Kimono - Traditional Japanese Clothing

Kimono is not only worn as formal attire for special occasions but also as daily casual wear (Source: Internet).

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The Kimono is not only simply a traditional costume but also the soul of Japanese culture. Through thousands of years of change and development, kimono has always preserved its unique character and brought this value to the whole world.

Though the kimono is a decidedly Japanese form of dress, it is said that its roots are from China. The earliest form of kimono was worn as a type of undergarment, gaining popularity in Japan during the Muromachi period (1392–1573), when they began to be worn without hakama (traditional Japanese trousers), and paired with a sash called an obi. It wasn't until the Edo period (1603–1867) that the kimono, as we know it today, really came into its own, with an ever-expanding variety of colors, fabrics, and styles available. The kimono's original design included long, slit arms that touched the ground. Inside are numerous tiny layers of clothing in various color combinations. A kimono was exceedingly expensive during this time period. As a result, it is only used by the upper class on important holidays.

Kimono pattern is divided into 8 parts (2 sleeves, front body part, back body part, etc.), and each part is sewn using mainly straight line stitches. Although there are some differences in the shape of men’s and women's kimono, it is a flexible structure that can be tailored to anybody from the same size fabric. The colors of kimono often indicate the seasons of the year, and each social class also has its own color.

Japanese kimono is sewn from natural fabrics. (Internet source)

There are several elements involved when wearing a kimono. To understand a kimono, it’s essential to know the pieces involved. The following are some of the main parts invovled in wearing a kimono.

・Kimono - This is the main garment, which can be made from a variety of materials including, cotton, linen, wool, and silk.

・Obi - The outermost sash that is tied around a kimono. The knot can be tied in a variety of decorative ways.

・Juban - A type of undergarment used specifically with kimono.

・Koshi-himo - A sash that is tied at the waist to secure the kimono in place.

・Datejime - A belt that is fastened over the kimono, but under the obi, which helps the obi keep its shape.

・Tabi - Socks explicitly made to be worn with traditional Japanese footwear. The toe area is split into two sections.

・Geta, Zori - These are some of the traditional types of footwear worn with kimono. They somewhat resemble modern sandals.

・Furisode - This is the type of Japanese kimono worn by younger, unmarried women and girls. It is distinguishable by its long sleeves and often comes in bright colors. Furisode is the typical kimono worn during Japan’s Coming of Age Day (‘Seijin no Hi’).

・Tomesode - A formal kimono that’s worn by women who are married. It may be decorated in intricate crests and patterns; however these decorations are typically found below the waist. Mothers traditionally wear a black tomesode at their child’s wedding. There are also colored tomesode, which are sometimes worn by single women on occasion.

・Houmongi - Literally meaning “visiting kimono,” a houmongi is a type of kimono that’s suitable for any age and marital status. You can identify this kimono by the patterns that run over the shoulders, and across its bottom. This type of kimono may be worn to attend a wedding or tea ceremony.

・Yukata - These are the kimono most often seen at Japanese summer festivals. Yukata are made of thin material, and suitable for both women and men. However, men’s yukata are typically not as colorful, nor as flashy as the ones worn by women.

・Komon - Another type of casual Japanese kimono. A komon is usually decorated in a repeated pattern. The komon is perfect, casual daywear, as it was the common everyday garment in the days before Western clothing became the standard wear.

・Iromuji - A plain, solid color kimono without any patterns, worn by married and unmarried women alike. Iromuji may be in any color with the exception of white or black, however, they are in rather subdued tones. They may also be decorated with crests–the more crests there are, the more formal the kimono. This is a simple, but sophisticated kimono.

In the past, both men and women used kimono as daily clothing. But today, usually only Japanese women wear it as an official outfit, and men usually only wear it at weddings or traditional occasions.