The crest of the family or clan or the Shogun was the most important part of the Traditional Samurai outfit.

The Samurai Japanese warrior wore Fundoshi–underwear, which most of all resembled a diaper. You can still see that kind of outfit in a Sumo tournament in Japan.

The Japanese Samurai outfit included socks which were called Tabi. The Tabi separated between the big toe and the rest of the toes. These unusual socks can still be seen today on Japanese construction workers.

Traditional Samurai clothing included sandals (made from straw) or wooden clogs. Clogs were used by the lower class: Geisha, Kabuki actors, and some warriors.

Samurai Clothing Armor

See More: Bushido Code of the Samurai signed with the Samurai’s blood

See Also: Amazing stories about Samurai Women

Japanese Samurai Clothing: Kimono

The kimono was the everyday Samurai clothes for Japanese warriors.

Japanese Samurai Kimono

Winter Kimonos were made of warmer fabrics, while during the hot summer or spring in Japan, the Kimono was made from lighter material–like silk.
The design of the Kimono was kept subtle. The older the warrior age, the colors drifted towards the gray and brown shades, to remind them of their dignified position.

During the Edo Period, there were a few changes to the Traditional Samurai Kimono. The new clothing was the Kamishimo which was worn over the kimono. The Kamishimo was usually worn outside the house. At home, the warrior continued to wear the Kimono.

The upper piece was a sleeveless vest with exaggerated shoulders. The second piece was the Hakama.  Wide trousers were created to protect the legs of the Japanese warrior when riding a horse.

Today, the Hakama is worn as formal clothing in ceremonies and on Traditional Japanese festivals.
See Also: The Suicide Ritual Of Samurai Japanese Warrior

Samurai Masks

 

Japanese Samurai Face Mask

Samurai Masks have been used during Ancient Japanese Culture to cover the identity of the Japanese Warrior. The warriors used Masks to hide emotions (fear) during Battle or to scare the enemy as much as possible. The look of the mask was angry and frightening. It makes an excellent Samurai Warrior Costume accessory.

See More: Samurai Masks

The Japanese Warrior Hair Style

Japanese Samurai Hair

If you’re a fan of the Japanese warrior movies, for example, ‘The Last Samurai’ movie, you probably have a solid picture of what the Samurai helmet looked like. A Japanese warrior’s helmet (Kabuto), usually had animal spears like deer horns sticking out from it.

The helmet protected the head of the Japanese warrior and was decorated by the crest of the clan. When the warriors were not fighting, they wore a hat made out of straw. The Traditional Samurai Clothes were accompanied by a distinct traditional samurai hairstyle–the topknot.

Nearly every man in Japan at that wore his hair in a topknot. This was probably one of the cultural influences imported to Samurai outfits from China. The traditional samurai hairstyles were often oiled to give them a neat appearance. Later another hairstyle developed – shaving part of the hair on the front of the head to make the wearing of the hat and helmet easier.

See More: The Last Samurai’ and other Samurai movies

See Also: Cool Samurai Armor and costumes

The Samurai Helmet

Japanese Samurai Mask

If you’re a fan of the Japanese warrior’s movies, for example, ‘The Last Samurai’ movie, you probably have a solid picture of what the Samurai helmet looked like. A Japanese warrior’s helmet (Kabuto), usually had animal spears like deer horns sticking out from it. The helmet protected the head of the Japanese warrior and was decorated by the crest of the clan.

When the warriors were not fighting, they wore a hat made out of straw.

The Samurai Sword

Japanese Samurai Sword Obi

The Japanese Samurai Swords were normally tucked through the Obi-belt.The Japanese Swords were always tucked on the left side, just in case they were needed.

The Japanese warrior would be able to pull them out of his Samurai outfit with his right hand, quick and ready to use.

Continue Reading:

All about Japanese Samurai Swords

From Samurai Clothing to History of the Samurai

Return from Samurai Clothing to Tokyo Attractions

 

 

Tokyo Trip Checklist

  • To make sure you have all the important things covered see my first-time-in-Tokyo guide
  • Get your 1,2 or 3-day Tokyo Unlimited Subway Pass to easily get around Tokyo
  • If you want to travel on bullet trains you can save big with a Japan Rail Pass. Here’s why is worth it.
  • You’ll need a prepaid sim or Portable WIFI to stay connected in Tokyo.
  • Check out my detailed Tokyo packing list to make sure you’re prepared.
  • The best site to book hotels in Tokyo is almost always Booking.com. And remember to book early, especially during busy times.
  • For travel insurance (which you need) Word Nomads offer great coverage in Japan and are highly recommended.

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