Kimono (Japanese: 着物 literally "something one wears") are traditional garments of Japan.The modern kimono began to take shape in the Heian period (CE 794-1192). Since then the basic shape of both men's and women's kimono has remained essentially unchanged: a T-shaped, straight-lined robe that falls to the ankles, with a collar, and sleeves that fall to the wrist. The sleeves also fall from the wrist to approximately the waist if the arms are held straight out (though some styles have extremely long sleeves (see below); the sleeves of some kimono fall almost to the floor). The robe is wrapped around the body, always with the left side over the right, and secured by a wide belt which is known as an obi.
There are styles of kimono for various occasions, ranging from extremely formal to very casual. The level of formality of women's kimono is determined by the shape (mostly the length of the sleeves), pattern and fabric, and also the colour. Men's kimono are usually one basic shape and are mainly worn in subdued colours. Formality is determined by the type and colour of accessories, the fabric, and the number or absence of mon (family crests). Silk is the most desireable and cotton is more casual of the two.
Kimono in general are expensive. They are sewn by hand, and the fabrics from which they are created are also frequently hand made and hand decorated. A single woman's kimono can easily exceed US$10,000; a complete kimono outfit, with kimono, undergarments, obi, ties, socka sandals and accessories, can exceed US$20,000; it is not uncommon for a single obi to cost well in the thousands of dollars.
Men's kimono
The main distictions between modern men's kimono are in the fabric and the design. Most men's kimono are of subdued, dark colour; common colours are black, dark blues and greens, and occasionally brown. Fabrics are usually matte. Some have a subtle pattern, and textured fabrics are common in more casual kimono. More casual men's kimono may be of slightly brighter colour, such as lighter purples, greens and blues, but sumo wrestlers have occasionally been known to wear quite bright colours such as fuchsia.
The most formal style of men's kimono is plain black with five kamon on the chest, shoulders and back. Slightly less formal is the three-kamon kimono. These are usually paired with white undergarments and accessories.
The main distictions between modern men's kimono are in the fabric and the design. Most men's kimono are of subdued, dark colour; common colours are black, dark blues and greens, and occasionally brown. Fabrics are usually matte. Some have a subtle pattern, and textured fabrics are common in more casual kimono. More casual men's kimono may be of slightly brighter colour, such as lighter purples, greens and blues, but sumo wrestlers have occasionally been known to wear quite bright colours such as fuchsia.
The most formal style of men's kimono is plain black with five kamon on the chest, shoulders and back. Slightly less formal is the three-kamon kimono. These are usually paired with white undergarments and accessories.
The particular Kimono and Obi Kai is wearing were made by my Aunt in Japan. Obachan (Aunt in Japanese) is a seamstress in Japan. We received this Kimono from her when Luke was born and have now made it a tradition to be passed on to the next child in the family. We hope that the our children will keep the tradition going with their children.
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