Traditional Dress of Japan For Men & Women (With Photos)

Every country has a certain religion for which it is known, culture, tradition, and multiple other resounding things. And one of them is their traditional dresses. And there are several countries that are popular for their enigmatic dressing sense and its components. Japan is one of those countries where traditional dresses are abundantly available and they are loved and fancied by foreigners. So, if you are going to Japan any time soon, and wish to wear some of their popular dresses then we have a list already ready for you.

We have clubbed a few amazing dresses that you can try while visiting Japan and even buy a few of them if that is alright. So, take a glance at the names and what they are to get a better understanding that will help you in deciding things better.

8 Japanese Attire that can be a part of your wardrobe in 2023

* The prices that we have mentioned above are an estimation of the best quality of the respective products.

1. Kimono

• If you go for the literal translation of kimono, it means “something to wear.” This is one of the most popular, beautiful, and elegant dresses of all time.
• This has been there in Japan right from the very beginning. And today kimono is worn by a lot of people in a lot of different events.
• Once it was casual wear and now it is a traditional dress that is carried to date from the past of Japan.

• From special events to a tea parties; weddings to even funerals- you will see some or the other person wearing a Kimono in every event.
• There are multiple components that are worn by people with a Kimono and it is a unisex attire. Both men and women have their own Kimono prints.
• The attire was traditionally created out of hemp, linin, and silk. But nowadays, you will get it in cotton, polyester, and rayon.
• In the past, Kimonos were worn in 1 to 20 layers and the warmth of the attire depends on the occasion.

2. Yukata

• Yukata is just like the brother or sister of Kimono and they are very identical.
• Both men and women can wear Yukata on multiple occasions.
• But unlike kimono, this attire is formal wear and not a regular one and it is worn mostly in the summer festivals or ryokan.
• Yukata was traditionally created by cotton but nowadays, just to bring in some diversity, people have started making it from polyester too.
• Another thing that the Japanese make sure of this attire is that it is worn without undergarments.
• Kimonos have always been a dress of the elite people and it has always been expensive. So, Yukata is a cheaper version of this attire.

3. Haori & Hakama

• These are two different things, like a t-shirt or a shirt and pants or jeans. Haori & Hakama complete the outfit of a man.
• Traditionally, this dress was worn by men at their wedding or you can say the grooms. But now that the time has changed, people wear it on many special occasions.
• Now coming on to the dresses, Haori is like an overcoat that is worn on a Kimono.
• You will be stirred to know that haori was also worn by men in the battles. This wasn’t a shield but it was worn to protect them from the cold.
• On the other hand, a Hakama is a pants that looks like a shirt and is worn with Kimono mostly.
• In the beginning, these comfortable and beautiful pants were worn by people who participated in Shinto rituals or were samurai.

4. Samue and Jinbei

• This one is a very interesting and beautiful dress that is popular amongst the Japanese. This is a comfortable dress that is worn by everyone right from children to old people.
• This is comfortable nightwear that also looks elegant like any other attire.
• If you look at the original or traditional Samue and Jinbei, you will see that it was made from hemp and cotton and was dyed mostly with solid colours like blue, indigo and green. But now there are multiple colours, prints, and styles.
• Whenever you go out shopping, they will be sold together in a matching set.
• Although there is no significant difference between these two, the only thing that separates them is that you will get ankle length trousers or pants with Samue and shorts with Jinbei.

5. Jika-tabi

• This is a footwear that you might have also seen in Japanese movies and mostly they are worn by the fighters and samurais.
• To distinguish this footwear from the others, you will have to notice the toe where you will see a slit in the middle section.
• This was initially created for better movement, balance, and support for the warriors.
• This shoe is also made of a rougher and heavier material to offer long-lasting soles and shoes.
• Nowadays, these are used by construction workers, farmers, labourers, and even rickshaw pullers.
• If you want a bit of diversity in your wardrobe, this can be the right choice, don’t you think?

6. Tenugui

• Okay, then Tenugui is not a perfect match for this category but we still include it because it works like a handkerchief.
• It is a hand wipe that people use very often instead of the normal hankies.
• Typically, you will see a Tenugui’s size between 35 to 90 cm, plain woven, and dyed in pattern.
• They are so beautiful in nature that a lot of people frame it on their walls as well.

7. Hanten

• Hanten is another impressive and popular attire that is being worn in Japan.
• Although it is no restrictions on who can wear it and who cannot; usually women love pairing it with their other clothes to complete their look.
• Also, Hanten is one of the attire that is worn usually during winter. It is a coat jacket that is very well-engineered to keep the wearer cozy, stunning, and up-to-the-mark.
• Usually, this is one of those Japanese traditional clothes that you will see women of today’s time wearing and enjoying.
• There are multiple designs and color schemes that you will see of this padded attire. This is a seamless piece of attire that will keep you warm and ahead of fashion- always.

8. Kimono Robes

• You might have seen or at least heard about Yukata; right? The Kimono Robes is a counterpart of this attire.
• They both look very similar to each other and finding any dissimilarities is difficult.
• Actually, these robes are more relaxed and homeware clothes. Women and men both can enjoy the comfort of this attire.
• There are a lot of people who say that the Kimono Robes were introduced and popularized in Japan after when the bathing culture took a lot of traction.
• And apart from that, when Ryokans were at full force, then also these robes took a lot of traction.

Conclusion

So these were a few popular Japanese traditional dresses that you can also add to your wardrobe. But don’t be in a misconception that only these are the traditional attire of Japan. There are many other dresses that you will get. But rest assured, by the time you try these, we will have new ones in this list for you.