Dressing Up for Events

Customarily, woven patterns, dyed clothing and repetitive patterns are considered informal Japanese clothing. Examples of traditional informal Japanese clothing are: cotton yukata, woven cotton haori and dyed ikat kimono. These types of Japanese clothes would be used as daily wear, for bathhouses or for informal friend and family visits. Formal Japanese clothing normally takes on either of two characteristics: very elaborate designs or simple elegant designs.

The more elegant designs, subdued colors or solid-pattern formal Japanese clothes would be worn for paying formal visits, at funerals or by married women for weddings or formal functions.

In the spring, bright colors and spring floral-patterned Japanese clothing is worn. In autumn, Japanese clothes with fall colors and fall patterns are worn. In the winter, especially near the holidays, Japanese clothing with patterns and designs such as the bamboo, pine trees or plum blossoms are worn because they signify good luck and prosperity. In the summer, cotton clothes are worn whereas in the fall and winter, heavier or lined clothing is worn.