“Koromogae(衣替え)” - seasonal change of kimonos -

In Japan, we change our wardrobe 2 times a year, in June and October, according to the change of seasons.
Naturally, in “Karyukai (花柳界)”, the geisha world, we also change our type of kimono at the same time of the year.

From October to May we wear a kimono called “Awase (合わせ)”, which is a kimono with a lining used to keep us warm.
From June to September we wear a kimono called “Hitoe (一重)”, which is a single layer kimono for the warmer seasons.

From October to May, we use an Obi (帯), kimono belt, which is made of thick material and we use seasonal “Obiage (帯揚げ) *1” and “Obijime (帯締め) *2”. However from June to September we use a lighter Obi, Obiage and Obijime.

*1 Obiage is the sash which covers the Obimakura (帯枕 - a hard little pillow which is used to keep the obi stable) and keeps it in place on the obi.
*2 Obijime is a braided cord used to hold everything in place.

We wear a seasonal “Juban” (襦袢 - underwear worn with a kimono) and on the Juban we sew seasonal “Haneri” (半襟 - a decorative piece of material that covers the exposed neckline of the Juban).

As you can understand from what I have written about Koromogae, we are very busy on that day because we have to change all parts of the kimono in preparation for the new season.
In my Okiya, we did Koromogae on June 1st after my geisha family’s ceremonial lunch party. It took for about 3 hours. It was my second time to do Koromogae.

My geisha mother has many kimonos which she lends to us. I could enjoy seeing many types of kimono on that day.
She lent me a premium summer kimono which is called “Musou (無双)”, so my geisha sister said to jokingly that I was cheeky.

I’m happy to enjoy the change of seasons with the change of kimonos.