A study on the evolution of Japanese fashion 6

Zori

'Zori' is a pair of open, slip-on sandals, traditionally worn by the Japanese. They are typically worn with the kimono.

Geta

'Geta' refers to a pair of flip-flops, which have traditionally been worn in Japan. They have a high, wooden base, about 5 cm. in height. The Japanese usually wear geta with yukata and with kimono. Geta is worn on highly formal occasions only.

There is another form of the geta, which has a base that is about 7-10 cm. high. This type of geta is called 'Amageta-geta' and is worn during the monsoons.

Geta are very much similar to the thongs, which are popular in the West. Usually, men's geta have plain wood and simple, black-coloured straps, while in case of women's geta, the wood used is lacquered and the straps are made of brightly coloured velvet or silk.

Waragi

'Waragi' is a kind of traditional Japanese footwear. The most interesting part of this footwear is that it is worn in different ways by different people. Typically, when the waragi is worn, the tops of the toes would extend over the base of the sandal.

Chopsticks

Japanese women often wear chopsticks in their hair. Usually, when a kimono is worn, chopsticks are preferred to be an ideal hair accessory.

Fan

A fan is considered to be a very important accessory by Japanese women. Fans, held together with a rope when closed, are used by Japanese women with traditional dresses such as the kimono and the jūnihitoe. These fans were not only used by the ladies to keep themselves cool, but also served another purpose. In the rather conservative society in Japan of long ago, it was considered inappropriate for ladies to talk to men. Hence, women used to shield themselves with open fans held up against their faces while talking to an outsider. Even today, some Japanese women carry fans with them sometimes, but it is more of a fancy accessory now.

Section 4 - Evolution over the years

Traditional Japanese clothing has evolved over the years. Some of the significant changes that have taken place have been outlined in this section.

Talking about kimonos, the national garment of Japan, the styles, patterns, fabrics, etc. have evolved over time. The kimono has evolved over time. The origin of the kimono dates as far back as the 7^th century. However, it was used only as an undergarment at that time. The kimono as we know it today originated in the Heian period i.e. in 1000 AD. During this period, kimonos were long, loose and layered. In the Edo period, i.e. in the 17^th century, kimonos were still very much similar in style to those in the Heian period. In the 18^th century, the kimonos became more form-fitting; however, they continued to be long and flowing, with long, flowing sleeves. Trains were also in vogue during this period of time. In the 19^th century, clothing became even more fitting, lengths were reduced, and the sleeves also became shorter. Trains were no longer in use during this period. In today's times, kimonos have been even more stylish, though the traditional elements have, more or less, been retained.