Archive for the ‘cotton yukata’ Category

Frequently Asked Questions

Saturday, March 19th, 2022

Chopa – Your Kimono Source is a leading online provider of authentic Japanese Kimono and yukata since 1994.  We receive many inquiries and questions each day and thought it would be informative to share some of these on our Blog.  If you want to learn more about Kimono, yukata, and Happi Coats, see our FAQ section on our website.

WHY SHOP WITH US?

There are many reasons to shop with Chopa because we are your Kimono Source. First is our reputation. Entering our 29th year in business, we are a leading online retailer of authentic Japanese Kimono and Yukata. Our customers provide us with many referrals and repeat business.  That alone speaks for itself. Some love our large selection with over 100 styles, prints, and sizes available. Others appreciate our fast shipping, while some love Free Shipping anywhere in the USA on orders of $75.00 or more. Combining any of these services along with our home office being based in the USA, it’s easy to see why customers shop with us.

HOW DO I PLACE AN ORDER?

Shopping with us is easy, safe, and secure.  Just visit our online kimono store anytime, anywhere. Our Kimono Shop never closes and you can browse, shop, and purchase kimono and yukata 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO SHIP A KIMONO?

Most orders ship within one business day and many ship the same day. We pride ourselves on fast shipping and work diligently to expedite orders. We are located in the Northwest Panhandle of Florida and ship six days per week. We are a professional, full-time business that understands the need for a quick turnaround of your order. Some companies only ship a few days per week. Others are located in other countries like Japan, Taiwan, Korea, or China. From the feedback we receive from customers, many of these foreign-based companies lie about quick shipping and fail to deliver promptly.

Common complaints we hear from customers buying a kimono from an Asian-based company are lack of service, the long shipping times, and the inability to receive a response or reply from those businesses.  This is something we deplore in any business and always respond to our customers quickly, timely, and responsibly. Another complaint we hear about buying from an overseas company is the difficulty of returning an item.  Most customers say it is impossible.

DO I HAVE TO REGISTER OR SET UP AN ACCOUNT ON YOUR SITE?

No.  We never force our customers to store information on our website.  There is an option to establish an account and some customers choose to do so, but it is not mandatory. It is offered simply as a convenience for our customers.  The majority of customers who opt-in for an account are frequent buyers of our fine robes.  They often gift them to their business customers, shop for theater groups or hospitality companies.  We have several customer groups that rent homes, condos, and beach retreats, and provide their vacation renters with complimentary kimonos, Yukata, and Happi Coats. The bottom line is that you can purchase robes as a guest or establish an online account. The choice is yours.

WHAT FORMS OF PAYMENT DO YOU ACCEPT?

Chopa accepts MasterCard, Visa, Discover, and PayPal. If you use PayPal, you can also use American Express. We use state-of-the-art technology including SSL, Secure Socket Layer platforms. All information is encrypted and payment information is never stored on our servers or computers. We also accept mail orders via checks or money orders.  We do not accept cash and never advise customers to send credit card information through email or mail.

HOW MUCH IS SHIPPING?

Orders of $75.00 or more ship Free anywhere in the USA including Alaska and Hawaii. Orders less than $75.00 are charged a nominal fee of $6.95 for one robe. We also ship internationally and the cost is listed in the shopping cart at checkout. The amount varies depending on the country and weight of the package.

DO YOU CHARGE SALES TAX ON PURCHASES?

Yes, we collect sales tax on orders shipped within the state of Florida.  We do not collect taxes in other states. While sales tax isn’t collected in other states, this doesn’t mean that you may not owe sales tax. Many municipalities require purchasers to self-report and pay their own.  You can check with your state to determine if this is required.

WHY DON’T YOU CHARGE CUSTOMS, DUTIES, TAXES, and IMPORT FEES ON ORDERS LIKE OTHER COMPANIES DO?

This question is common and the reason is that we have taken care of all import fees for you if you reside in the USA.  If you purchase a kimono or yukata from a business in Japan or another foreign country, you are subject to these costs. The package is an import and you are responsible for customs taxes, import duties, import fees, and other accessorial charges imposed by the government and the carrier for handling the cost of collecting.  Chopa is a direct importer and we pay all of these costs when we receive an order from one of our partners in Japan. This is another reason, customers like to shop with us. You won’t receive a surprise bill with your order. Our reputation stands on its own and we take the guesswork out of online kimono shopping. Shop with confidence when you shop with us.

Chopa makes online kimono shopping easy!

Kimono Shopping | www.chopa.com

Finding The Most Popular Kimonos

Sunday, March 13th, 2022

TOP SELLING KIMONO and YUKATA FOR FEBRUARY, 2022.

Our customers are the pulse of our business.  When they visit our online Kimono Shop, they seek beautiful patterns, vivid colors, and unique styles. Customers also want a wide selection of sizes, reasonable pricing, and fast shipping from the USA.  There is a reason our customers have been shopping at our store since 1994. Because they find everything they want in one store, Chopa – Your Kimono Source.

Each month, we sit down and look back on what the Best Selling Japanese Kimono and Yukata robes were during the previous month. It is important as well as educational to see what was hot. One month it might be dragon prints, another period may include koi fish. Some patterns and styles are seasonal. For example, short-length kimono, or Happi Coats as they are called pick up steam and sell very well in Spring and Summer.  Many customers like the shorter-length robe to wear during the warmer months to stay cooler. Others wear them as coverups at the beach or pool.

A customer emailed us the other day asking where are our kimonos made.  We replied that all of our kimono and yukata robes are made in Japan.  We operate and are based in the USA however, so we can ship quickly from our main warehouse in Northwest Florida. Transit time normally takes 2-3 business days to anywhere in the USA. We hear of horror stories when people purchase a kimono from a vendor in Japan and how long it takes to arrive. We take the guesswork out of online Kimono shopping.  We are direct importers, cover all duties, taxes and also offer easy returns.

People realize after the fact, that when you order a kimono from a foreign country, you often receive a bill upon delivery for duties, taxes, customs fees, and any other auxiliary charges. Charges that were unexpected and not mentioned when they placed their order. This won’t happen if you shop with us in the USA.

Here are the TOP FIVE SELLING KIMONO AND YUKATA FOR FEBRUARY, 2022.

1: Yukata – Tree of Life.  The Tree of Life Yukata is frequently a top customer pick. This men’s yukata features a geometric print that dates back to 2000 B.C. The design is produced in a gray, black, and white-colored print. It is made of 100% cotton and is very distinctive when worn to a special event or ceremony.

2: Blue Koi Yukata. This Koi Yukata is selected by men and women. The blue and white print displays the elegant koi swimming in water. In Buddhism, koi represent courage. In Japan, these fish are considered to be symbolic of love and affection. Crafted in Japan of fine cotton with a shrink-resistant finish.

3: Yukata – Eternal Chain. Printed in a crisp blue and white pattern, the Eternal Chain forms a never-ending circle representing eternity. The chains are symbolic of life, hope, and, strength. The connectivity has no beginning or end and goes around in a circle forever.

4: Yukata – Navy Kagome. Kagome translates to the woven bamboo pattern. Printed in a dark navy blue and white palette, the artist designed beautiful bamboo silhouetted against subtle contrasting circles. The combination is reminiscent of old-world craftsmanship and simplicity.

5: Black Kimono Samurai Robe. This Japanese kimono provides the Zen you need after a long day at the office.  Sit back, relax and feel the calm in this lightweight, yet durable robe.  This kimono is perfect for attending ceremonies or simply relaxing at home. It is popular for meditating as well. Produced from 100% cotton broadcloth. This high-end fabric is densely woven and often used in fine dress shirts.

These five kimono and yukata were our customer favorites in February. You can view any or all of these by visiting our online store. We have new shipments arriving over the next two months and should have adequate supplies to carry us through the busier season.  A great big thank you goes out to all of our readers and customers for allowing us to share this information with you each month.  It’s a team effort. Our customers team with us and we announce the results.

Thanks for reading, now Get Your Kimono On!!

                         Eternal Chain Yukata

You Ought To Be In Pictures!

Sunday, February 27th, 2022

Want to be a Model or just look like one?

Has anyone ever told you that you should be in pictures?  Have you had a secret desire to be a model? Do you like posting images on Social Media?  Then read ahead and see what we have available for you.

Kimonos are a beautiful and unique aspect of Japanese culture. If you’re ever in Japan, it’s worth your time to wear one. And if you’re not in Japan, don’t worry – there are still ways to enjoy kimonos. Chopa – Your Kimono Source since 1994 has over 100 kimono, yukata, and short-length Happi Coats to choose from.

After you acquire one, where will you wear yours?  What will you do while wearing a beautiful robe? Some wear kimono lounging around the home or using it as a coverup after a bath or shower.  Others wear yukata as loungewear while catching up on their reading or emails. Some customers wear one while tending to light household choirs, while others binge-watch their favorite movies or TV series. Heading to a party or special event? Don’t leave home without your kimono.

Submit your photo and you might win prizes!!

For those that want to be in pictures, we have an option for you. Chopa is looking for customers that want to show the world how they wear their kimono or yukata. We invite you to send us your images wearing your robe.  If we select your image to use, you will be entered into our contests where you are eligible to win prizes and or cash awards.  Chopa will hold drawings where selected winners can win Kimono, Yukata, Happi Coats, Gift Certificates, and even cash prizes.

Chopa will use the images online either on their website or social media like Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram. It’s a fun way to show our family of kimono lovers how they look, different styles, enjoying some fun times with friends and family and just being you. After all, what is better than being yourself? Chopa also sends occasional emails to customers advertising new styles, sales or random news we feel is worthwhile to share. Your image may be included in these emails.

Share your images with other customers!

If we select your image, we will contact you via email to verify your submission and approval to publish the photos.  Whether you wish your name to be listed in the images is completely up to you. We respect people’s privacy and won’t publish names without written approval. If you want to be tagged with your social media handle, we can do that.  You can also publish on your social media page and tag Chopa.

This idea has been submitted to us several times over the years. We love when our customers tell us what they want and feel this is a good time to launch this program.  Seeing real customers wearing their kimono and yukata in real-life environments is as good as it gets. Send your photos in today to info@chopa.com.

kimono photo contest

Be a Model, or just look like one!

Top Selling Kimono for January 2022

Friday, February 18th, 2022

Chopa is one of the leading online shops offering fine Japanese Kimono and Yukata robes. We like to provide our customers a list each month of what is popular right now.  There are many options available when choosing a kimono shop. Since we have been operating since 1994, we are confident that we offer some of the best choices out there.

Our goal has always been to enlighten and educate customers about the beauty and symbolism of Japanese Kimonos.  Whether you admire the cultural significance, the bright, vivid colors, the symbolic patterns, or the luxury and comfort these robes provide, we take the guesswork out of online kimono shopping.  Our fast shipping is just one component that sets us apart from the crowd.  Chopa is your Kimono Source and as such, we ship most orders within one business day. Many orders ship the same day if your order is placed early in the day. Most orders are delivered within 2-3 business days, weather permitting.

Chopa ships your order safely and securely from a warehouse in the Northwest Panhandle of Florida.  We do the importing for you and carry over 100 styles, colors, and patterns that are in stock and ready to ship. Orders of $75 or more ship Free anywhere in the USA, including Hawaii and Alaska. You avoid duties, taxes, and import fees when shopping with us.

Every week, we hear from customers expressing how happy they are to have found us.  Many come from referrals and word of mouth. They share stories with us about their previous experiences. To put it bluntly, they are not pretty stories.  People ordered directly from a dealer in Japan and were told shipping is quick, usually 3-5 days.  Reality is a wait of up to 30 days in many cases. Customers are told they could return it. An issue lies with translation issues. The purchaser doesn’t speak or write Japanese and the vendor doesn’t communicate in English. To this, we say good luck and recommend taking an aspirin for their headaches.

Other resulting issues are duties and taxes.  Their package arrives and they have presented a bill for $10, $15, or even $25 more for duties, taxes, customs clearance, and import fees.  Shoppers were never told about this. But if they don’t pay the costs, the carrier keeps the package and the customer is out. Sometimes these packages are submitted to customs. They are sold for liquidated damages and other times sent back to the shipper, who doesn’t issue a refund.

Frequently we hear about requests for returns being denied by the dealer.  Customers are told, the wrong size doesn’t qualify or 3 days is too long. Worse yet, they simply ignore emails and telephone calls. If a customer is granted a return approval, they are shocked when they go to the post office. Here, they discover that shipping a 2-pound package can cost $60 by Priority Mail. This cost is born by the customer, not the Japanese dealer.  We feel dealers operate this way because they discovered most customers will keep the robe instead of investing additional money into their losing investment already. It is sad but true.

In summary, you can see how we make this an easy choice to shop with us. One of our mottos is “We take the guesswork out of Kimono shopping” and once a customer shops with us, they realize how true it is.  We welcome you to go to our online Kimono Shop and see for yourself. Whether it’s men’s or women’s kimono or yukata or perhaps an outfit for your little Samurai or Princess, we have a large selection to choose from.

It seems like 2022 just began and we have now already blown through January and are over halfway through February.

Without further delays, here is our list of Top Selling Kimono and Yukata for January 2022:

  1. Tree of Life Yukata
  2. Dragon and Bamboo Yukata
  3. Navy Kagome Yukata
  4. Dragon and Hawk Yukata
  5. Yukata – Dragon & Mt Fuji Navy 

Chopa.com currently has two orders in production with smaller shipments arriving in mid-March and April. Our largest Spring order is expected to arrive from Japan in late April. The logistics staff continues to monitor shipping and supply chain issues.  We have been and will continue to use Air Freight for our future shipments. This is necessary until the Ports along both sides of the country catch up and fix their lengthy delays. While air is more costly than a cargo ship, we would rather absorb the cost and obtain our product quicker and more efficiently. Thank you for visiting our site and reading our Blogs.  Now Get Your Kimono On!!

                     Dragon and Hawk Yukata

The Japanese Kimono and Symbolism of Colors

Sunday, February 6th, 2022

In Japan, tradition is key. It’s a country that has been influenced by many cultures, including Western ones. The beautiful language of colors found throughout their culture has deep meaning and validation. Traditional colors still hold some significance today for those living in Japan and visiting alike, especially when it comes to art or dress designs. To this day, when it comes to kimono or yukata worn for special occasions like weddings or ceremonies, beliefs about certain colors and hues are taken very seriously.

There are specific hues which carry special meaning from this culture as they believe these particular shades will result in obtaining wishes and goals. For example, some believe there may not be just one color that will bring good fortune, but rather an entire spectrum from blue-green representing water ways, all the way through reds signifying fire.

Kimono colors can be interpreted in many ways. The most important color, according to Japanese culture is green which represents new beginnings and good fortune. The secondary colors are white for growth, blue for peace and red which symbolize love. These have ancient meanings along with other cultures around the world who share similar beliefs. Colors are considered being relevant for determining future events like marriage prospects among others things.

The colors red and white are prominent in Japan. Both represent happiness, joyfulness as well an occasion for celebration such like weddings or birthdays. Events that bring people together to celebrate life events with family members who love them unconditionally.

The color red is important in Japanese culture. It’s often used to represent passion and joy. The first thing people think about when they see the vivid shade are cherries since those fruits have an association with love-related stories. In general, the color red carries with it many different meanings, but generally speaking this it represents strength through passion generated through self-sacrifice.

White also has multiple meanings and associations. White signifies surrender or peace and stands for purity, truth and honesty. It symbolizes beginnings from nothing, like a blank page yet also represents death and mourning.

The color green is a popular choice for clothes in Japan and it’s because the country loves plants, foliage and nature. The country celebrates greenery day because they love the land for its lush green vegetation. Whether it is trees or grass; this includes all things natural in life including green tea. In addition, it is holds significance for prosperity, wealth and luck or good fortune.

The color blue has many meanings in Japan. It is often associated with coolness, passivity and loyalty which are all seen as positive traits. Blue is also considered a color associated with luck.

No color is as auspicious for wealth and value than gold and silver. The color of wealth and power, gold has been a popular choice for centuries. These two elements are used to connotate great significance and prestige. It provides an elegant touch that can be found in many different patterns and works of art. Gold and silver are often used to create a rich symphony of color.

Black is a prized choice in Japan.  The blackness of the Kimono is often used to represent elegance or darkness. For example, it can be seen as a symbol for widowed women who have lost their spouse by death. The coloration also carries other connotations such classy garments reserved only for special occasions. The black color is often used in Japanese Kimono to represent power and elegance.

The black fabric of a kimono is often used to represent femininity and beauty in Japan. The color’s deep shade was originally created as an alternative for cherry blossom flowers, which were not available during winter months. Today, people wear them with pride even if there are no longer seasons where you can indulge your senses at their fullest extent.

Yellow is a popular color in Japan. It’s the Greece of colors, sunny and smiling. Japanese people have a special relationship with the color yellow. In Japan, this bright and cheerful tone can be seen in flowers as well as clothes for both children and adults alike. It is also associated with gardening. The color of sunshine and nature in Japan, yellow is associated with happiness.

Pink is a hue widely used in kimono for hundreds of years. It’s not just any old color, but rather it symbolizes femininity and elegance which are two things associated with women in Japanese culture. Pink is the color of romance and femininity. It’s also a symbol of healing to comfort women.

Of course there are more colors available and you can find a kimono or yukata in about any shade you desire.  Consider the Kimono palette the rainbow. Each color is special and the mixing or blending and pairing of colors provide additional significance in the Kimono culture. Wear your kimono proudly and if seeking a kimono gift, consider what traits the individual has and try pairing those with corresponding colors.  While it isn’t necessary to follow this guide, it deepens the meaning and cultural significance. Get Your Kimono On!! You can search over 100 different styles, colors and patterns of authentic Japanese Kimono and Yukata for men, women and kids at Your Kimono Source, www.chopa.com

 

Color palette of kimonos

Kimono Colors

May the Joy of the Season Fill Your Home!

Tuesday, December 21st, 2021

Season’s Greetings to All! May this Christmas bring you Joy,

Happiness and Peace. Gratitude.

Christmas greetings

Merry Christmas!

Need it There by Christmas?

Saturday, December 18th, 2021

Need last minute gifts?  Need them to arrive before Christmas?  Look no further.

Shop now through Sunday, December 19th at midnight and use the coupon code below.

You will receive Free 2-Day Express shipping on us.  It is our gift to you.

Offer applies to the USA only, no PO BOXES. Coupon must be entered at time of checkout.

Orders Ship Monday and should arrive Wednesday!

Merry Christmas!

SHOP NOW!!

Best Selling Kimono and Yukata, October, 2021

Wednesday, November 3rd, 2021

Fall has arrived and soon we will be facing the long, dark nights and in some places the frigid weather of winter.  The holidays are upon us.  Thanksgiving is around the corner and then the official countdown until Christmas begins. People are busy making plans for visiting family and guests, parties, festive gatherings, holiday decorating and shopping. Have you made your gift list yet? If not, at least make some time to think about what you want for each special person in your life.

Since many experts in the retail, wholesale and shipping industries have been predicting possible product and food shortages coming soon, it may be the time to get started on your own shopping list. We recently received our new and largest shipment of kimonos and yukatas of the season. Now is the time to take advantage of full inventories and the best selection of kimono and yukata.

While we may seem partial, we simply love giving a kimono for a gift. For those new to this Japanese phenomenon, kimonos and yukatas are traditional Japanese robes. They were originally worn by the samurai class, but today these garments can be seen at festivals and performances all year long. Our kimono robes are made of 100% cotton which makes them comfortable to wear and easy to care for.

If you need help picking one out, let’s take a look at the five best-selling kimono and yukata for October 2021.

  • Kimono – Embroidered Samurai
  • Yukata – Dragon and Bamboo
  • Yukata – Pink Cherry Blossom
  • Yukata – Dragon and Mt. Fuji
  • Happi Coat – Great Wave

The Embroidered Samurai Kimono is a distinguished robe for men. Made of 100% cotton shantung. Shantung is made from cotton spun fibers which provide a weave design and a ribbed effect on the surface. Slubbed yarns are woven into the material. This produces a durable, nubby fabric which contains an airy feel with a textured and visual attraction.  A finely embroidered samurai calligraphy symbol is embroidered on the back and twin red Sakura symbols on placed on each front panel.

The Dragon and Bamboo Yukata is consistently a top ten selection. In Japan, the dragon and bamboo have been considered symbols of beauty and endurance throughout history. The dragon symbolizes water and bamboo represents endurance. Dragons are a symbol of strength and the bamboo plant brings luck and prosperity.  This robe is produced in Japan of 1005 lighter weight cotton and is machine washable.

The Pink Cherry Blossom Yukata for women is always popular. The lightweight fabric makes it the prefect choice for lounging around the home, enjoying a relaxing breakfast or enjoying your favorite book and a glass of wine. The robe features a beautiful shade of pink and is adorned with delicate pink cherry blossoms. This will surely delight the woman in your life.

The Dragon and Mt. Fuji Yukata, Blue. This yukata is designed with historic Mt Fuji against a dark blue background. The artist accented the palette with dragons and gold calligraphy symbols producing a truly inspiring design. Produced in Japan by artisans in 100% cotton and a matching belt is included with all of our robes. This yukata is also available in black and in short length kimono called Happi Coats.

Speaking of Happi Coats, the fifth best-selling robe in October was the Great Wave Happi Coat. This ever popular deign is also offered in the traditional full-length yukata in black or purple as well.  The Great Wave is one of the most iconic works of art created in Japan in 1830 during the late Ido period. The original design inspired countless renditions throughout the years and is still one of the most recognized works throughout the world.

If you are seeking unique gift ideas for the holidays, look no further than our large selection of beautiful kimono and yukata robes for men and women. We offer quick shipping from the Panhandle of Florida and orders of $75 or more receive Free Shipping anywhere in the USA, including Alaska and Hawaii.

If you have a little samurai or princess in your life, consider shopping our line of kid’s kimono, yukata or jinbei outfits. They are sure to be a hit with your little ones.  From all of us at Chopa, we wish you a safe and enjoyable Holiday Season.

                    Kid’s Kimono

Top Selling Kimono and Yukata – September 2021

Sunday, October 3rd, 2021

The kimono is a traditional Japanese garment that has been worn for centuries. Kimonos have been around since 1868 BC. Japan’s Emperor Tenmu decreed that nobles should wear them over their Chinese-style robes during certain ceremonial activities in order to distinguish themselves from commoners who were not allowed to wear silk.

Kimonos are made of a flowing fabric that can be worn as an outer or under garment. In Japan and Korea, they are considered formal wear.  The culture of wearing kimonos is not limited to Asia; they’re also popular in Europe where they’re often used for ceremonial occasions like weddings.  Modern Westerners might think the kimono is outdated but many cultures still find it to be a desirable piece of clothing that showcases their individuality and creativity. We have seen a steady surge of sales for years as the kimono and yukata have been gaining popularity around the world. Kimono translates from Japanese as “the thing to wear”.

Some people have fears about how to wear them, but they are simple to slip on and very similar to a bathrobe. Always wear the kimono wrapped around you with the left folded over the right.  Wearing the right over the left is usually reserved for the deceased and funerals. Once you feel comfortable wearing one, you can step out with style or feel like a true samurai warrior. The fascinating styles of patterns and designs will allow you to look your best at any event. The reasons why kimono are so popular among men and women alike range from their rich history to how they can be worn by anyone who wants to look good and feel great.

The Japanese wear kimonos for a variety of occasions. They are often worn at formal events, such as weddings, tea ceremonies, graduations  and religious festivals. The kimono is also traditionally worn by women when they give birth. Kimonos are both feminine and masculine garments with flowing sleeves that cover the hips and long length robes help you keep warm in cold weather. A wide variety of designs can be found on these traditional clothing pieces, from modern prints to classic patterns and some with embroidery. The sister robe to the kimono is the yukata which is lighter weight fabric and often worn at festivals and summertime outings. While yukata are made of cotton, kimono can be made from silk and cotton fabrics with some types of kimonos costing up to $10,000.

Each month we like to publish our list of the Five Top Selling or Most Popular Kimono and Yukata in our store. Our customers make the decision and we share their interests.  So here we go….

The Top Five Selling Kimono Yukata for September 2021

  1. Yukata – Great Wave
  2. Pink Cherry Blossom Yukata
  3. Black Zen and Martial Arts Yukata
  4. Eternal Chain Yukata
  5. Dragon and Bamboo Yukata

The lighter weight yukata is always a popular choice during the Summer and Fall seasons especially in men’s robes and loungewear.

Check out our website at www.chopa.com to see the wide variety of styles, patterns, colors and sizes we offer. As a leading online provider of kimono and yukata since 1994, it’s easy to see why we are your Kimono Source. Great service, fast shipping and free shipping on orders of $75 or more anywhere in the USA.

Beautiful kimonos and yukata are a must have for the fall season. Check back next month to find out what top selling kimono is dominating the market in October! Thank you for reading and now go Get Your Kimono On!!

                      Cherry Blossom Yukata

Is Your Kimono Real or Is It Counterfeit?

Monday, September 20th, 2021

Chopa, your Kimono Source takes pride in offering authentic Japanese Kimono and Yukata.  The beautiful robes we sell are expertly cut and sewn in Japan by experienced, veteran artisans. The relationships with our manufacturers date back several decades because of our mutual trust and understanding of the fine art of the kimono. These beautiful robes have become today’s distinctive loungewear in the West. Whether relaxing at home, the spa or meditating in your sacred space, comfort and style is at your side.

Some might question how a Japanese Kimono can be anything else, but in today’s marketplace, companies often misrepresent what a kimono is and imposters and counterfeits are more abundant than ever. It was about fifteen years ago, when Kim Kardashian gained notoriety by starring in her own pornographic video.  She again made headlines two years ago when she launched a line of undergarments to compete with the renowned brand, Spanx™, and named hers Kimono. Kardashian was harshly criticized in the media about cultural misappropriation and lack of cultural sensitivity. After feeling the heat and even receiving a letter from the Mayor of Kyoto, the name was changed to Kimono Solutionwear™.

If you perform a search on Amazon, eBay, Etsy or any fashion retail sites, chances are pretty good that you can locate what we refer to, as a counterfeit Kimono or at a minimum a misrepresentation. Since sellers can call anything they want a kimono, it isn’t technically a counterfeit, but we we use the word because we feel it is deceptive. This isn’t to say that a Kimono made in another country isn’t a Kimono, but it is not truly a Japanese Kimono. In Japan, the word “Kimono” translates as the “thing to wear”, but it was never intended to mean that anything should be called Kimono. In today’s fashion world, the word Kimono is often used for a simple piece of fabric worn over clothes. Most have no belts or sash and have become synonymous with everyday fashion. Most appear to be open shirts, long or short, no buttons, and worn loose and open. They might pair and be worn over jeans, shorts, dresses and the like. But we feel calling these oversized, open worn shirts a kimono is wrong. We don’t portray ourselves as fashion branding experts in any sense, but even Google is confused when they show these “oversized garments” as kimono.

Consumers must be diligent when looking for authentic products from a specific geographic location. This especially holds true with Japanese Kimono and Yukata. We performed a few searches recently on Amazon and discovered “counterfeit” or misrepresented robes.  Sellers use descriptions of Japanese Kimono, Japanese yukata, Japanese Robe, but careful research further down the description section proved they were not from Japan at all. One way to tell if a seller is using deception is by the price. On Amazon, there are dozens of so-called Japanese Kimono offered below $25. As a dealer in Japanese kimono for nearly 30 years, we can firmly state that we have ever seen a new $25.00 kimono for sale that is made in Japan. More likely they are produced in China.

Another flag of caution is to look at the reviews on Amazon as they often tell a story. For instance, here is one review we found:

“The description and Q&A led me to believe this was made in Japan. The first thing I noticed when I opened the box was a Made in China tag so I didn’t even try it on. It appears to be folded and packaged beautifully but the floral pattern is not as attractive as it looks in the pictures.”

Another reviewer stated that although she believed it was made in Japan, when she received it, the outer package said made in China, but the tags were in Japanese. When she contacted the vendor, they claimed it was made in China but was produced for Japanese export.

Another review said the following:

“The one I just received has a Made in China tag. Very disappointed.”

Other reviews stated that the kimono they received was polyester and not cotton as advertised on the site. Other responses on Amazon had issues with sizing. One posting that he is a size large in the U.S. The robe he received was believed to be a size medium at best.

One additional post claimed the following:

“Please use American size. This kimono is too small for an extra-large American man. Also, this is NOT a kimono, this is a hospital wrap, NOT a Kimono as requested.”

Granted, not every person is 100% satisfied with their purchase. This is why it is important for your own mental state to deal with a USA based provider of Kimono and Yukata. Returns are much easier and understandable. Chopa has a very limited number of returns and we believe that is due to accurate descriptions and honest verbiage. We know that everybody has a different body style, but we attempt to provide information that helps you find the right size without having to make a return.

Deception goes beyond some Amazon sellers. We surfed Etsy and found similar issues with sellers.

One seller claimed:

Our Japanese inspired kimonos are made from a blend of soft Indonesian silk and viscose from Java Indonesia, making it soft and as appealing as silk or satin, with a more affordable price!”

The key phrase to pick up on is “Japanese Inspired”. Inspiration doesn’t make it Japanese made. They are more upfront than other sellers since they disclosed that they make their robes out of Indonesian silk and viscose.  Viscose is usually cheaper or as they state, affordable, because viscose is a synthetic fabric made from chemicals.

We discovered another seller claiming Japanese Kimono, but in the fine print in the description, we observed “made in the volcanic Island of Bali.”  The last we checked; Bali isn’t Japan. The bottom line for us is that if it is truly Japanese, then clearly state that it is made in Japan.

We don’t portray that a kimono made elsewhere won’t provide you joy and satisfaction wearing it, but we believe in honesty and fair advertising. If you see offers similar to these examples, buyer beware. You might get lucky and find a great deal on a robe, but as we hear from many of our customers, they wished they had bought from us in the first place. Transactions are smooth and returns are simple. Shipping a robe back to Florida is much less expensive than China or Indonesia. Decide what you want and go find it. Don’t let sellers deceive you.

Blog about deceptive kimono sellers

Is your Kimono real?

Image courtesy of Anna Tarazevich