Kimono is known as the national dress of Japan. In Japan, where the differences between spring, summer, autumn, and winter are quite marked, it is customary to change kimono according to the season. Here we look at the the special features of kimono that you wear in summer, as well as the photo shooting backgrounds unique to this time of year where your kimono will look most beautiful.
What is Summer Kimono?
Summertime in Japan runs from June to the end of August, the hottest and most humid time of the year. So summer kimono are made from materials that make the wearer feel cool. The fabrics for kimono worn at formal events such as weddings are Ro (絽 partly gauzy fabric) and Sha (紗 finely gauzy fabric). Kimono worn for casual situations such as walking around town or shopping are usually made of linen or cotton. The most casual type of summer kimono is the yukata. In the case of a yukata, you can wear it directly over the bare skin and put wear geta with bare feet.
Summer Kimono Differ Depending the Month
Throughout the summer, you can change your kimono depending on the month when you wear it. The kimono for June is called "Hitoe" (単衣), and the outer cloth is exactly the same as for kimono worn in the other seasons. The only difference is that it has no lining. Kimono used from July to August are called "Usumono" (薄物 literally thin thing) and are made of fabric with coarse thread density and good ventilation. The Nagajuban (長襦袢 long undergarment) is worn as underwear with the kimono. Tabi (split-toe socks) and zori (thonged sandals) are worn on the feet.
Summer Kimono Pattern and Colors
The classic motifs and colors are of summer plants that traditionally express the feeling of the season such as hydrangea, morning glory, bamboo, among others, and patterns with flowing water evoking coolness, and the colors associated with them.
The motifs are hydrangea, morning glory, flowing water, fireworks, etc. Also, the color is cool and dignified: a very pale color is traditional and classic.
(Below): A woman wearing a yukata.
Similarly, the matching obi sash also expresses the summer tradition. Since summer is particularly hot in Japan, accessories such as Uchiwa (うちわ a long-handled fan), Sensu (扇子 a folding fan), and a towel or handkerchief to wipe perspiration are essential.
How to Wear Summer Kimono
The most casual type of summer kimono, the yukata, is usually worn directly over bare skin, held in place by a single obi without any accessories such as Obiage (帯揚げ upper sash) and Obishime (帯締め tightening sash). In addition, a new trend is garments called “separate yukata” and “one-touch yukata” that can be easily worn because the top and bottom are separate like a blouse and a skirt. For these kimono, the obi is a belt-shaped one that is simply fastened with velcro tied with laces, so you can wear the kimono easily.
3 Recommended Photo Shooting Backgrounds for Summer Kimono
Here are a few photo shooting backgrounds unique to this season, where the yukata can be photographed beautifully.
With Morning Glory or Wind Chimes
Morning glory flowers come into full bloom around July. The flowers come in blue, purple, red, white and pink. Morning glory markets and morning glory festivals are held all over Japan. The plant is also used as a green curtain to shade a window from strong direct sunlight. Wearing a kimono with a morning glory motif against this bright green background and holding a wind chime that makes one of the quintessential sounds of the Japanese summer, will certainly make a beautiful picture.
Going Out to a Fireworks Display
Summer is the time for fireworks festivals in Japan. The fireworks that light up the night sky are colorful and beautiful. It would be a lovely souvenir photo if you wear a yukata and shoot.
Deep in the Heart of a Bamboo Grove
Summer is when the green of the bamboo looks its most beautiful. On a clear day, the bright sunlight dappled by the bamboos creates a refreshing atmosphere. When shooting in bright sunlight, you can clearly see the patterns and colors of the obi, so a Japanese umbrella makes a nice color accent for your yukata and accessories. Shoot from different angles and find your favorite one.
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