- Kimonos were originally made of hemp that consisted of upper and lower parts and one-piece outfits. During the Heian period between 794 to 1192, a new kimono making technique was formed called the straight-line-cut method. During the Kamakura period (1192 to 1338) and the Muromachi period (1338 to 1573), colors were introduced to the kimono, and both men and women wore brightly colored kimonos. Kimonos soon became an art form of creating new styles and colors that were valuable. As kimonos became more valuable, they also became family heirlooms, being passed down to children. Beginning in 1868 and lasting through 1912, the Japanese government pushed citizens and governments officials to wear Western-style clothing.
- The women's kimono is an elaborate piece of clothing that varies in colors and styles. The sleeves of a woman's kimono indicate her age and marital status. A young, unmarried woman's kimono consists of long sleeves called furisodes. A wedding dress is a white kimono with short sleeves called shiromuku that symbolizes a new journey. Tomosodes are short-sleeved kimonos for married women that are usually black, with patterns at the bottom. Kimonos for men are conservative in style with colors of white, blue or gray.
- The Japanese culture views the different seasons of the year with high regard. Kimonos are picked based on the season. Pale green kimonos can be seen worn in the spring. Lavender and dark blue colors are worn for the summer and the colors of leaves are considered for the fall. Winter colors are typically strong hues of red and black. Yukata is a summer form the kimono made out of cotton. The yukata is casual and worn to summer fireworks and celebrations.Yukata colors are typically navy and white.
- To make a kimono, a long piece of fabric that is 39 to 43 feet long and at least 14 inches wide is used. The fabric is then cut into eight pieces and sewn together to make the basic form. All the fabric is used, and this method makes it easy to take off and replace damaged fabric. To hold the kimono in place, a sash is worn around the waist over the kimono. Called an obi, the sash is 13 feet long and 12 inches wide. Obis are tied in various manners for fashion and come in a variety of colors and patterns, like the kimono.
- Different kimono styles are worn based on different occasions and holidays. Full patterned kimonos are worn for a formal visit. Kimonos with patterns that run from the hemline to the shoulders are for parties and friends' weddings. Casual kimonos contain small subtle patterns or bold colored patterns. Children wear kimonos for coming-of-age ceremonies, children's festivals and reporting births. Boys wear half-coats and vests with their family crests on them when they turn 20 for the coming-of-age ceremony and girls wear furisodes.
