Summer Far East Fashion

I’ve always had a passion for Asian fashion, loving their distinct styles and designs from China, Korea and Japan. With summer winding down, I would like to showcase just some of the styles out there that are designed for warmer weather. 

Yukata (Informal Kimono)

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A pink, floral print yukata with blue and white obi (sash) featuring black lace.

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Blue floral print yukata with pink butterfly obi. 

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Yukata is a casual, unlined Japanese kimono worn during the summer months. It’s usually made from cotton or other synthetic fibers. It can be commonly seen at summer events in Japan, such as bon-odori festivals or fireworks display shows. Yukata literally means bath(ing) clothes, for they are frequently worn after bathing in traditional Japanese inns. 

Summer Hanbok

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Twenty long hanbok skirts or chima layered on top of each other. 

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Spring and summer hanbok from the Namsangol Hanok Village. 

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Hanbok is the traditional dress of Korea. It consists of a jeogori (top jacket) and chima (long skirt). During the summer months in the Joseon Dynasty, hanbok would usually be made from either “mosi” (ramie) or “sambe” (hemp). Both fibers allowed the air to circulate and keep the body cool, drying any perspiration. Mosi was valued for its light texture and was worn by the aristocracy while sambe was easier to cultivate, thus making it the preferred choice by commoners.  

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A (modernized) fusion summer hanbok for summer fun. “Fusion hanbok” is the mixing of the traditional Korean dress with modern or contemporary fashion. 

Cotton Cheongsam

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Cheongsam is a one-piece Chinese dress worn by women. It’s often body-hugging, showing off the curves and legs. In Chinese Mandarin it’s called the qipao. It features a mandarin collar, frog closures and thigh high slits. During the summer, a cotton cheongsam dress would be a classy and casual thing to wear. 

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Cheongsam dress featuring floweret print and frog closures. 

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A short, pink chequer cheongsam dress made out of brocade cotton.