Information on Japanese Kimonos

The kimono is a traditional Japanese costume.

The Japanese word "kimono" translates literally as "clothing," and this garment is one of the world's most recognized cultural costumes. While kimonos were everyday wear years ago in Japan, these traditional robes are usually seen today only for special occasions. The kimono has a rich history and a number of traditional aspects.

History

Kimonos have been used for men's, women's and children's clothing since the Jomon Period over 1,700 years ago. The first kimonos were made from hemp and had no distinction between men's and women's styles. As sewing methods became more advanced during the Asuka Period, dating from 550 C.E. to 710 C.E., clothing became longer and styles between men's and women's kimonos became different. The kimono continued to evolve through the Heian Period of 792 C.E. to 1192 C.E., during which they became layered and color-coordinated to changes in seasons. Kimonos returned to highly-decorated, single-layer garments during the Edo Period, 1601 to 1867, which is the style commonly associated with the kimono today.

Uses

Although no longer everyday wear in Japan, kimonos are worn mainly for special occasions. Women wear kimonos during tea ceremonies and holiday celebrations. Brides and grooms wear several changes of kimono during traditional Japanese wedding ceremonies. Black kimonos are worn by Japanese men and women for funeral services.

Materials

Kimonos are most often made from hand-dyed silk decorated with elaborate patterns and embroidery. Occasionally kimonos are made from other fabrics to allow greater comfort during the seasons. In winter, wool or heavy synthetic fabrics are common. Light cotton kimonos are commonly worn during summer months. The cotton kimonos, known as yukata, are also worn to bath houses or hot springs.

Ritual

Dressing in a kimono follows a traditional order that mothers teach to their daughters. White socks, or tabi, are first put on the feet. Undergarments are put on next, followed by an under-kimono, the nagajuban. The outer kimono is put on and wrapped left side over right side. The kimono is then tied around the waist with the obi, a decorative sash that is tied into a wide bow in the back.

Styles

Many varieties of kimonos exist for different occasions and different wearers. Young, single women wear bright, long-sleeved kimonos called furisode, while married women wear short-sleeved kimonos in muted shades known as tomosode. Women's sleeves are wide and open, but sleeve length can vary from close to the arm to floor-length. Obi belts also vary from wide, formal obi to more narrow casual styles. Men's kimonos are different from women's kimonos, as the fabric displays a more masculine pattern and sleeves are sewn together under the arm.

References

• Japan Zone: Kimono
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology: Kimono Hypertext--History
• Japanese Lifestyle: Kimono Obi
• Japanese Kimono: Kimono Patterns