What Is a Kimono?
The kimono — literally meaning "thing to wear" — is Japan's most recognized traditional garment. A T-shaped, straight-seamed robe worn by men, women, and children alike, the kimono has evolved over more than a thousand years from court attire to a garment worn at weddings, festivals, tea ceremonies, and cultural celebrations. Understanding the kimono means understanding a great deal about Japanese aesthetics, social values, and history.
The Different Types of Kimono
Not all kimono are created equal. The type of kimono you wear — or appreciate — depends heavily on the occasion, the wearer's age and marital status, and the season.
- Furisode: Characterized by long, flowing sleeves, furisode are worn by unmarried women at coming-of-age ceremonies and formal occasions. They are among the most elaborately decorated kimono styles.
- Tomesode: A formal kimono for married women, featuring patterns only below the waist. The kuro (black) tomesode is the most formal variety.
- Houmongi: A "visiting wear" kimono with patterns that flow across seams, suitable for attending tea ceremonies, parties, and formal visits.
- Yukata: A casual, unlined cotton kimono typically worn in summer, at fireworks festivals (hanabi), or at ryokan (traditional inns).
- Hakama: Technically worn over a kimono, hakama are wide, pleated trousers associated with samurai, martial arts, and graduation ceremonies.
- Men's Kimono: Typically more subdued in color — navy, charcoal, brown — with subtle textures and fewer decorative patterns.
How to Wear a Kimono: The Basics
Wearing a kimono properly is an art form. While professional kitsuke (kimono dressing) experts train for years, understanding the fundamentals helps you appreciate the craft — and get started yourself.
- Start with undergarments: A hadajuban (undershirt) and susoyoke (underskirt) are worn beneath the nagajuban (under-kimono) to protect the outer garment and add structure.
- Left side over right: The left panel always crosses over the right when closed. Right over left is reserved for dressing the deceased — a deeply important cultural distinction.
- Secure with koshihimo: Thin ties called koshihimo hold the kimono in place at the waist before the obi (sash) is tied.
- Tie the obi: The obi is the wide sash wrapped around the waist. There are dozens of obi styles and tying methods, from the simple bunko musubi to the elaborate taiko musubi.
- Add accessories: Complete the look with tabi (split-toe socks), zori or geta sandals, and a matching obijime cord and obiage sash.
Choosing a Kimono for Your Body and Occasion
Unlike Western clothing, kimono sizing is relatively straightforward — length and sleeve width matter most. Kimono can be adjusted using the ohashori fold at the waist to suit different heights. When selecting a kimono:
- Consider the season: lighter fabrics (ro, sha) for summer; heavier silks (chirimen, rinzu) for autumn and winter.
- Match the formality of the occasion to the garment type.
- Pay attention to kamon (family crests) if wearing formal attire — the number of crests indicates formality level.
Where to Find Kimono Today
Kimono can be purchased new from specialist stores, but many enthusiasts find beautiful pieces at:
- Flea markets (komichi-ichi) and antique markets across Japan
- Secondhand kimono shops (furugiya) in cities like Kyoto and Tokyo
- Online platforms dedicated to vintage Japanese textiles
- Rental shops (kimono rentaru) for one-time occasions
Whether you're wearing a kimono for a special occasion or simply learning to appreciate its beauty, the garment rewards patience and study. Each kimono tells a story — in its fabric, its pattern, its construction — and wearing one connects you to centuries of living Japanese culture.