Kimono of the Nara Period
Originally, "kimono" was the Japanese word for clothing. However, in recent years, the word has been used to refer specifically to traditional Japanese clothing. Kimono as we know them today came into the form during the Heian period (794-1185).
From ancient times, and all the way through the Nara period (710-794), Japanese people typically wore either ensembles consisting of separate upper and lower garments (trousers or skirts), or one-piece garments.
Kimono of the Heian Period
In the Heian period (794-1185), a new kimono-making technique was developed. Known as the straight-line-cut method, it involved cutting pieces of fabric in straight lines and sewing them together. With this technique, kimono makers did not have to concern themselves with the shape of the wearer's body.
Straight-line-cut kimono were suitable for all weather: they could be worn in layers to provide warmth in winter, and kimono made of breathable fabric such as linen were comfortable in summer. These advantages helped kimono become a part of Japanese people's everyday lives.
Over time, as the practice of wearing kimono in layers came into fashion, Japanese people began paying attention to how kimono of different colors looked together, and they developed a heightened sensitivity to color. Typically, color combinations represented either seasonal colors or the political class to which one belonged. It was during this time that what we now think of as traditional Japanese color combinations developed.
During this period that spanned the late-Nara period (710–794) and the Heian period (794–1185), the clothes that people wore began to differ depending on their social status as either a member of the nobility or an ordinary citizen. The nobility began to wear clothing that covered their hands and feet and was difficult to move around in, while ordinary people wore clothes that looked more like modern clothing, with straighter, less flowy sleeves and better mobility.
Kimono of the Kamakura Period
During the Kamakura period (1185–1333) and the Muromachi period (1336–1573), both men and women wore brightly colored kimono. As the warrior class grew in power, they would take to the battlefield dressed in gaudy colors that represented their leaders.
Kimono of the Edo Period
During the Edo period (1603–1867), the Tokugawa warrior clan ruled over Japan. The country was divided up into feudal domains ruled by lords. The samurai of each domain wore "samurai uniforms," which consisted of a kimono and a kamishimo worn over the kimono, and were identified by the patterns on the kamishimo.A kamishimo is the combination of an upper sleeveless garment that was made of linen, starched to make the shoulders stand out, and a hakama, a type of skirt-like trousers. As the techniques of making kimono rapidly developed, kimono grew into an art form. Kimono became more valuable, and parents handed them down to their children as family heirlooms.
From the Meiji Period to Today
During the Meiji period (1868-1912), Japan was heavily influenced by foreign cultures. The government encouraged people to adopt Western clothing and habits. Government officials and military personnel were required by law to wear Western clothing for official functions. (That law is no longer in effect today.) Ordinary citizens, on the other hand, were required to wear kimono decorated with their family crests, called kamon, which identified their family backgrounds, on formal occasions. This type of kimono is called mantsuki. Since then, montsuki became formal wear for Japanese people.
Nowadays, Japanese people rarely wear kimono in everyday life, reserving them as haregi (formal clothing) for occasions including wedding ceremonies, funerals, and university graduation ceremonies. They are also worn for tea ceremonies and other special events, such as summer festivals and tanabata.
FAQs
The history of the kimono can be tracked back to the Heian period (794–1185), when Japan's nobility embraced a distinctive style of clothing. Formerly the most common Japanese garment, the kimono has fallen out of favor and is rarely worn as everyday dress now.
What does it mean to wear a kimono in Japan? ›
Believed to live for a thousand years and to inhabit the land of the immortals, the Kimono is a symbol of longevity and good fortune. Specific motifs are used to indicate virtues or attributes of the wearer, or relate to the season or occasion such as weddings and festivals where it bestows good fortune on the wearer.
How can you tell if a Japanese kimono is real? ›
First, the collar of a kimono is made with the same fabric as the body of the kimono. If you see they are made from two different fabrics or colors, then it is either fake, or possibly a juban (underwear for kimono that often has a white collar). Also notice how all three of these come with a matching small thin belt.
Why did Japanese stop wearing kimono? ›
During the Meiji period (1868-1912), Japan was heavily influenced by foreign cultures. The government encouraged people to adopt Western clothing and habits. Government officials and military personnel were required by law to wear Western clothing for official functions.
Can girls wear shorts in Japan? ›
Travelers can wear shorts in hot weather, but don't wear cut-offs, board shorts, etc. Most Japanese women don't show their shoulders, belly or cleavage. And most don't wear leggings (yoga pants etc) unless they're doing yoga or sports.
What is a kimono for men called? ›
Montsuki: This is one of the most formal styles of men's kimono. There is a black version ー known as kuromontsuki (kuro means black)ー and a colored version ー iromontsuki (iro means color).
What does a black kimono mean? ›
In Japan, black kimono are generally considered more formal than other more colorful options. For women, a black kimono with a family crest, known as a kurotomesode, is often worn for very formal events such as weddings (by married female relatives of the bride or groom) or other significant social gatherings.
Can you wear a kimono with jeans? ›
The look is light and airy, the feeling is gorgeous, and the goal of this outfit is to feel all sorts of luxury in every little moment. As you can tell, we love denim in any kimono outfit. Whether the look is clean and classic or hip and grungy, your kimono style can flourish with a touch of your favorite denim.
Are real kimonos expensive? ›
Kimonos are known for being expensive, and a kimono from the Japanese brand Chiso is one of the most expensive you can buy. One kimono takes around 20 artisans over six months to make, and it can cost over $10,000.
Do Japanese wear anything under kimono? ›
Under the yukata you don't need to wear anything (excepted your underwear of course). Formal kimono are supposed to be worn above several layers. You have to wear an under robe (nagajuban) to keep the expensive and delicate fabric of the kimono clean.
How Much Do Authentic Kimonos Cost? Authentic Japanese kimonos can cost between $40 to $800 or more, depending on the material they are made out of, the pattern, and the person who designed the garment.
Why do kimonos have holes? ›
Miyatsukuchi. The arm hole on the body, under where the sleeve is attached. This is not present in men's kimono, only in women's. This hole is useful for dressing and properly adjusting the Ohashori.
Can an American wear a kimono? ›
In short, you will not be viewed as 'stealing' Japanese culture if you wear a kimono and you are respectful when doing so. In fact, many Japanese would be pleased to see you wear a kimono as it demonstrates your passion for Japanese culture.
Why does a kimono have a pillow? ›
Padding's important to make your kimono look perfect
Maybe you've seen something that looks like a pillow or bag at the back of a kimono. That's used to help tie the obi properly. It's not there for storage, or to sleep on! Sometimes, people carry things inside the kimono's long hanging sleeves instead.
Why is kimono right over left? ›
Just wear it like you would a bathrobe or a housecoat, simply tied around the waist. The only Japanese cultural rule to follow is to close the kimono robe with the left side over right, as the opposite way is the way to dress a corpse.
What is worn under a kimono? ›
No Undergarments Allowed To Wear Under The Kimono? In Japanese tradition, Japanese people used to wear kimono without any undergarments, they would wear a piece of cloth known as Hadajyuban (肌襦袢) and Susoyoke(裾よけ). However, this traditional rules are no longer required in this modern world.
Why do most Japanese only wear kimonos on special occasions? ›
Compared to Western dress, the kimono tends to limit one's movement, and it takes more time to wear and store properly. So most Japanese today wear kimonos only on special occasions like formal gatherings and traditional events.
What is the meaning of the black kimono? ›
In Japan, black kimono are generally considered more formal than other more colorful options. For women, a black kimono with a family crest, known as a kurotomesode, is often worn for very formal events such as weddings (by married female relatives of the bride or groom) or other significant social gatherings.
