Kimono, the traditional garment of Japan (translates literally as something to wear, pronounced kee-mo-no, pl. kimono) originally referred to all types of clothing for children, men, and women. Historically, all women's kimono would be one size. The wearer had to tuck and fold the fabric, usually with assistance, to create the appropriate fit. Kimono were made from a single standard-sized bolt of kimono fabric and sewn by hand. The kimono fabrics are beautifully hand decorated.

The kimono is held together tied with a sash known as obi, and worn with the traditional geta and zori sandals. Today we know the word kimono to refer to a somewhat long, T-shaped robe style of garment. The kimono shape remains fundamentally unchanged today. Traditional kimono are artful laborious works of incredible beauty.

In the past, the few seams of kimono would often be deconstructed for washing, and then re-sewn once again for the wearer. A Kimono style, whether for formal or casual wear, is determined mostly by the pattern, fabric, and color of the garment. A younger unmarried women's kimono would have longer sleeves than a married woman’s and the pattern would be more elaborate. Men's kimono were worn in muted colors. For most kimono, silk is the most formal fabric and cotton, linen, or hemp would be used for informal wear.

The wearing of kimono is laden with symbolism and communicates many social messages. The level of formality of the occasion determines the type of kimono worn as to sleeve-length, color, fabric type, patterning dependent on the season, and how the obi is detailed and tied all relate to the woman's age, marital status, and social standing. For men the kimono has less wide sleeves, subdued colors like black, deep blues, and greens, fabric matte in textural sheen, and with a restrained pattern. All kimono are made more formal by the additional of hakama (wide pants) and haori (kimono coat).

Since the traditional silk kimono is hand made and hand decorated, one made as historically accurate as possible can be extraordinarily expensive. In contemporary Japan, kimono is rarely worn as every-day clothing but left for ceremonial occasions.

For additional information on kimono visit:

Costume History in Japan
It is the traditional clothing of the Edo Period (1600-1868) that brings us the kimono we know today. From the The Costume Museum in Kyoto, Japan

Kimono, Kimono Fabric, and Japanese Clothing

Kimono Encyclopedia

To make your own version of this historical garment:

The Simplicity Pattern Co. has a kimono design in pattern # 4080. Use their Pattern Search and type the word kimono to find eight different styles.

McCall Pattern Company has pattern # M4953 for lined kimono with obi or tie closures.

Butterick pattern #B6698 from their Winter/Holiday 2006 catalog has a kimono identified as a loose-fitting, unlined, A-line, wrap robe.

Happy sewing.

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