Kimono History

Kimono history stretches far back into the Jomon period and looked quite different from the kimonos we know today. The original kimonos were made of hemp clothing and tightly fastened to the wearer. From then on, kimonos were worn in two pieces. Kimono history as we know it began after 794. Before 794, garments were separated in upper and lower halves. From 794 to 1192 onward, the one cut piece was popular. This consisted of sewing long cloths together that would make the modern day kimono. 1192 to 1573 were the years when bright coloring was added to kimonos.

For a woman, the kimono was a way of expressing modesty and a sense of class. There would be multiple layers in wearing the kimono with the traditional bow tied on the back end. Both men and women have worn kimonos over the centuries and consisted of everyday wear. Nowadays, kimonos are reserved for special occasions such funerals or weddings. Kimonos can also be seen in tea ceremonies and geisha performances within Japanese culture. The Japanese take pride in their heritage and the kimono has become the national garment of Japan that attracts tourists and foreigners alike.