My ex criticized me of cultural appropriation once for wearing a kimono or Japanese traditional attire.

But Japanese people encourage others to wear kimonos or other traditional dress. If you wear a Barong and not a Filipino by blood, by nationality and did not credit the culture, does that mean that cultural appropriation hinges on perspective?

If a British guy decides to don a Greek muscle cuirass or a Napoleonic Line infantry uniform, does not credit the culture, is not descended from those cultures and is not a citizen of the country it is in now, so long as the people of said culture does not deem it cultural appropriation, it isn't??

Or is it a race thing rather than a universal given. Dunno anywhere else to ask.