The History of the Kimono

     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".  

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Facts on Kimono

     Kimono are clothes worn in Japan.  Kimono are designed to match the seasons.  They are also designed for different occasions.  When a baby is born, if it is a girl, it is dressed in a white under garment and a bright yuzen or dyed kimono; if a boy is born, he wears a black kimono with the family crest on it.  Another occasion for wearing a kimono is Shichi-go san.

     On the "Coming of Age" day a girl wears a furisode (kimono with long flowing sleeves), a boy wears a sahaori (half-coat) and a hakama with the family crest.  Only unmarried women wear a furisode.  A married woman wears a tomesode.  A tomesode only has a pattern on the bottom half.  A colored tomesode can also be worn on formal occasions.

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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

Obiage- shawl that you tie over the obi

Tabi- split toe socks worn with kimono

Yukata- a summer kimono worn without under garments ( also as a robe)

Zori- sandals made of straw

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