Kimono is the traditional Japanese clothing for both men and women. It is a long robe in various styles and materials, with many different colors and patterns. Kimonos have been around for centuries and have changed very little. Today we will look at the history of the kimono and how it is worn today.

History of Kimono

The history of the kimono is a long and intriguing one. Both men and women have worn the garment for centuries, but its origins are still debated. Some believe it was introduced to Japan during the Nara period (710-794), while others think it came from China or another Asian country.

Both men and women have worn kimonos for centuries.

One Garment, Many Names

Kimonos can confuse people who don’t know about them because there are so many different names. You’ll hear people talking about yukata, obi sashes, and haori jackets, but these are all just different types of kimono.

Types Of Kimono

There are many different kimonos in Japan, which are worn differently depending on the occasion. Some of these styles include:

Nagoya (長岡) – This style is the most common type seen in Japan today. It features bold vertical lines on the sleeves and hemline, as well as on the front panel of the kimono. The obi is usually tied in a simple knot at the front of the waist with some tassel hanging from it.

Kosode (小袖) – This style is often considered traditional since it was worn during the Edo period (1603–1867). Kosode has narrow sleeves that end just past the elbow, unlike modern Nagoya kimonos, which feature wider sleeves that extend past your wrist bone. The haori worn with this style has no lining or flap in front, so you can see through to your undershirt underneath.

Nagajuban: A one-piece undergarment that is worn underneath the outer kimono layer. It helps keep the inner layers clean and dry during wear.

Haori: A shorter jacket is worn over the top of the kimono layer when it’s cold outside or inside a building where it’s too hot to wear, just a plain kimono. Haori jackets usually have pockets at the front and back for storing small items like wallets and phones.

Haneri: A collarless under-kimono worn over another layer for warmth in winter months or indoors during colder seasons when wearing an outer layer may be too warm or uncomfortable (such as when sitting down). Haneri can be made from cotton or silk fabrics and often have intricate embroidery patterns woven into them for decoration.

Kimono For Different Seasons

In spring and summer: Kimonos are usually worn during summer because they are lightweight and airy enough to keep you cool during hot days. You can choose from different colors and designs for summer kimono. Some examples include white kimonos with purple flowers or blue with white flowers.

In autumn and winter: Winter kimonos are heavier than regular ones because they are made from thick material like wool or cotton so that they can keep you warm during winter months when temperatures drop drastically in Japan. For example, you could buy a black winter kimono with red dragons embroidered or navy blue with white snowflakes.

The Complexity Of Kimonos

The kimono is a very complex garment to understand fully. It consists of multiple layers of fabric sewn together to make it more durable and comfortable for the wearer. Because it’s so complicated, it takes years to master how to wear one properly.

Conclusion

Hopefully, this has given you a good starting point to begin your journey into the world of kimonos and Japanese fashion and perhaps inspired you to pick up that all-important first step.