If you’ve always pictured the Japanese lifestyle as one where women wear kimono dresses everywhere, then you may have an unrealistic picture of reality.  Contrary to many cultural clichés, the Japanese rarely wear kimono dresses in major Japanese cities.  In fact, international cities like Tokyo may have more of a Western look than many American metropolitan areas. However, this doesn’t mean kimono dresses, or yukatas, haven’t played an influential role in Japanese fashion.  Traditionally, a Kimono is more likely to be worn in a traditional tea ceremony or celebratory occasion, while kimono dresses a more commonly worn by older Japanese women.

In a recent article on Chopa.com, “How Kimono Dresses Have Influenced Western Fashion,” the colorful silk kimono can be worn as loungewear or as a robe at a resort vacation spot.  Most women, when shopping for colorful kimono dresses, find that the lighter weight yukata is a much better option.

Like many other Japanese traditions, kimonos and kimono dresses have been elevated to an art form, which has made the collection of these stylish robes a popular pastime.  Older kimono dresses are often a family heirloom in Japanese households.  But beyond their ceremonial use, kimono dresses have influenced women’s fashions around the world.  Even some of today’s top fashion designers have used the traditional T-shaped structure of the kimono as a base pattern for smock dresses or coat dresses, as well as some loose-fitting shirtdresses.  Many of these fashions fall into the haute couture category and have provided inspiration for fashion editors around the world.  Even some contemporary wedding dresses have been modeled after kimono dresses.

Where can one find a selection of kimono dresses online?

Women who want to own a piece of Japanese tradition can still find a spectacular choice of genuine kimono dresses by shopping at Chopa.com.  Buyers of these kimono dresses love the way the butterfly sleeves fall gracefully into the shape of the robe, which is 56” long.  One of the best examples of this is their Pink Cherry Blossom Kimono, made in Japan from 100% breathable cotton and printed with a beautiful cherry blossom pattern.  Switching the matching belt for a colorful obi can easily turn this feminine robe into a fashionable kimono dress.

Check out the collections of kimonos and yukatas at Chopa.com for an impressive selection of authentic Japanese kimono dresses for women.