The Traditional Trend

The clothing of the Edo Period (1601-1867 A.D.) is what the modern person would think of when asked about traditional Japanese clothing. Consisting of basic pieces such as the Kimono, Obi, and Hakama, Japanese clothing is as remarkably simple as it is complex and elegant.

The building block for all traditional Japanese clothing, regardless of class, begins with the Kimono. By the Edo Period, this had become an outer garment and was made from all types of fabric; from plain, solid cotton to heavily embroidered silk. Prior to and during the Edo Period, fabric use was very class orientated. Silk was, by law, reserved for the upper classes (Samurai) while hemp, ramie and other plant-derived fibers were used by the common person.

During the 18th century, cotton cultivation became widespread, making this a choice fabric as well. Weaving fabric from these textiles was a craft passed down from mother to daughter. It wasn’t uncommon for every house to have at least one weaving loom.