Posts Tagged ‘Shop kimonos’

Best Kimonos – May 2022

Friday, June 10th, 2022

Are you looking to purchase a new Kimono or Yukata?  Let us help you.  Each month, we publish our Top Five Best Selling Kimono Yukata List. We provide you the opportunity to see what is selling well right now.

Feel confident that you are buying something that other people have loved and enjoyed. Stay up to date on the latest trends. Become part of our community of Kimono Lovers everywhere. We are a friendly group that loves and appreciates Japanese Kimonos and Yukatas.

Here are the TOP FIVE BEST SELLERS for May 2022:

  • Yukata – White Moji
  • Yukata – Dragon and Hawk
  • Happi Coat – Blue Koi
  • Kimono – Black Dragon and Tiger
  • Black Kimono – Samurai Robe

What do all of these have in common?  They are generally men’s robes, but it coincides with Father’s Day, so it isn’t unusual.  Before Mother’s Day, women’s robes outsell men’s by about five to one. Seasonal factors play a part in buying patterns. The main point we get out of it is that kimonos and Yukata always make great gift choices.

These beautiful robes aren’t something that is often purchased by an individual until they see one or are presented as a gift. Then all bets are off as customers see firsthand how comfortable and regal they make you feel. The history behind Japanese Kimonos is fascinating. Tie this in with cultural significance, styles, patterns, and symbolism and it is a wonder why everyone in America isn’t wearing one today.

Chopa carries a wide selection of robes in 100% cotton. This is very popular among our customers because they love the easy-care feature and the fact they are machine washable. If you are searching for a kimono or yukata, you have come to the right place. Our online Kimono Shop is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  We never close. Shop online now.

                        White Moji Yukata

Where To Buy A Kimono (Part 1)

Sunday, June 5th, 2022

Buying a Japanese Kimono used to be difficult, often requiring a visit to Japan. As the popularity of these popular robes grew so did the buying choices of consumers. Today, there are many options when purchasing a kimono or yukata, but doing your research and educating yourself is essential. There are tell-tale signs when a dealer is being dishonest. You need to know where to look.

There are hundreds of dealers on the web today offering rainbows and unicorns. Unfortunately, many deliver headaches and disappointment. Chopa – Your Kimono Source has been an online retailer of Japanese robes since 1994. We were one of the first to do so and also one of the first to offer Plus-Sized, Short Kimono, known as Happi Coats, as well as Tall and Wide sizing. Some customers call us Kimono Pioneers.

Like shopping for anything on the Internet, finding a reputable dealer and buying something sight unseen can be daunting. When we began offering Japanese Kimono Yukata 29 years ago, our mission was to make it easy, and painless, and to take the guesswork out of kimono shopping. It was our goal to be upfront, honest and forthcoming with policies, pricing, and service.  We are proud to say, we still hold these convictions today.

We have conversations with customers every week asking us for help with a transaction they made with a dealer in Japan, China, Bali, and even on Amazon and Etsy. These customers thought they found a deal or believed their kimono was more authentic by purchasing it from an overseas dealer.  What many came to find out is that many unscrupulous retailers offer something other than advertised, inaccurate pricing, service, and shipping times.

A common complaint is that the kimono they bought wasn’t made in Japan, but rather in China.  The fabric was different, and the prints and colors were not what was advertised online. If the robe didn’t fit, which is a common complaint we hear, they get nowhere with the dealer attempting to return or exchange it. This is always disheartening to our staff as we want everyone to enjoy the art and beauty of the world of kimonos.

Unfortunately, since we are not part of this shady cast of characters that mislead and misguide unsuspecting customers, we cannot do much.  What we can do and are happy to help is offer advice and suggestions on how they might solve their problem. Where we can do the most good for people with questions is if they ask us questions before making a purchase. We have several simple things to look for and ask before handing over the credit card to finalize their purchase. Here are a few of those things we would look for and or ask the dealer directly.

Location. Where is the dealer located?

Are they actually in Japan? Many dealers mention Japan throughout their websites but are operating in China, Pakistan, Cambodia, Vietnam, or other regions. Realize that just because they claim they are located in Japan, doesn’t always ring true. We have come across numerous websites that claim Japan as their headquarters, yet they are operating in China and are selling Chinese-made kimonos.

Origin. Where was the Kimono made?

This is one of the most common false or elusive elements of the dishonest dealer. They will state “Japanese” Kimono, “Japanese Style”, “Kyoto” Kimono, etc. It sounds legitimate that you would be expecting the kimono was made in Japan, but in fact, it is being shipped from China and was made in China. This ties back to the location. Where are they operating from?  It is highly unlikely you will find a dealer in China, selling Japanese-made kimonos.  We have searched hundreds of listings and have never located such.

Just because the listing title says Japanese Kimono, does not mean it was made in Japan. Any reputable dealer will list the origin in the “About” section that describes the robe. If you are unable to locate it quickly, we usually say, run, don’t walk to the exit. There is only one reason a retailer won’t disclose the origin upfront in plain English, clearly and distinctly. That is because they are not being honest. If they are being dishonest about the origin, what else are they going to lie about?  The list goes on and can become very lengthy.

We will continue this Blog and reveal additional puzzles to solve to know whether you are about to be tricked, duped, or outright lied to. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us and we will do our best to address your concerns. Buying a kimono is easy, buying from the right dealer is the key to happiness and a pleasant shopping experience.  This is what we thrive on. Shop our online Kimono Shop anytime, we are always open and it never closes.

 

Hanu Garden Kimono