The Japanese Kimono
A Kimono is a Japanese “T-shaped”
traditional garment . It is worn by
women, men and children. The word
kimono means a “thing to wear”, “ki”
means wear and “mono” means thing.
Kimono is the plural in Japanese.
Kimonos are straight lined and have
wide sleeves. They all wrap to the left
side over the right, and are secured by
a sash called an “obi.” Kimonos are
worn with traditional footwear and
split toe socks.
Today, the kimono is most often
worn by women on special
occasions. Men wear the kimono
at weddings, tea ceremonies and
other formal events. Professional
Sumo wrestlers are often seen in
the kimonos because they are
required to wear traditional dress
when in public.
History
The earliest kimonos were influenced by traditional Han
Chinese clothing. During the 8th century, Chinese fashions
came into style among Japanese.
Materials
Kimonos are made from a single bolt of fabric called a “tan.”
However, wrestlers need 2 bolts! The finished kimono consists of 4
main strips of fabric with small strips forming front panels and a
collar. Kimonos are taken apart to wash and sewn back together by
hand. They can be re-tailored to fit a different person. The obi and
the kimono is typically made of silk and satin and hand decorated.
A kimono can easily exceed
$10,000! An obi may cost
several thousand dollars.
Choosing a type of kimono
requires knowledge of the
garments symbolism and
subtle social messages. For
example: an un-married
woman’s kimono has a
longer sleeve, and men’s are
worn in more subdued color
combinations.
Design
• Formal kimonos have free-style designs over the whole surface.
The pattern of the kimono can also determine in which season
it should be worn. For example: a pattern of butterflies or
cherry blossoms would be worn in Spring. Water designs would
be worn in summer, Japanese maple leaf designs for fall and for
winter: bamboo, pine tress and plum blossoms are favorite
themes.
Examples: