Japan is known worldwide for having one of the most popular and influential cultures around the world. The country’s complex history became the catalyst of the formation of Japan’s numerous traditions and unique beliefs. Japan’s rich culture is reflected in to the country’s choice of national attire: the intricate and extremely delicate kimono.

The Kimono

The Japanese word “kimono” translates directly to “;something worn.”; Since its early beginnings in the fifth century, the kimono has been considered the country’s national costume.

A kimono is a straight lined, T-shaped robe with a collar and long, flowing, full-length sleeves, the robe typically reaching the wearer’s ankles. Due to the kimono’s loose-fitting nature, these garments require the use of a wide sash called the “;obi”; to help keep the robe fastened around the waist. Japan’s national attire is usually handmade and hand-sewn, with elaborate decorations made from silk crepes, silk brocades, silk and satin weaves that are also called “;ninzu.”;

Kimonos are either very casual or highly formal. You can determine the outfit’s level of formality by its fabric, decorations, the presence of kamons or family crests on the garment, and its color. Formal kimonos are grander and more elaborate, with up to five family crests displayed. Although the kimono comes in different fabrics, including polyester and cotton, silk is considered to be the most formal and most desirable fabric choice.

Contrary to popular belief, women are not the only ones required to don this formal attire. Men, too, are expected to wear the kimono to various social functions. Men’s kimonos are typically less fancy and less embellished than women’s kimonos. Simple kimonos are worn in different sports including sumo wrestling and kendo.

Kimono worn by young and unmarried women are significantly more elaborate, with longer sleeves than the type of kimonos older women wear. These garments usually follow the “;one-size-fits-all”; clothing rule, and are adjusted to fit the wearer perfectly through a system of tucking and folding.

Wearing a kimono usually requires another person’s assistance because the process of tucking and folding can be pretty difficult and time consuming.

The Wedding Kimono

In traditional Japanese weddings, both groom and bride are expected to follow an old tradition that requires them to have several costume changes throughout the ceremony. Both wedding participants are expected to wear the traditional kimono.

The bride dons an elegant kimono called the shiromuku. The shiromuku is a white garment with dramatic detailing etched onto the fabric. The uchikake, a heavily brocaded model of the shiromuku can also be worn by the bride

Japanese Wedding dress Hakama

Shiromuku and Uchikake

The uchikake is an extremely formal kimono that is worn over another kimono and obi. It is donned by the Japanese bride during very formal and traditional Japanese weddings. The groom wears a black, silken kimono called the hakama with a short coat referred to as the haori.

Formal and wedding kimonos are usually made from silk, and are more expensive than those of polyester and cotton. These handsome kimonos can fetch a hefty sum of up to $10,000 per garment. If you can’t afford the high price, settle for renting the wedding kimono for a day over making a really expensive purchase.

Historical and Cultural Significance of the Kimono

The kimono design is said to have originated in the Chinese traditional costume called the Hanfu. Extensive cultural exchanges between the two nations ensured that the Chinese culture left its mark on Japanese traditions. Modifications and alterations of the Hanfu created the contemporary image of the Japanese kimono.

Hanfu for men

Hanfu for women

Kimonos are worn to all formal functions, including funerals. When attending a funeral, the Japanese are required to wear black kimonos as a way of showing their respect for the departed. A black tie is worn to a funeral, and a white one to a wedding. It is by the tie that the crowds are able to determine whether a man is headed to a wedding or to a funeral.

For women, the tradition of putting on the kimono was an art that was passed from mother to daughter. Today, there are special classes that teach when, where and how these beautiful garments are worn.

There is a precise art to wearing the kimono. First, the “;tabi”; or the white socks must be worn. After the socks, the undergarments follow, to be hidden completely by the wrap-around skirt. The kimono comes last; the left side goes over the right and the obi is secured around the waist.

The traditional wedding in Japan, see the video below.

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