https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-asians-wearing-kimono-jackets Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sat, 11 Apr 2026 15:08:13 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-asians-wearing-kimono-jackets#post-945563 Fri, 31 May 2013 05:47:43 +0000 CocoLion 945563@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What I am taking away from this conversation --</p> <p>-using a piece here or there and integrating it into your outfit in a fashion-y way: &nbsp;not insulting. &nbsp;Maybe it even shows a little admiration.</p> <p>-dressing head-to-toe in an ethnic costume: might look ridiculous. &nbsp;It reminds me of a group of German Harley bikers that come through our cafe every year. &nbsp;They have the Harley club behavior and clothing down to a T. &nbsp;When they start chatting in German, it almost seems funny. &nbsp;They are assuming a very iconic American costume. &nbsp;Another version of this is the Korean Elvis who performs in LA. &nbsp;It just looks funny. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-asians-wearing-kimono-jackets#post-945494 Fri, 31 May 2013 03:35:01 +0000 bj1111 945494@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>shevia, that was what i was trying to get at with my reply! &nbsp;of course, i forgot that we actually had a thread on first nations and cultural appropriation. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-asians-wearing-kimono-jackets#post-945362 Fri, 31 May 2013 01:58:40 +0000 Jaime 945362@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I had wondered about this and am trying to think how it compares to the reaction to Native American clothing a while ago. Trying but not succeeding as I am not quite up yet. Very interesting thread! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-asians-wearing-kimono-jackets#post-945346 Fri, 31 May 2013 01:48:18 +0000 Mochi 945346@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Long ago when I was at some local eatery in the Japanese countryside, I overheard two middle-aged guys talking as they watched the TV that was on, showing some western woman wearing a kimono. One of the guys said "gaijin" women looked terrible in kimono. Then he maybe noticed me in the background because he kind of backpedaled.&nbsp;</p> <p>My mother in law did give me a really nice summer kimono as a gift, on the other hand. In this country I&nbsp;have no idea when and where I would ever wear it, though.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-asians-wearing-kimono-jackets#post-945326 Fri, 31 May 2013 01:32:33 +0000 lyn* 945326@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I would not wear a kimono jacket around my dad (or men of his generation) because he thinks that they are disrespectful towards ancestors or some rubbish like this (because of WWII) - he says the same thing about Sailor Moon and Toshiba computers and my Honda car - I think I would wear a pretty one like the navy one Suz has, in a modern way though.</p> <p>Now, as for non-asians wearing traditional asian wear (like a full on kimono or a&nbsp;cheongsam) - I think it's hilarious. I think it looks dreadful and it is absolutely drop down on the ground hilarious. That would be like me wearing a get up from Downton Abbey. I think traditional clothes look better on their ethnicities. I probably would wear something&nbsp;cheongsam inspired ... but that's about it </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-asians-wearing-kimono-jackets#post-945298 Fri, 31 May 2013 01:13:21 +0000 Mochi 945298@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi, Peri. I read this earlier while out, but didn't have any laptop time until now. It's an interesting and legitimate concern, or maybe it's just something I personally think about. I remember being in college (in the US, as a Japanese major) and dyeing my hair black my sophomore year. I was futilely trying to look punk-y, but a fellow woman in the Asian Studies dept. gossiped about me, I heard much later--who did I think I was, trying to be Japanese? Yada yada. It's just one of these things I feel self-conscious about, a little. But much more so in Japan, where I used to live. Here, I would tone down the kimono as you're all mentioning, wear it with mostly Western elements and would not feel like I was being a caricature. These short jackets that we're calling "kimonos" aren't even kimono, to me, exactly. They are kimono-inspired garments. So I wouldn't feel like I was appropriating another culture.&nbsp;</p> <p>There was a Japanese Spring Festival in Boston last week, and there were a notable number&nbsp;of non-Asian women walking around in summer kimono and obi. They were probably involved in some sort of local cultural exchange with the Japanese women who came to study here. I guess it's all about context. Plus the scores of young people dressed up like manga characters--I think at least Japanese pop culture has such a huge influence now.&nbsp; </p> <p></p> <p>ETA: Thanks, Suz! Same for you!</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-asians-wearing-kimono-jackets#post-945226 Thu, 30 May 2013 23:57:45 +0000 Jjsloane 945226@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>So NOW I'm sensitive to it. <br />Seriously, my husband is Asian (and therefore so are&nbsp;my kids). I like fashion and look for it in all cultures, but try to&nbsp;see none - see it for it's beauty and not for its source. I agree an entire ethnically inspired ensemble is odd (not unlike head to toe vintage) but that's not my style. I wore the traditional Lao garb for my Buddhist wedding ceremony and was proud to do so. I did however insist that I have the slightest bangs (not traditional) but that's my hatred of my forehead more than trying to avoid looking like a poser. I&nbsp;been given items that are traditionally worn to my husband's ethnicity&nbsp;and am honored they would want me to wear them. These are not items that are found in current fashion though so it's a bit different.&nbsp;<br />Bottom line - I will be (and have) sporting kimono tops with no reservations.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-asians-wearing-kimono-jackets#post-945221 Thu, 30 May 2013 23:43:41 +0000 cciele 945221@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I feel the same way as many Asians here -- I feel too Asian (Chinese in my case) when I dress in traditional Asian clothes. But I do consider traditional ethnic dress to be a form of formalwear, so I will on those occasions break out the qi pao.&nbsp;</p> <p>My mother, who was born in China, had no problems wearing traditional Chinese dresses in the U.S. As a child, I remember admiring those dresses and playing dress up in them :)</p> <p>I don't mind at all Asian-influenced clothing, on myself or others of any race. Except, as others have pointed it out, when&nbsp;it veers toward costume in an inappropriate context. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-asians-wearing-kimono-jackets#post-945168 Thu, 30 May 2013 22:24:30 +0000 bj1111 945168@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>eta...that flavor would be pistachio. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-asians-wearing-kimono-jackets#post-945166 Thu, 30 May 2013 22:23:44 +0000 bj1111 945166@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>i would find a non-asian in a full&nbsp;cheongsam silly regardless.&nbsp; incorporated into an outfit say cut to the knee with jeans or a leather jacket and a neon clutch...i say rock on.</p> <p>you know this reminds me of the brouhaha over a pair of european skaters whose costumes was very last of the mohicans.&nbsp; intellectually, i know cultural appropriation applies to asian stuff as much as to muslim or first nations.&nbsp; but somehow, i feel more insulated because there isn't a history of&nbsp;persecution by the (insert cultural appropriator here) for my flavor of asian.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-asians-wearing-kimono-jackets#post-945158 Thu, 30 May 2013 22:12:27 +0000 deb 945158@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I was wondering if wearing them would be insulting. That is the reason I have not&nbsp;looked at them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-asians-wearing-kimono-jackets#post-945133 Thu, 30 May 2013 21:52:42 +0000 Diana 945133@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Denise:<br />Keeping in mind that I am not actually <i>from</i> Asia, here is what I think:<br />Non-Asian woman in cheongsam = lovely<br />Non-Asian woman in cheonsam + "Asian" makeup (i.e. eyes made up to look slanted, very pale foundation, etc) or silly accessories like a fan = horrible.&nbsp; Even putting aside issues of cultural insensitivity or racial stereotyping, this just looks plain silly and costumey.</p> <p></p> ETA:&nbsp; Would&nbsp;<i>I</i> wear a cheongsam?&nbsp; Well, I have in the past but never felt quite comfortable doing it.&nbsp; Aside from the fact that I find them extremely uncomfortable and too body-con for me, I do have a bit of that feeling "too Chinese" thing that Kelly alluded to also.&nbsp; Like her, I grew up in a really white, upper middle-class suburb so I did feel some pressure to fit in.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-asians-wearing-kimono-jackets#post-945131 Thu, 30 May 2013 21:46:30 +0000 rachylou 945131@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Far as I can tell, there's no issue with appropriating, ahem, western anything in China at least. I heard an interesting comment on the radio the other day, about mimicry being a form of mastery in Chinese culture. Whereas originality is more a sign of being a master here in the West.</p> <p>One thing I think, tho, is that "orientals" find beauty more in stillness while "occidentals" find it in motion. That does affect how things come off. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-asians-wearing-kimono-jackets#post-945129 Thu, 30 May 2013 21:33:26 +0000 CocoLion 945129@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Since they stopped wearing Mao jackets/uniforms in China (which I witnessed as I lived there in 1980), are Chinese people thinking, is it appropriate to wear Western clothing? I wonder if this thought process went through the minds of Chinese people. &nbsp;As in, either they are betraying their own culture, or would Westerners view them as wannabes for wearing Western clothing. &nbsp;I'm just turning it around to see if this happened there as China opened up.</p> <p>I'm curious what Asian people think if they see a Westerner&nbsp;in a Cheongsam or kimono jacket. &nbsp;Is it, like, a form of flattery? &nbsp;Or is it cultural appropriation, a form of being a fraud or wannabe? &nbsp;Or worst, an insult.</p> <p>In the case of kimono jackets I think they are pretty different from real kimonos. &nbsp;And a part of me, who lived in Japan for 6 years, think the Japanese would be a bit flattered for something Japanese to influence Western high fashion. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-asians-wearing-kimono-jackets#post-945125 Thu, 30 May 2013 21:26:15 +0000 DonnaF 945125@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My mom, a now 88 year old <i>nisei </i>(2nd generation so her parents were born in Japan but she was born here), favors this look, or more <i></i>a cotton <i>happi </i>coat because it has more structure and is a bit boho.&nbsp; I'll have to ask her how she feels about non-Asians/non-Japanese sporting this look as she has an opinion on EVERYTHING.&nbsp; I'm pretty sure she is okay with it as this is something that I don't recall having heard complaints about over the years.&nbsp; I don't have a problem with this style; I DO have a problem with Westerners putting on *yellow face*.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-asians-wearing-kimono-jackets#post-945084 Thu, 30 May 2013 20:45:57 +0000 kellygirl 945084@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is such an interesting question. I love the kimono jackets on other people but have a hard time picturing one on myself. Personally, I think it's because it makes me feel like I'm trying too hard to be asian. Weird, huh? My family was one of a handful on japanese americans&nbsp;in a predominantly caucasian neighborhood so I feel like I spent a good deal of my youth trying to blend in and not stand out--typical of most teens, I'm sure. All the same, I still can't seem to shake that feeling. It doesn't help that it doesn't really fit my style descriptor either.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-asians-wearing-kimono-jackets#post-945036 Thu, 30 May 2013 19:27:31 +0000 rachylou 945036@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Lol, Peri. One wonders! And I mean, *like,* I'm Chinese! Should I wear something Japanese? And how Japanese is a kimono jacket really? I'm thinking they may be as Asian as fortune cookies - not very.</p> <p>Anyways, no, am not going around in a kimono jacket, and never have. I would if I found a cheap one, because I love being trendy. However, I haven't so far because I consider them "arty eclectic" and that's not really my style. </p> <p>Oh, while I'm here, as a NoCal Bay Area native, I'd like to send out a plea to my peeps: <i>Please! Let the blonde people belly dance even if it's sad, tragic, and embarrassing!!</i> It makes them so happy, and it's not right to condemn them for that and then deport them when they can't use chopsticks. <i>So not right.</i></p> <p>p.s. What <i>do</i> you do when you grow up genetically and culturally mixed in a port city? And not culturally isolated?</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-asians-wearing-kimono-jackets#post-945014 Thu, 30 May 2013 19:01:22 +0000 Suz 945014@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Diana, thanks for weighing in here. You expressed much more articulately the idea that I was trying to get across. I'm glad you don't find it offensive. I agree with you absolutely about the entire outfit idea; then it really feels like a costume and just seems a bit odd.&nbsp;</p> <p>It's funny...my daughter (of Chinese heritage) practices tae kwon do (traditionally a Korean sport). She sometimes feels a bit the way you describe you might feel in a non-fashiony kimono: worried that people will think she's "trying" to be Korean!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-asians-wearing-kimono-jackets#post-944983 Thu, 30 May 2013 18:23:41 +0000 abc 944983@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Not a kimono but a similar thing, I have several handmade traditional Mexican shirts (like the pic I'm attaching below). &nbsp;I wear them happily. &nbsp;My&nbsp;Mexican husband doesn't feel like I am trying to BE a Mexican by wearing it, but rather I am honoring their culture.</p> <p>I don't think it reads costumey at all but maybe that is just my personal bias speaking.</p> <p>I say wear your kimono and Chinese jackets&nbsp;and be happy regardless of trend or not. &nbsp;Try not to overthink it. &nbsp;If you enjoy the pieces, wear them with pride.</p> <p>ETA forgot to attach pic, d'oh</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-asians-wearing-kimono-jackets#post-944981 Thu, 30 May 2013 18:23:00 +0000 Diana 944981@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is an interesting question, Peri, and something I think about a lot.</p> <p>No, I do not feel offended if I see someone else (Asian or otherwise) wearing Asian-<i></i>inspired clothing (so long as it does not promote racial stereotypes of course).&nbsp; It's obvious to me that the designs, styles, and patterns are being used as fashion.&nbsp; </p> <p>What <i>does</i> seem a bit costumey and maybe sometimes suspect to me is if someone is wearing <i>an entire ensemble</i> of traditional ethnic clothing.&nbsp; Such outfits generally denote membership in a particular group, whether it be cultural, religious, or otherwise, and seeing someone who is obviously not a member of that group wearing them is a bit odd.&nbsp; It's particular strange when it's something like a full ceremonial kimono (with the obi belt and sandals etc) because this is not something that regular Japanese people wear on a daily basis anyway.&nbsp; It is ceremonial and special and worn only for special occasions with specific cultural signifiers, so it might even be considered offensive to wear something like that without understanding the cultural implications.&nbsp; </p> <p>Of course environmental norms play a part here too. I remember a (American, Caucasian) friend who had spent time in India telling me that she now (in the US) only wears her salwar kameezes at home because she feels uncomfortable, as a white woman, wearing them out of the house in the US.&nbsp; However, she said that in India, everyone, Indian and foreign, wore them out and about so it was perfectly normal there and did not have the cultural signifiers that it has here.&nbsp; </p> <p>Would I personally wear a kimono jacket?&nbsp; Probably yes, if I found one I liked.&nbsp; But I would actually prefer to wear one that is fashion-y rather than super traditionally styled (for example, with trendy elements like a high-low hem or something) because I don't want to look like I either <i>am </i>or are <i>pretending to be</i> part of a particular cultural group (Japanese) to which I do not belong but to which <i>I could conceivably belong</i> based on my looks (I am actually Chinese).&nbsp;ETA: I would not wear it with any other Asian-inspired items.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-asians-wearing-kimono-jackets#post-944976 Thu, 30 May 2013 18:16:30 +0000 Anonymous 944976@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, I think the trend is any sort of "ethnic" clothing -- kimonos are in the forefront but all the ikat patterning, Indian mirror beaded/hill tribe stuff etc. are all just as popular!</p> <p>I say wear them!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-asians-wearing-kimono-jackets#post-944973 Thu, 30 May 2013 18:13:46 +0000 Peri 944973@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh...I didn't mean anything like someone would take offense at the style! I think they are beautiful, and on a non Asian they look completely like beautiful fashion! </p> <p>And on an Asian they would look like beautiful fashion blended with culture.</p> <p>I was just worried on me it might be seen as not quite fashion and not quite culture! A stuck in between type thing that would look costumey. A sort of wannabe kind of thing! Maybe not though...I'll see what people think.</p> <p>I do have several pretty Chinese jackets that my MIL has given me. I don't wear them very much because every time I try I have those thoughts. But Ceit may be right on target. But...the trend is kimonos, not Chinese jackets. Very different. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-asians-wearing-kimono-jackets#post-944969 Thu, 30 May 2013 18:04:06 +0000 Anonymous 944969@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I hope it is ok too!</p> <p>I can't imagine Peri that someone would take you as a wannabe...I think if I met you and your husband and you were wearing something that looked 'ethnic' I would assume either it was a gift from him or his family, or something you chose to honour some aspect of his culture, or you just liked it!</p> <p>This is apropos of nothing but I found it amusing:<br /> <a href="http://www.upworthy.com/a-perfect-answer-to-a-super-duper-annoying-question-2?c=ufb1" rel="nofollow">http://www.upworthy.com/a-perf.....n-2?c=ufb1</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-asians-wearing-kimono-jackets#post-944959 Thu, 30 May 2013 17:52:27 +0000 Suz 944959@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What a great question, Peri!&nbsp;</p> <p>As in fashion appropriation?&nbsp;</p> <p>I would love to hear from our Asian members how they feel about this. &nbsp;I would hate to think I might be upsetting someone.&nbsp;</p> <p>This is very possibly white privilege talking, but it seems to me that fashion is so fluid and so ... I don't know....so protean...it's all about collecting influences from everywhere. And so it should be okay for any of us to try a trend, as long as it doesn't offend someone's deeply held religious convictions or something of that sort, I suppose. Just sort of thinking on the page here.&nbsp;</p> <p>My daughter is Asian (born in China) and my best friend is Chinese-Canadian (but born in Scotland). I used to own a traditional Chinese jacket; neither of them ever thought it strange when I would wear it. (I've since passed it along to my daughter due to fit issues).&nbsp;</p> <p>So I hope it's okay to wear fake Chinoiserie and other Asian-inspired pieces.</p> <p>ETA: Mochi's husband is also Japanese and she is wearing her happi (I hope, since it looks great on her!)&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/any-asians-wearing-kimono-jackets#post-944954 Thu, 30 May 2013 17:43:59 +0000 Peri 944954@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Curious because my husband is Asian and as pretty as I think they are, I would feel like a fraud. Like I'm close, but not there or something! </p> <p>I would worry that instead of fashion, it would be interpreted as "Oh you think you are Asian because your husband is and your name is, but lady, you really aren't, did you know that?" Like it would read as a costume instead fashion.</p> <p>So I was wondering what any Asian ladies think about this trend. Would you feel like its a costume, or a fashion that you truly own? </p>