Monks traditionally wear three layers of clothes: a
jiban,
which is an
underrobe top;
a
kimono; and a
koromo, or outer robe. Lay people may follow this convention or choose
to wear their robe with only a full underrobe.
There are summer robes and winter robes, each used during particular
times of the year. Summer robes are usually made from cotton gauze
fabric or any lightweight cotton. Winter robes are heavier and warmer.
Generally, lay people just wear one style of robe throughout the year.
Monks’ kimonos for everyday use are
of grey color, with the most traditional being made from chambray
fabric. Chambray is pure cotton. Some people prefer poly-cotton fabric.
For ceremonies monks use white kimonos and a ceremonial robe called
shinigi. Shinigi is made from a transparent chiffon-like fabric, made
from polyester or silk.
