What to wear?
 

Is it in Rome do as the Romans do, or just wear clothes from home?

I wouldnt mind wearing traditional japanese clothes, not one bit.

Awfully slanted tone to that comment. I do remember there being a certain disdain for non-Japanese wearing traditional clothing, something about trying too hard.

Where's a "both" option?

I don't make surveys with a "both" option because that is not reality.

I didn't think it was slanted, but you have your right to your opinion.

I will be honest and say that, well, this question is a pretty difficult one to answer as it is worded. Most Japanese do not wear traditional Japanese clothes on anything close to a regular basis. It would make more sense as a question if most of the population DID.

I go with "do as the Romans do"... Which doesn`t involve wearing traditional Japanese clothes outside of very very limited circumstances. So I can`t really vote for either option.

I won`t say "slant" - but your wording does sound like not wearing traditional Japanese clothes is something only non-Japanese do.

I wear yukata to matsuri and happi around the house. I wear suits and ties to work, and often to play (bars, clubs, cocktail parties). On weekends, if I am feeling casual, jeans/shorts and a polo shirt.

Uhh, I think I would wear the traditional clothes on specific holidays and festivals, but not as like everyday wear, or just for the fact that I could. But on the other hand, I might take advantage of that, because even though they're not really the same, I tend to take every opportunity to wear a dress and heels here in america. Even more importantly, could that relation between the two even be appropriate?

I think it would have been nice to try once, but I don't think I would feel comfortable wearing it, since I'm not Japanese. It's almost like bunad, which we wear on special occasions in Norway. If the person wearing it had a connection with Norway, for example if they are Norwegian, or have lived here for a while, I think it's nice that they wear it, but if they are just tourist and wears it, it would feel a bit like a costume. I hope I don't sound judgmental, I think it's nice if people want to wear bunad, but maybe a bit weird if they don't have any connections to Norway and just want it to be a part of an experience. So I would probably just wear my normal clothes, even though I think traditional Japanese clothing are really beautiful.

I wear a yukata around my flat during appropriate weather, but otherwise no, never. Only other time I've put on traditional clothes and geta was during a local festival.

I think I'm the same as some of the other answers given so far; I wear yukata around the house sometimes, but I've only worn traditional gear a couple of times; once for a graduation ceremony, once for a club event (and we were asked to) and once for a school event thing back home. I wouldn't ever just doll up in kimono and go for a trot around the neighborhood though; Not unless I was on my way to something of that kind. That's a bit odd. I used to sometimes help a friend with hers as she did tea ceremony every sunday and had to wear kimono for that. She used to say people were very complimentary about it but mostly assumed she was doing it as just a stunt for attention, which made her uncomfortable.

But then it's not really every-day dress any more is it? Even Japanese people in kimono tend to stick out a bit.

If I went to a festival or something like that in Japan then I would wear traditional clothes even though I am not Japanese

For traditional festivals and tea ceremonies, Sur.

Casually? No, as an American, I wear more of a shirt+jeans style

Though some of what is worn in Japan seems really cute and things that would be cool to try!!

EDIT:

I also agree with ze people who said your wording is bad.

Are you trying to tell people that Nihonjin look down on you when you don't wear kimonos for casual use when they themselves do not?

Males them sound pretty arrogant.

It is interesting that someone who spells the "ze" has an opinion on wording... maybe people take offense with the word "gaijin"...I will fix it.

If I look outside my window, I don't see people dressed very traditional at all.
Everyone's wearing jackets and jeans, business are wearing trench coats.
I'm confused by this topic.

But it seems like I always see at least one gaijin at the airport in a hapi and geta. It is confusing, indeed.

Oh now I see what you're saying!
I think it's indeed a bit awkward for foreigner's to dress like that.
I'd imagine it would definitely raise some eyebrows.

I did that to make a point -.-'

There's nothing wrong with standing out. When it comes to expressing yourself, as long as you don't hurt anyone (including yourself) anything goes in my book.

When you can't refute a person's claims, you attack their grammar? Isn't that a sign you've lost the argument and you're trying to salvage your pride?

I'm glad other people posting in the thread seem to think your poll is lacking in neutrality. Was the purpose of this thread to be a judgmental flame fest with you in the position of superiority? I expected better than this from you, MMM.

A Gaijin should only wear traditional clothes if they are a expert at putting them on or had them put on by another expert. The Japanese only put you down if you are not wearing them correctly.

????? Excuse me?:confused:

I have made an art out of disappointing you, Koir. Doesn't the fact that I went back and changed the original post show my true feelings about my superiority?

The purpose of this thread was not to be "a judgmental flame fest with me in the position of superiority" in any way whatsoever. I am getting on a plane this afternoon, and was reminded of the common scene of a foreigner in what are seen as traditional Japanese dress. I was also tired of seeing the Akira poll continue with little interest from JF users.

I never intended for it to be that big a deal, but was just wondering if JFers would invest in the traditional image or not.

Well now....
Uh, my opinion would be to make your own style. Wear your own clothing, as you always wear, but add something thats traditional japan style to it. You don't want to look like you're "trying" to dress like they do. but, you don't want to be all, acting too comfortable or something, you know?

I would wear what I feel comfortable in definitely. Traditional clothing is generally only worn at certain ceremonies and Im under the impression that even then it is an option.

Though I wouldnt dare "do what the Romans do" either when it comes to some of my peers everyday dress sense. The standards commercial pop culture sets in Japan arent my thing. (the same can be said for the pop culture standards set in the West too).

In other words, you can often find me wearing a faded sweater and a modest pair of slacks and trainers most of the time.

bELyVIS: Do you need me to explain that?

Oh, I thought you weren't a native English speaker but I see you are a product of the American School system. Makes sense now.

How should this be taken? Was that a criticism of the American school system, or were you trying to say something entirely different?

I don't want to jump on you if you don't deserve it.

THIS. Although I would add again 'for appropriate reasons'; not just to stand out and act the 'cool gaijin' on a random wednesday. I think people would be more likely to goggle at you if you were wearing something badly; kimono folded wrong or sloppily, for example.

Actually, something I noticed in Japan was that you were much more likely to see girls (of any nationality) in traditional gear than men. I think I only saw about three men (grooms and a guy at a graduation), and a handful of monks.

Oh, unless I count the kyuudo, karate and kendo lots. Fair few guys amongst them.

I was being critical of the school system. Too many pass without the proper education.
So I guess you'll jump on me if you are a teacher.:ywave:

I really want to try wearing a Japanese traditional cloth, even though I chose the second option.

I'm pretty sure I would... given I'd received the right indications to.
Though, someone--preferably a native--would have to suggest it of me first. I wouldn't take the initiative to do so if it wasn't necessary.

I am Asian, so the issue may have a different effect on me in the end.

I only write like that for fun. There are PLENTY of people who write alot worse than that, make less sense, and show much lower levels of intelligence, I've seen it.

Also, excuse me if I can't write like a college student at age 14!

No, but you do write perfectly well and coherently when you try; people appreciate that more. How about dropping the fake dumb act (is it to be cool or something? It's really not) and putting your point across more clearly? Some of your posts are really hard to understand.

Alright I'll be as clear as I can, and I appreciate the compliment.

I just dropped by to give evidence of my point of worse people out there in grammar, these people are probably older. I found this by accident while looking for a little help on an assignment.

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It's quite fun to dress traditionally when going to a summer festival or hanabi. I have on a few occasions now, and I've rarely gotten a second look. When dressing in a yukata, or whatever, people seem to appreciate my enthusiasm and willingness to participate. Our school festival was one such occasion last year, as was a local bon dance, and of course the fireworks in Asakusa.

I'm sure I feel a lot less strange dressing up traditionally in Japan that many of the foreigner cosplayers I see at Harajuku and other places.

I don't see anything wrong with it, if the occasion calls for it. Then again, I'm half Japanese, so it probably wouldn't look too out of place.

I find kimono's rather comfortable most of the time if you don't have to do much. I have two and a couple of yukata, but have almost no where to where them except around the house.

But I think if given the option I would cross-dress in traditional clothes. The men's wear is more comfortable and practical.

Crossdressing: EVERYONE wants to, NO EXCEPTIONS!

I absolutely have no interest in wearing women's clothes.

I second that!