/cgl/ - Cosplay & EGL

I get the impression that when people think of westerners and non-Japanese wearing kimono they think of horrific Halloween costumes, when in fact a lot of kimono enthusiasts have absolute respect for kimono conventions, traditions and the artistry involved in their making.

I was given a kimono in Japan many years ago by a complete stranger and wore it for the New Year celebrations, I've been pretty much hooked ever since. I wore kimono in Kyoto last year on holiday (pic related), I found people were very enthusiastic about it and I didn't get any sense of animosity at all. At one point a group of young Japanese women also dressed in kimono came up to me and we all started talking about our love of kimono and took pictures of each other - it was awesome!

Kimono might also be one of the few types of clothing where my body shape doesn't feel like the worst possible and finally my broad shoulders, short torso and really narrow hips don't seem so bad - hell, I don't even have to use padding, score!