit. Often worn to formal parties by both married and unmarried women.
furisode/haregi: furisode are silk kimono characterized by their bright colors and intricate patterns, and long, flowing sleeves. These are the most formal of the kimono worn by unmarried women, and is not supposed to be worn by married women.
tomesode (iro-/kuro-): Kuro- and Iro-tomesode are formal kimono worn by married women. Kuro- (black) is the most formal, and Iro- (colored) second. These silk kimono have designs only below the waist, and have kamon (family crests) located around the back and shoulders.
hakama: Hakama are a skirt-like wrap-around garment worn by both sexes, though men's hakama are divided like pants. They are usually made of silk, and are worn over a full length kimono. In the case of women's hakama, they are worn over ko-burisode, or furisode with shorter sleeves.
uchikake: *wedding kimono* the white or brightly colored (usually red) longer robe worn during a traditional Japanese wedding ceremony. These are categorized by their highly-patterned, embroidered or woven designs, often featuring cranes and other auspicious symbols.

(MORE TO COME!)

[xdeathberry]

Whoa.. awesome :D
I actually never knew how many different kinds of kimono there were.
^___^
Aren't the silk ones way expensive though?

[Miako]

Awesome thread, Linlinchan! I can't wait to see more, definitely informative.

[Kyaa the Catlord]

I have a question: Is there a particular name for the top worn by shrine maidens above their hakama? I've never found a good answer for that. :(

[kazuchiyo]

I have a question: Is there a particular name for the top worn by shrine maidens above their hakama? I've never found a good answer for that. :(

Yes, there IS! I'm glad you asked.
Miko Clothing! (http://www.yusoku.com/miko.html): it's called a chihaya!

[kazuchiyo]

Whoa.. awesome :D
I actually never knew how many different kinds of kimono there were.
^___^
Aren't the silk ones way expensive though?

They can start at around $2,000 and can get up to prices indefinately higher, yes.

Awesome thread, Linlinchan! I can't wait to see more, definitely informative.

Thanks! I'll write some on men's clothes and shoes when I get a chance!

[Iblis]

How about a thread on 和風ハンバーグ after that one? They have always mystified me.

[kazuchiyo]

How about a thread on 和風ハンバーグ after that one? They have always mystified me.

Really off-topic. Please don't.