Different countries have different fashion trends. Some fashions are colorful, rooted in history, and unique to the country’s culture, and some are owing to situation or status. Let’s explore and learn the fashion trends of these countries.
Japan
Kimono is traditional Japanese clothing, usually worn with a sash called obi and sandals. The kimono is a free-flowing robe that resembles a full-length jacket worn by both males and females. It is commonly worn for formal occasions in Japan. It is still popular among Japanese grooms. Although it has been overshadowed by a western-style suit for other formal events, the kimono is still worn by women for formal occasions. It’s no surprise that the kimono has endured for centuries, given its grace and versatility. They may include symbolism indicating social class, legacy, or history.
Africa
The dashiki is a traditional African dress. In East Africa, it’s known as Kitenge, while in Indonesia, it’s known as Java. The casual version is a loose-fitting garment with an elaborate v-neck that Africans and people of African descent wear worldwide. The standard version has the same silhouette as the informal version, but the top is open and worn as a mid-length jacket. It’s paired with fitted pants. It is frequently worn with a Kufi cap in Islamic communities. Gray dashikis are traditionally worn at weddings, whereas black and crimson dashikis are worn at funerals.
Indonesia
The Kebaya is Indonesia’s national costume, although it is also worn by women in Malaysia, Brunei, Singapore, Cambodia, southern Thailand, and the Philippines’ southern region. It is a traditional combo of blouse-dress that dates back to the Javanese Majapahit Kingdom.
Before 1600, a kebaya was solely worn by the royal family, aristocracy, and minor nobles, but everyone soon adopted it, not just the wealthy. The semi-transparent blouse-like garment is made of cotton, silk, velvet, brocade, or lace.
Korea
The traditional Korean attire is the Hanbok in South Korea. In North Korea, the Hanbok is called Joseon-oth. Its bright colors and simple lines distinguish it. This particular clothing is devoid of pockets. Although the phrase means “Korean garment,” Hanbok most commonly refers to garments of the Joseon period. The Hanbok is worn as a formal or semi-formal attire during celebrations and festivals.
Bhutan
In Bhutan, a majority of the people dress in their traditional clothing daily. Bhutanese national clothing, Gho, and Kira were established almost 400 years ago, under the reign of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in the 17th century. To foster a united identity for all of Bhutan, he introduced national clothing. There was a law in 1989 that compelled all Bhutanese to wear the national dress for government and professional positions and on formal occasions.
Men wear the traditional knee-length Gho with a cloth belt around the waist, while ladies wear the Kira, a long, woven fabric. It is usually wrapped and folded around the body, pinned in the shoulders, and worn with a jacket or blouse. Men wrap a silk shawl over their Gho for formal attire on occasions. Bhutanese people save their best for special events. Bhutanese men also wear unique boots made of leather and silk that are heavily embroidered for important occasions.
