In Japan, we have a unique custom which is a seasonal change of Kimono.
It started from Heian period.
Recently, 1st July and 1st October are the days of the change.
Today I’ll show you more!
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About Awase, Hitoe, and Usumono
Kimono has two types of method of tailoring, Awase and Hitoe.
Awase has body lining which are called Doura and Uraji.
In contrast, Hitoe doesn’t have one.
It’s simply awase is winter kimono and hitoe is summer one.
Awase is the most popular and wear time is long.
Generally, hitoe is worn from June to September.
Especially hot summer, from July to August, we wear Usumono Kimono.
Seasonal Wear
Basically, we can change flexibly these types by the day’s weather or temperature.
For example, in May, it’s sometimes hot like summer.
So it’s better to wear hitoe and coordinate with materials of kimono and han eri.
If it’s below 10 degrees, thick coat will be needed on the awase kimono.
From 10 to 15 degrees, haori and michiyuki will be necessary.
From 10 to 25 degrees, we probably don’t need haori.
Over 25 degrees, it’s about time to wear hitoe!
Over 28 degrees, usumono will be perfect.
Sometimes it’s difficult to choose because it depends on where you live.
For example, awase kimono doesn’t need in Okinawa but it will be needed from September in Tohoku and Hokkaido.
Seasonal Patterns and Color
In the Kimono world, ahead of season is good custom.
It’s better to wear flower patterns before it blooms.
Plus strict rule is that realism flower pattern supposed to wear right season.
We can wear an abstract flower pattern at any time.
If it’s difficult, we can choose a special kimono which has four season’s flowers.
But color doesn’t have a rule, so let’s try a new one!
Summary
It’s fun to change seasonal kimono and accessories!
See you next time!