In Kyoto, July is the month of Gion festival (祇園祭). We wear summer Kimono (着物) made of thin fabric in this season. However, many people say it's too hot and humid for wearing Kimono so that they wear only Yukata (浴衣, Japanese informal summer wear made of cotton) at best. Although Yukata represents a typical Japanese beauty, wearing Kimono in summer is regarded as more sophisticated. We YUMEYATA strongly recommend you to experience the summer Kimono fashion, and recognize its charm.
Selecting accessories is also a fun part. There are various kinds of items for summer Kimono in different materials. For example, we have Obiage (帯揚げ, sash between Obi belt and Kimono) made of Ro (絽, a type of silk gauze) or Sha (紗, other type of silk gauze) fabric, obijime (帯締め, Obi band) made of lace or plaited cord. I wear Zouri (草履, sandal) made of Panama mesh, and hold a bag made of straws. Lately, Western style bags woven with vines and many kinds of tapes has become popular to be used with Kimono.
As for Han-eri (半襟, inner collar), Ro or Sha is also cool. Plus, holding Higasa (日傘, sunshade parasol) will make you look very elegant. Let's learn how to produce comfortable summer and try advanced way of Kimono fashion!
Click here to see a Blog by a Former Maiko, "Do You Know?"
