Vintage Underkimono: The Joy of Juban
Amid the current controversy of “cultural misappropriation”, it may be risky to suggest that non-Japanese people wear a vintage kimono for a use other than its original purpose, but here goes: Underkimono make great bathrobes.
Traditional kimono-wearing usually includes several under layers, and the layer worn just below the top layer we call an underkimono, or juban in Japanese. Juban are usually lightweight kimono that are wrapped like the top layer kimono and are belted with simple ties. (For a detailed look at all of the underlayers one would wear beneath a formal kimono, see this fantastic post by Melissa’s “Ready Set, Kimono!” blog - that’s where we got permission to use the photo on the right below.)
Juban are shorter than overkimono so there’s no extra fabric to take up with an ohashori fold at the waist.
Juban often have a very simple collar that is to be covered with another collar layer, called an eri. The eri might be just a simple white silk, or it could be quite elaborately embroidered - whatever would compliment the kimono. When worn traditionally, only a few inches of this juban collar and a glimpse of the fabric at the sleeve openings would be visible to the public. ( Photo by Justin Lim on Unsplash )
At Kyoto Kimono, we promote wearing juban at home for lounging or as a bathrobe. The fabric is usually silk or a silky synthetic, and the feel of it next to the skin is soothing and luxurious.
While we are so happy when our juban are sold to women who wear them in the traditional way, that number is quite small. So we are doubly happy when our customers purchase them as loungewear because it keeps the juban in use and appreciated.
So if you’re looking for a comfy gift for a sick friend, a keepsake for a new bride, or just something to make someone feel special at home, a vintage Japanese underkimono can be just the thing.
Our Japanique Robes are just shortened versions of regular vintage kimono, and these also make great cover ups or accent tunics over jeans.
If you’d like to see the juban we have in stock at the moment, CLICK HERE.
If you’d like to browse our Japanique Robes, CLICK HERE.