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What Is a Kimono?
Kimono are a form of traditional Japanese dress worn by both men and women. They are a type of robe with straight seams, secured by wrapping the left side over the right and tying it at the back with an obi (sash). Kimono can be formal or informal, depending on the fabric and patterns used, and the way in which it is worn. Formality can also be determined by the addition of overgarments: for women, this may be a haori, and for men, it may be hakama (traditional trousers).
Kimonos have always been designed to be expressive: indications of age, family, status, and even nationality are communicated through colour, pattern and motifs. The patterns used on the kimono were influenced by nature and culture, and the images used had multiple levels of meaning. For example, cranes are a symbol of longevity and good luck, while chrysanthemums represent wealth and happiness.
The earliest kimono were unlined, although as the silk industry developed and Japan opened up to Western trade, wool became common in kimono as well. It was also around this time that wide obi began to appear, indicating the start of the modern era of kimono.
Traditionally, kimono were taken apart to be washed – a process known as arai hari. Once they were washed, the stitches would be re-sewn by hand before being worn again. This was a labour-intensive process and, along with the high cost of the material, made the garment very expensive. This process is still employed in some cases, with the kimono being steamed and then taken apart and re-sewn in order to clean it and prepare it for wear.
In pre-war times, komon (, lit 'small pattern') was the most common everyday kimono for women. These kimono were often adorned with floral patterns, and their smocked collars were often pulled back to expose the nape of the neck. These kimono were not considered formal, but woven geometric patterns such as stripes or diamonds were regarded as a little more formal, as were woven non-geometric patterns. Woven motifs that represented the seasons were considered a touch more formal as well, with pine, plum and bamboo - the trio of auspicious motifs commonly known as the Three Friends of Winter - being particularly appropriate for use in colder months.
Aside from the season, a kimono's level of formality can be indicated by the pattern used, colour and even the colour of the lining fabric. Some motifs were specific to one season, while others, such as the famous cherry blossoms, were only worn until just before the actual flowering.
In general, however, the closer the design was to the hemline, and the more muted the colours were, the older the wearer was. Kimonos are a very distinctive style of clothing and are renowned the world over for their beauty and craftsmanship. They are the pride of Japan and an internationally recognised cultural treasure.
Kimono robe cover up long floral satin sleepwear silky bathrobe bachelorette robe
Long style kimono robe for women, continuous printed sleeves, ankle length, sash tie closure, pockets, belt loops and inside ties.
Floral kimono dressing gown with sash tie closure, inside tie, belt loops and two pockets
