A History of the Kimono

The kimono is the traditional clothing of Japan. Kimono styles have changed significantly from one period of Japan's history to another, and today there are many different types of kimono worn by men, women, and children. The cut, color, fabric, and decorations of a kimono may vary according to the sex, age, and marital status of the wearer, the season of the year, and the occasion for which the kimono is worn.



Before the year 794, Japanese people wore separate upper and lower garments.  During the years 794 to 1192, the straight line method was invented.  This method involved cutting long pieces of fabric and sewing them together in a long dress like a kimono.  From the year 1192 to 1573, Japanese men and women began to wear bright colors on their kimono.  Samurai warriors wore the colors of their leaders.

     Kimono making is a major art in Japan.  The kimono is a valuable piece of clothing.  They became heirlooms between 1868 and 1912.  Japan was influenced by other cultures.  Japan has recently adopted a more western style of clothing.  People wear modern clothes now like jeans and t-shirts.  Today kimono are only worn on special occasions such as the "Coming of Age Day".  


Kimonos are T-shaped, straight-lined robes worn so that the hem falls to the ankle, with attached collars and long, wide sleeves. Kimonos are wrapped around the body, always with the left side over the right (except when dressing the dead for burial),and secured by a sash called an obi, which is tied at the back. Kimonos are generally worn with traditional footwear (especially zōri or geta) and split-toe socks (tabi).

Clothing Dictionary

Geta - clogs made of wood with two straps

Hakama - split leg garment for men

Ju-ni-hitoe - worn by ladies in the superial court and by the brides at princess weddings

Kamishimo -  formal dress for males in samurai class

Kimono - Native Japanese costume

Kosode - under garment worn by men and women

Obi - the belt that holds the kimono in place Obiage - shawl that you tie over the obi
Obijime - the sash that keeps the obi in place Tabi - split toe socks worn with kimono
Uchikake - top garment worn on kosode ( brides only) Yukata - a summer kimono worn without under garments ( also as a robe)
Zori - sandals made of straw