Taking inspiration from the traditional kimono robe, the silk kimono dress started out as a trend. Like many trends, the popularity of a silk kimono dress was expected to eventually die down. This obviously was not the case for this style as up to now many women still wear these kimono dresses. Traditional kimonos are basically robes that are secured in place by a sash or form of belt. Worn properly the kimono should have the left panel always overlapping the right panel. Depending on the culture these kimonos vary slightly in appearance, material and lengths. The use of silk for a kimono is common practice due to it’s exquisite and soft texture. The kimono robe was originally worn by both men and women and even kids. Through time however less and less men wore kimonos and often delegated donning the garment only during tea ceremonies or very special occasions. Silk kimonos are deemed expensive as traditional one are handmade unlike the cheaper versions which are mass produced and partly machine made. As aforementioned the kimono dress takes inspiration from the robe. Some people often mistake the silk kimono dress as merely a westernized term for the kimono robe.

Still made in the shape of a T, the silk kimono dress initially looks like your standard kimono. Upon closer inspection one will notice key differences. Unlike the kimono robe, the silk kimono dress usually does not have to be secured by an additional sash or belt. Kimono robes open at the front whereas a silk kimono dress usually has closures at the back in the form of a zipper pull, buttons or snaps. More often than not, kimono dresses can simply be worn like you would a t-shirt, simply slipping the garment over you head and arms.The addition of a sash or slim belt is used mostly as decorative item or to give emphasis to the waist area once it is tied securely in place. Basically a silk kimono dress is a stylized and somewhat Asian version of a tunic. The dress comes in many different lengths. A kimono dress can be worn on its own or paired with other garments. For instance a short silk kimono dress can be worn over a pair of tights, good fitting jeans, crisp slack, a pair of shorts or even a skirt with a flattering cut. Some kimono dresses are robe like and do have front closures these work well as cover ups or as a light jacket to add flair to an otherwise plain ensemble. Dresses as of recent however are of the longer variety, this style is known as the maxi-dress. These dresses are ankle lengths and sometimes even skim the floor depending on the style of the wearer. Thus a maxi silk kimono dress is also in vogue. In keeping with the kimono aspect, the maxi dresses are no different from the shorter variety that have wide sleeves often falling around the elbow or at the wrists. Cotton besides silk is one of the materials used as many find that a silk dress can prove to be a challenge for warmer climates. The reason why a silk kimono dress has not gotten out of style is mainly because of its classic and elegant appeal which can instantly go from day to night.

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The Qing Dynasty heralded the beginning of the Chinese short silk kimono robe. Kimonos are part of the cultural aspects of both the Chinese and the Japanese. The latter being more widely known and even mistaken as the original creators of the kimono. The Japanese were merely introduced to the kimono after having seen them on wealthy Chinese traders that they traded with many hundreds of years ago. Constructed in the shape of a T, the kimono has many variations. Each culture has a kimono reserved for particular occasions or is used only by certain classes in society. The garment is predominantly made of silk for its luxurious and soft silky smooth qualities. However there are also various other materials used again depending on the occasion it is to be worn at or depending on the preferences of the wearer. Between the two a quick comparison will reveal that a short silk kimono robe would be that of the Chinese. The Japanese kimono traditionally has an ankle length hemline whereas the Chinese would have theirs at knee length. Kimonos were worn by men, women and even children, these days they are more commonly seen on women and some children. Most males have adapted to more modern attires though some still practice wearing kimonos during special events or tea ceremonies.

Costume shops and online stores are some of the resources where costume kimonos can be found. Compared to the traditional kimono more often than not, the kimonos used for costumes are of inferior quality. The reason behind this is that most costume variety kimono robes are mass produced unlike the traditional kimono which are often custom made only by artisan kimono makers. Thus the aspect of a fully hand made kimono easily encompasses one that is machine made. Materials used also play a key role in determining the overall quality of a kimono. Obviously a short silk kimono robe would more costly that a short cotton version. Costumes however are not the only non traditional use for a short silk kimono. In the last few years many fashionable women have been seen wearing a short silk kimono in place of a cardigan or light coat.

Bath robes and home lounge wear have also been fashioned to resemble a long or short silk kimono robe. Most of the time embellishments have been added to make the short silk kimono robe more suitable for bath or home use. Just like a traditional silk kimono, the ones used as robes also come in a variety of lengths, colors and materials. Still being a favorite, silk is sometimes replaced with rayon, synthetic materials and of course cotton. Short silk kimono robe and the like can be found in sleepwear, bath wear and lounge wear sections at your favorite mall or boutique. Online stores sell a variety of kimonos for women and even men who like the luxurious feel of silk or those who simply got coerced by their partners to wear a matching short silk kimono robe. Those who are handy with a needle and thread can also choose to make their own as patterns can easily be downloaded or purchased. For an instant luxurious feel even for just lounging around at home, the silk kimono is the perfect choice.

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For geisha’s their long silk kimono is their prized possession. The geisha women are renowned for their many artistic talents. Their success in providing entertainment for their clients can be seen by the quality of their kimono. Popular geisha’s would not only be able to afford well fitting and custom made kimonos but are often the recipients of beautifully crafted silk kimonos from their patrons. In general it is believed that individuals who wore kimonos that followed the standard ankle length as well as the use of premium materials and accessories are those who belonged in the upper class of society. Back in those days it was only these society classes that could afford to have their long silk kimono tailor made. Additionally a silk kimono was and still is rather expensive.

Perhaps their most noticeable differentiating feature of a Japanese kimono from a Chinese one  is their lengths. A long silk kimono is for the Japanese whilst the Chinese kimonos hemline falls around the knees. In both cultures the kimono was worn by both men and women and even children however the changing times have left the kimono to be worn mainly but not limited to women.

Other than being used as a traditional garment, kimonos  can be seen used as a costume or even as bath robe or cover up at home. A long silk kimono used as a robe is typically designed for women. Various bed and bath boutiques carry a wide range of long silk kimono robes as well as kimonos made of different materials. The use of silk is still predominant even in bath robes however due to its price and non absorbency many choose to purchase a robe in either rayon, cotton or some other synthetic material better suited for its use. Some couples choose to own matching pairs which they can use to lounge around in at home or after a bath. Short styled kimono robes are also available for those who do not want the full coverage provided by a long silk kimono. Compared to the traditional garment , long silk kimono robes for lounging are less formal and do not adhere to the principles of the original version. Pockets, monogrammed initials, fur trimmings and various adornments and even prints on the material itself that are not commonly found in of a traditional one are also available.

Fictional characters like the famous Carrie Bradshaw have worn a silk kimono robe as outerwear by using it as as somewhat light coat over her clothes. This styling can easily be replicated as long as the wearer chooses the proper venue to sport this ensemble. It is generally not hard to find a long silk kimono robe in shops or department stores however for those who have difficulty locating one there is always the option of shopping for one online. These non traditional long silk kimono robes unlike its ancestor are priced relatively cheaper as they are obviously made for mass consumption. Nowadays its easier to own a kimono without having to worry about social classes.

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The most iconic garment related to the Japanese culture is the Japanese kimono robe. Amusingly this article of clothing is said to be of Chinese origin dating back to the Qing Dynasty. Many still dispute this and consider the kimono as something that is uniquely Japanese. Regardless of its roots, undoubtedly the most popular form is that of the Japanese kimono robe. While both robes from each country bare striking similarities it is noticeable how much more this clothing is embedded in the Japanese culture.

The word kimono literally means “thing to wear” as “ki’ means wear while “mono” means thing. A Japanese kimono robe is a traditional garment worn by men, women and children. When laid flat a kimono can be seen shaped like a T. The traditional Japanese kimono robe is straight lined, worn with the hem falling at the ankles, they come with attached collars and long wide sleeves. Whether it is a Chinese or Japanese kimono robe, it should always be wrapped with the left overlapping the right unless when dressing the deal for a burial. An obi or sash secures the kimono and is anchored at the back, the Japanese version of the sash is thicker and is not as stylized as the Chinese ones which include tassels and other adornments.. Traditional footwear combinations such as tabi or split toe socks paired with a geta or zōri slippers/sandals.

Unlike the olden times, the Japanese kimono robe today is worn mostly by women than men. This is especially true during special occasions or festivities. When it comes to the Japanese kimono robe, one can find a variety of styles depending on the occasion and the wearer. For instance there’s the Japanese kimono robe for that are for single unmarried women which is the furisode easily distinguished by it’s near floor length sleeves. Kimonos and the obi are commonly made with silk, silk crepes, satin weaves and silk brocade but not limited to. Many modern Japanese kimono robes are made from easy to care fabrics and are less expensive, fabrics such as polyester, various synthetic fibers, rayon and of course cotton. Silk is still the ideal fabric of choice however many opt for cotton kimonos during warmer months like summer. The typical standard kimono for women can easily exceed $10,000 especially if it were to be made with good quality materials. Part of well made kimono outfit surprisingly not only includes the obi, ties, socks, sandals and accessories it should as well include undergarments to match and give the kimono a perfect fit. There are of course other options other than making a purchase from renowned kimono makers, many enterprising individuals choose to make their own using patterns they find online or are available in many dress hobby or craft shops.

To date very few men still wear the kimono, typically they would now only wear it during weddings, tea ceremonies, and some very formal occasions. Sumo wrestlers however are an exception as they are required to wear a traditional male kimono robe whenever they are to appear in public. The traditional Japanese kimono robe as well as the method for making it is truly a form of art that should continue on for years to come.

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During the summer, the Japanese often prefer the use of a cotton kimono robe. The light fabric of a cotton kimono robe is perfect for warm weathers compared to its silk or satin counterparts. Synonymous to the Japanese culture, the kimono is actually of Chinese origin dating back to the Qing Dynasty. Kimonos are known as traditional garments worn by men and women as well as children. The word kimono means “thing to wear” as ki is “wear” and mono means “thing. The Japanese kimono is t-shaped with attached collars and wide sleeves and are lined robes with the hems that fall around the ankle. To wrap a kimono one must remember that the left side goes over the right with the exception of dressing the dead for burials. A sash called an obi is used to tie and keep the robes securely in place around the waist. In comparison a Chinese kimono robe is mainly made of satin and almost never made into a cotton kimono robe. It is similarly tied around the waist with as sash that features adornments such as tassels. Embroidery and the inclusion of jade accessories often complete the look of a Chinese kimono robe. Unlike the Japanese kimono the Chinese wore theirs with the hemlines at knee length. Furthermore it was originally a garment that denoted the class of the person wearing it. Anything that did not adhere to their dress codes like hemline length meant that the individual wearing it were not well off as only the upper class could afford well fitting robes back in the day.

As aforementioned a cotton kimono robe was worn mainly during the summer months. In Japan there are various kimono styles to be worn. There are kimonos worn by unmarried women known as the furisode which features almost floor length sleeves. At the moment the garment is worn mostly by women than men. Aside from the more traditional use of a cotton kimono robe, many of the younger generation even westerners wear a cotton kimono robe. The rapid growth of Anime or Japanese style cartoons and Manga fans have lead to the wide distribution of the cotton kimono robe which are often spotted in Cosplay conventions. Cosplay is a term referring to costume play, many participants come in costumes depicting their favorite Anime or Manga character many of which sport a kimono.

Aside from costumes the cotton kimono robe is also a favorite amongst many women. It can be worn like a cardigan over t-shirt and jeans or are used as cover ups at home. Bathrobe companies developed many designs that incorporate some of the traditional aspects of a kimono. Fashioned a lot less shorter than the original ankle or knee length, the cotton kimono robe of the bath variety is typically done rather sexily. Hemlines for such robes are barely skimming the thighs though there are still some that reach past the ankles. Whichever length is basically a matter of personal taste. It is easy to find cotton kimonos, many shops at the mall will carry the product depending on your need. A good word of advice is to be mindful of your choice kimono, know when and where to use it and always try to be respectful as the kimono is a great part of both the Chinese and Japanese culture.

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Mention Chinese kimono robe to anyone and surely they will assume you meant a Japanese kimono. Known in the Japanese culture as a yukata, kimono robes are used during special ceremonies and festivities. Not many people other than the Chinese know that the kimono actually traces back to Chinese origins. The Chinese kimono robe was first worn during the Qing Dynasty. Made of silk, these robes were known to be worn only by those of the upper class. The Chinese Kimono robe features a cross body collar, with wide sweeping sleeves and is typically tied at the waist but is not limited to as some wear it loosely and flowing about an individuals body. A belt or sash is what keeps the Chinese kimono robe securely tied around the waist. Generally these belts and sashes often feature tassels or other decorative adornments to add to the overall look of the robe. Gold and red are the usual colors of these tassels. The Chinese are known for their love of jade this is also evident in the use of jade pieces as adornments found on a Chinese kimono robe.

Originally the Chinese kimono robe was a gender neutral clothing garment, this meant that it could be worn equally by both men and women. Due to the evolution of styles, the garment became more gender specific. Men would wear pants under their Chinese kimono robe while women would wear a skirt. Part of the evolution featured ornate designs in the form of stitching and embroidery. Chinese kimonos were meant to flatter the petite frame of a woman. Whether the robe is worn by a man or woman it is often very stylized. It its original form distinct codes were followed by the person wearing it. For instance a crossed collar was to be worn from left over to the right diagonally. It was considered bad luck for a wearer to not strictly adhere to these dress codes. Knee length is traditionally the style followed when wearing a Chinese kimono. Perfectly fitted garments meant that the person adhering to this code is from the upper class as only they could afford well fitting kimonos. Buttons were not a common part of a kimono, if ever used it would be concealed inside the garment. Such buttons used were to ensure that the robe would not come undone, these additions were small and usually fastened by a corded silk loop. Fasteners like buttons are made to appear seamless and flawless, puckering or pulling a visible part of the garment was frowned upon.

The Chinese kimono robe was and still continues to be a highly stylized piece of clothing. A garment once worn only by the Chinese upper class, these days a Chinese kimono robe is a common choice for people around the world. The style is no longer limited to particular classes in society however it is now predominantly worn by women than men.

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The truly traditional SILK KIMONO is made from a tan, which is a single bolt of fabric 14 inches wide x 12½ yards long, and the entire bolt is used to make just one kimono.

Silk, silk brocade and silk crepes, as well as satin weave traditional kimonos and obi were a valuable and highly sought after product in ancient China and Japan.  They were frequently hand made and hand decorated. 

Modern kimonos are widely available now in easycare and less expensive cloth such as cotton polyester, waffle weave, cotton, rayon as well as silk and satin.

During the Heian period, Japanese women’s kimonos were worn with up to 16 layers of colorful and contrasting fabric.  The color combinations each had a pattern name.  Men’s kimono outfits were much more simple and lighter, usually consisting of five layers only. Today’s modern silk kimono is worn as a single layer garment over the top of one or more undergarments such as slacks, lingerie, nightwear or swimwear.

Traditionally there are different types of Japanese kimono to wear throughout the year, and each of the four seasons is represented in the patterns and the cloth design of the kimono. The short coat, or haori, is worn during fall and winter through to early spring. The lined kimono is the awase. The yukata is a cool kimono worn in summer, unlined and usually of cotton. Traditionally the yukata was word after a hot steaming bath, and was not for formal wear and wearing the yukata meant that Japanese women were allowed to show their bare feet.

In 2010, the main distinction between the various men’s kimono and women’s kimono is the choice of fabric. A SILK kimono is chosen for traditional kimono, and also for modern elegance. The feel and appearance of silk is timeless.  A silk kimono will at times have a subtle pattern, and at other times bright and exotic colors. A more casual modern silk kimono robe may be made in the brighter colors, such as lighter purples, greens and blues. Contemporary traditional handpainted silk kimono is equivalent to a work of art, takes at least a week to complete, is expensive and only worn on very special occasions. 

The silk kimono robe or jacket is the modern choice for easywear and easycare fashion in the Western World; from elegant evening wear, to pool robes, casual smoking jackets, dressing gowns and bathrobes.  The silk kimono is a timeless style handed down through the ages and undergoing subtle changes, which allows for a garment that is suitable for all occasions. 

The sheer beauty of the traditional Japanese silk kimono!

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