Clothes

I would like to write about the history and features of traditional clothes. I have devided my topic into four countries such as UNITED KINGDOM, KOREA, CHINA, and JAPAN. I am talking about traditional clothes in four countries in turn.

At first, the name of traditional clothes in UK is kilt. The first kilt’s use is military uniform which soldiers wore in the middle age, BC 16C. The origin of kilt started in Scotland. However, the country was colonized by UK in BC 1700s. After that, kilts have been become traditional clothes in UK. The shape of the clothes is similar with women skirts. However, the shape is remarkably different in terms of fashion design. The biggest feature is check pattern, called “TATAN”, which represents status of family. Moreover, the weight is quit heavy as kilt’s fabric is made of wool twill. In front of kilt, there is lather pocket, we known as “SPORAN” The TATAN pattern was become recently one fashion brand called BURBERRY, which was launched by business men in UK.

Next, the name of traditional clothes in KOREA is “HAN-BOK”. Korean started to wear it from BC 4C. The clothes are affected by CHINA and Buddhism. When the king in KOREA got marry with prince in MONGOL. At that time, HAN-BOK came from CHINA. This was the first Han-Bok. The clothes have continued to change slightly with time. The shape is very simple curve, but the color is quite splendid, and the color also represented stature. This is very light because HAN-BOK was made of cotton. Therefore, the clothes are very comfortable and active and it is characterized by vibrant color and simple line without pocket. Korean usually put on the clothes as semi-formal and formal wear during traditional festival and celebration. The clothes are composed of JEOGORI, CHIMA, BAJI, PO, JOKI and MAGORA. JEGORI is the basic upper garment which has been worn by both men and women. JEOGORI’s function is to cover the arms and upper part of our body. CHIMA is skirt called SANG or GON in Chinese character. BAJI is pants. Men have to wear it. PO is overcoat which has been worn commonly as overcoat over JEOGORI and BAJI.

Then, the name of traditional clothes in china is QIPAO. I am going to write about historical background. Some social class emerged when MANCHU ruled china. Manchu traditionally wore “QIPAO” which is the one-piece dress. So, the people in the dynasty of HAN in china had to wear QIPAO under strict laws in 1636. Therefore, instead of HAN CHINA clothing, they had no choice but to wear the clothes under penalty of death. Although HAN Chinese regain sovereign power. QIPAO already became their ordinary clothes because the periods of Manchu was long term. The original QIPAO was wide and lose. It could cover most of women’s body. As time goes by, recent QIPAO were designed to become clothes which cling to body. The modern QIPAO, which was first developed at SANGHAI in 1920s, is now recognized popularly in china.

Finally, the name of traditional clothes of JAPAN is “KIMONOS” which are worn by men and women. I would like to tell you about the historical background of KIMONOS. The first Kimonos were influenced strongly by HAN China. With time “through”, the clothes became remarkably stylish shape. So, KIMONOS are recently quite not only simple but also beautiful. KIMONOS are quit various style from formal to casual. The pattern and color of fabric is means that can determine the level of formality. Moreover, it is impossible to wear it by oneself because the clothes wrap up oneself with cloth. Thus, people can wear it through assistance of other people. Most young people in JAPAN often wear KIMONOS as the clothes are not only stylish but also popular among young people.

I believe firmly that Japanese love their tradition. It ought to be that we must learn. Uk, China, Korea and Japan,  which adverted above , have quite unique traditional clothes with long history.