The Kimono: a Short History
Even though the kimono is originally of Chinese origin, the Japanese have been wearing them for hundreds of years, and the most beautiful kimonos were produced in 17th and 18th century Japan.
Traditionally, the cloth and color combinations indicated the political and social standing of the wearer and the colors of kimonos changed with the season. These days, the kimono is no longer purely a traditional robe.
Traditionally, all girls in Japan had to learn to make their own clothes and sew. But sewing was simpler than in the west. The girdle, haori and kimono, and even the long hanging sleeves, had only parallel stitches. The garments were, in fact, taken apart for washing, and each piece, after being mildly starched, was stretched out on a board for drying, before being sewn back together again.
There are many types of kimono clothing: the long-sleeved, beautiful kinds worn by geisha or young girls, the formal kimono stamped with the wearer’s family emblem and worn on formal occasions; men’s kimonos and kimono for children. A young woman wears a kimono with long sleeves and an Obi, a broad brocade or silk sash about 12 feet long and twelve inches wide. As the girl grows older, her kimonos become smaller and the colors richer and deeper while the obi is made narrower and worn deeper. Also, haori, a short knee-length kimono, is often worn. These days, a kimono is usually only donned for special occasions and is primarily worn by women, but certain men do still wear this garb. Both kimono and haori can be hung on a hard wood hanging bar as wall art.
As an ideal gift or indulgent treat, kimono clothing is extremely versatile, a welcome addition to anyone’s wardrobe.
Perhaps the most popular color for a kimono is red, derived from safflower. The yukata has much in common with the kimono, except it is made of lightweight cotton and is less formal.
