Kimono dresses

The kimono is a full-length garment, which is the national dress of Japan.  The very first kimono were influenced by traditional Chinese clothing, known as Hanfu. 

Kimono are straight robes that fall to the ankle and have wide collars and full-length sleeves.  Kimono are wrapped around the body with the left side over the right and then tied usually in the back with a wide belt called an obi.

Nowadays, kimono are worn mostly by Japanese women for special events.  Unmarried women wear a style of kimono called furisode, which has floor-length sleeves, for formal events, including coming-of-age ceremonies and wedding receptions.   The entire garment is covered with colorful patterns.  Irotomesode kimono are worn by married women at weddings.  They are traditionally one color, patterned only below the waist.

Although the traditional wear has faded for daily use, still today some older women and a few men wear them regularly.  While kimono worn daily are more casual looking, vintage kimono can be very elaborate in their construction.  Traditionally, they are made of silk, silk brocade, silk crepes, and satin weaves. 

Modern kimono are widely available in less expensive fabrics, but silk is still preferred for formal occasions.  Patterns are available that offer a simplified version consisting of an under garment and over gown.