The document describes the evolution of dress and appearance in Japan from the 3rd-4th centuries AD to the 19th century AD. Early clothing for both men and women consisted of two-piece costumes made from materials like silk, hemp, linen and satin. In later centuries, Chinese influence brought changes like upper class clothing adopting Chinese styles and silk becoming more popular. By the Heian period the kimono had become standard attire, with variations in color and length distinguishing ages and genders. Social class restrictions on clothing colors and styles developed over time as well.

1. Dress and Appearance Michael T., Lydia F., and Nick T.

2. 3 rd -4 th Centuries A.D The normal clothes for the 3-4 th centuries A.D. were two piece costumes for both men and women. The materials clothes were made of were silk, hemp, linen, satin, and brocade (fabric with raised designs). The upper class were the main people who wore silk. Yamato period clothing (300-350 A.D)

3. 8 th Century A.D 8 th century is when the strong Chinese influence began. Upper class clothes began to reflect Chinese styles. Silk had become a lot more popular rather than hemp, linen, brocade or satin. Nara period clothing (710-792 A.D.)

4. 12 th Century A.D Upper class clothes became a lot simpler but stayed as colorful and expensive as before. Men’s clothing used darker colors such as brown or grey. Women’s clothing used brighter colors, such as yellow or orange. Women of the samurai class wore fewer layers of robes and were expected to dress modestly outside of the home. Heian period clothing (792-1192 A.D.)

5. 14 th -15 th Centuries A.D The kimono became standard for men and women. For different ages or genders, the kimono was different in color, had shorter parts, or both. Muromachi period (1192-1573 A.D.)

6. 17 th -19 th Centuries A.D The Shogunal government tried to restrict expensive and colorful kimonos to members of the samurai class. Merchants and artisans were prohibited to wear bright colors. Edo period clothing (1601-1867 A.D)