Regarding the seasonality of kimono,
it's said that May is for awase (lined kimonos) and June is for hitoe (unlined kimonos).
Awase are kimonos with a lining,
while hitoe are kimonos without a lining.
However, I personally decide what to wear based on how I feel and the temperature of the wind that day,
unless I'm wearing a kimono for traditional cultural events such as weddings, funerals, or tea ceremonies.
This is because I wear "everyday (casual) kimonos."
And even in May, on hot days, I wear "hitoe" kimonos.
Kimonos books usually state that
"hitoe are worn in June and September."
Perhaps that's why some people say,
"It's a waste to buy a kimono that can only be worn for two months out of the year, so I won't buy one."
Indeed... that would be the case.
But with all the talk of global warming,
the emergence of terms like "scorching hot days,"
and summer high temperatures breaking records these days,
can we really live comfortably like that...?
Therefore, as someone who sweats a lot,
I have almost all my kimonos, except for those made of "soft materials," tailored as hitoe and wear them year-round.
I wear what I feel is most comfortable for me.
Nobody would willingly wear something uncomfortable, whether it's Western or Japanese clothing.
Setouchi Kojima Hotel holds a "Casual Kimono Dressing Lesson with No Belongings Required" once a month.
Each month, we prepare kimonos suitable for the season (anticipating the upcoming season a little early).
Well, for this month's lesson,
I brought more hitoe kimonos than the number of participants.
When I told them, "These hitoe kimonos are actually all made of different materials,"
everyone exclaimed, "What!?" with surprised voices and curious gazes.
There really are a lot of different kinds.
This month too, to let them experience the comfortable kimonos that sway in the wind,
we prepared various materials of "hitoe."
Of course, we will bring them again next month.
Please do come and join us.
Next "Casual Kimono Dressing Lesson with No Belongings Required"
June 1st (Wednesday)
① 13:00-14:30
② 14:30-16:00
5 people per session, by reservation
For inquiries and applications, please contact
[Setouchi Kojima Hotel] 086-473-7721
(May 2016)
