Traditional Japanese Clothing Names
In a land where rich traditions, breathtaking landscapes, and captivating customs morph into an exquisite tapestry, the allure of Japan’s traditional clothing is simply irresistible. From the enchanting elegance of the kimono to the spirited splendor of the yukata, these garments encompass centuries of cultural heritage and continue to inspire awe and admiration worldwide. In this article, we embark on a journey through the captivating realm of traditional Japanese clothing, unveiling the secrets behind their artful names and uncovering the stories they tell. Join us as we delve into a realm where threads intertwine with time-honored traditions, revealing the intricate tapestry woven across generations.
1. Kimono
SHOP THE LOOK | Vintage Silk Kimono
The most iconic and easily recognisable of all traditional Japanese wear, the kimono (着物) is still a staple piece for many Japanese people and is growing in international appeal too. Drawing influence from ancient Chinese style clothing, the kimono was worn initially with a hakama, a long skirt type piece that sometimes featured a divider down the middle. Over time, however, tastes changed and it became far more popular for the kimono to be worn without the skirt and instead held together with a sash known as an obi. Typically worn for special occasions, both traditional and contemporary, the kimono has stood the test of time, its flattering and body-hugging silhouette is a timeless representation of Japan’s great appreciation for carefully considered beauty.
You can buy your own authentic women’s kimono or men’s kimono here at Japan Objects Store.
2. Yukata
SHOP THE LOOK | Camellia Floral Yukata
Simply put, the yukata (浴衣) is the lighter, summery version of the kimono. Made from soft, lightweight fabric like cotton, the garment’s name translates to bathing cloth, for which it was originally created. Worn by men and women the yukata is fastened by a sash (obi) and is very easy to wear. It is most popularly worn while onsen bathing, and this stylish and breezy robe is also the unofficial garb for vibrant summer matsuri events during the sweltering summer months.
SHOP THE LOOK | Men’s Yukata
Men’s yukata tend to feature understated colors like gray and navy, but otherwise are very similar in design to women’s yukata. These casual kimono can be worn with little to no help, making yukata an easy gateway to the world of Japanese traditional clothing.
Find out more about the differences between Yukata and Kimono, or get your own authentic Japanese yukata and hard-to-find plus-sizes right here!
3. Hanten
SHOP THE LOOK | Hanten Padded Jacket
A hanten (半纏) is a winter coat and was typically worn by regular people during the Edo period. Its history may be far-reaching, however, thanks in large part to its simple, minimalistic design, the jacket is a very flexible piece of clothing that can very seamlessly fit into the modern-day wardrobe. The throw-over style coat-jacket is padded and tailored for a cozy, but flattering fit. If you’re interested in incorporating some Japanese flair into your wardrobe, this is an excellent place to begin, and even better we’ve already penned an entire guide here.
SHOP THE LOOK | Hanten Padded Jacket
If you know someone who remains determined to look good even when temperatures are dropping, tell him that wearing a hanten is how it should be done. Hanten layer easily and pair well with business casual attire and athleisure. For added warmth, slip in a few kairo, or heated sachets, in the pockets of the hanten.
4. Haori
SHOP THE LOOK | Vintage Haori Jacket
A more formal incarnation of the hanten, a haori (羽織) is a medium-length jacket designed to be worn over the kimono. In previous times was only accessible to those of a higher social class, while in the Sengoku period, men would wear sleeveless variations of the haori over their armor like tabard was worn in Europe. Women also flirted with wearing the haori as a statement style piece, a movement spearheaded by geisha in the 1800s.
This haori kimono jacket is hand-dyed using the painstaking shibori technique. This involves tying up parts of the fabric before it is immersed into to create intricate patterns between the dyed sections and raw fabric. Each of the hundreds of tiny dots you see has been hand-tied to create this fascinating pattern. You can check out our vintage haori collection here
SHOP THE LOOK | Vintage Haori Jacket
At first glance, men’s haori seem understated compared to women’s haori; however, haori were once the uniform of the “bad boys” of Japan’s Edo Period. During the 18th century, when conspicuous displays of wealth were outlawed, fashionable men would customize their haori with decorative linings – hover over the haori above to take a look! These days, you’re free to wear your haori as you please, whether it’s worn together with kimono and hakama or with denim and slacks.
5. Samue
SHOP THE LOOK | Indigo Samue
Samue (作務衣) is an incredibly simple outfit originally worn by Japanese Zen Buddhist clergy, still even to this day when they are parking in physical, mindful work known as samu. Activities that fall under the samu umbrella include cooking, cleaning, outdoor labor, and they’re all said to be excellent ways to practice the art of mindfulness. Consisting of a simple pair of pants and a top, they’re typically crafted from linen or cotton and dyed indigo blue, or brown. Its understated simplicity, and carefully considered design is an excellent representation of the practice of Zen Buddhism. To find out more about Samue, check out these 10 Things to Know!
SHOP THE LOOK | Sugi Samue
Samue loungewear is designed for contemporary living and is completely adjustable to ensure ultimate comfort whether lounging at home or doing errands around town. The best cotton samue loungewear to be found is handcrafted in Kurume, Kyushu. For even greater comfort, check out our samue pajamas!
6. Kimono Robes
SHOP THE LOOK | Japanese Kimono Robe
A kimono robe is actually more similar to a yukata, the kimono’s more informal and relaxed counterpart. The history of kimono robes is intertwined with bathing culture and ryokans, or Japanese style inns, with onsen hot springs. Bathing culture in Japan dates back to about 12th century Kamakura period.
Nowadays, the yukata you will see at a ryokan have been simplified so that they can be worn very easily with a simple tie around the waist, just like a bath robe. They don’t require any special underwear, extra ties, or complicated folds.
This is exactly what a kimono robe is, a simple yukata mostly worn at home instead of the ryokan. You can find out more about in 23 Things You Should Know About Japanese Kimono Robes!
7. Men’s Nagajuban Robes
SHOP THE LOOK | Vintage Nagajuban Robes
Men’s nagajuban are worn underneath a kimono in order to keep it clean and dry. These kimono undergarments usually made from white cotton or silk fabric, though it’s not uncommon to encounter vintage nagajuban with elaborate hand-painted artworks, making them a ideal as loungewear robes too! Check out the collection here.
8. Obi
SHOP THE LOOK | Vintage Silk Obi Belts
The sash which keeps the kimono together, the obi (帯) is often easily overlooked, but when styled right it’s a standout piece of traditional Japanese wear. As simple or as extravagant as you like, there’s a type of obi for every occasion and every style. The patterns can be chosen to match the material of the kimono, or to provide a sharp contrast. For some outfits, the kimono becomes a mere canvas for the artistry of the obi. For women the obi’s primary function is to be decorative, while the actual piece of fabric keeping the garment together is hidden underneath.
SHOP THE LOOK | Men’s Obi Belts
Mens’ obi are narrower than women’s, and play a more practical role in keeping the kimono tight. But as men’s yukata and kimono often come in subdued colors like gray and navy, adding a colored or patterned obi is a great way to let one’s personality and unique fashion sense shine through.
9. Obijime
SHOP THE LOOK | Mint Green Pure Silk Obijime
The obijime (帯締) is a decorative, braided cord that is tied around the obi, and knotted in the front of the kimono. Originally they were thought to have been gifts from a patron or lover, but today you can buy your own! Obijime can be found in most modern kimono ensembles in a huge variety of designs, colours, shapes, and fabrics. However the most popular obijime tend to made of silk.
10. Obidome
SHOP THE LOOK | Cherry Blossom Obidome
Often found in paired with obijime, an obidome (帯留) is a small accessory threaded through the obijime, much like a bead or necklace pendant. Obidome can be almost anything: from simple wooden and clay beads to expensive ornamental brooches made from diamonds, pearl, and ivory. Some obidome made in the very early days were remade from decorated metal pieces originally used in Japanese swords. Obidome used to be a somewhat casual addition to kimono, but now many formal kimono incorporate them.
1. “From the Kimono to the Hakama: Unveiling the Enchanting World of Traditional Japanese Attire”
Experience the mesmerizing beauty and rich history of traditional Japanese attire as we delve into the captivating world of kimonos and hakamas. This enchanting clothing has been an integral part of Japanese culture for centuries, embodying grace, elegance, and symbolism.
Step into a realm where every stitch, fabric choice, and color holds a deeper meaning. Explore the exquisite artistry behind the creation of a kimono, from the meticulous hand-painted designs to the intricate embroidery. Dive into the extraordinary symbolism conveyed through the choice of patterns, where flora and fauna motifs intertwine with mythical creatures, expressing cultural beliefs and reflecting the beauty of nature.
- Vibrant Colors: Discover the kaleidoscope of colors that adorn kimonos, each hue representing a season or carrying a symbolic significance.
- Graceful Silhouettes: Marvel at the timeless elegance of traditional Japanese clothing, with flowing lines that enhance the beauty and dignity of the wearer.
- Unveiling the Hakama: Explore the lesser-known world of the hakama, a wide-legged, pleated garment worn by both men and women for formal occasions. Learn about its origins and
2. “Threads of Elegance: Exploring the Rich Tapestry of Traditional Japanese Garments and Their Names
Kimono literally means a “thing to wear” in Japanese. Today, a kimono is worn only so often, mainly during special and formal occasions such as weddings, tea ceremonies, formal traditional events and funerals. There are many different types and styles of kimonos and appropriate style and color of kimono are chosen depending on the occasion and the person’s age and marital status.
The history of this traditional Japanese garment goes back to the Heian period (794-1192). Over time, people started wearing the kimono as everyday clothing and gradually layering came into fashion. By the Edo period (1603-1868), kimono making had become a specialized craft. During the Meiji Period (1868-1912), various foreign cultures heavily influenced the Japanese culture, clothes being also part of this. The Japanese government started to encourage people to adopt new (Western) clothing styles. Today Japanese people are wearing Western-style clothing and only wear the kimono for special occasions.
Components of a kimono
A kimono is traditionally crafted from handmade and hand-decorated fabrics, including linen, silk, and hemp. Materials such as polyester, cotton, and rayon are also often used nowadays. Decoration techniques include embroidery, painting and dyeing. Men’s kimonos usually have more subdued colors than a women’s kimonos, which is generally more colorful and has beautiful, rich patterns. A women’s kimono is accompanied by a wide belt called obi, which is often a piece of art in itself with gorgeous patterns and colors. There are various techniques for tying an obi and making a bow.
Kimonos were traditionally worn with 1 to 20 layers for fashion and warmth depending on the formality of the occasion, the social status of a person wearing the kimono and the season. These layers include a nagajuban, a simple robe that is worn under a kimono. People used to wear another layer of clothing between nagajuban and kimono called hiyoku for a formal occasion. Today, however, hiyoku is substituted by tsuke-hiyoku, which are partial double layers at the legs or collar that make it seem like you are wearing a hiyoku.
Recommended article: 11 Different Kimono Patterns and Their Meanings
Types of kimono
There are many different types of kimono, especially for women, depending on occasions, the person’s age and marital status. The furisode or swinging sleeves is worn by unmarried women and girls, and has long sleeves. The furisode usually comes in bright colors and dramatic designs, and today most women wear it during the coming of age ceremony.
Girls wearing a furisode at the Coming of age ceremony Yukata
The yukata is a casual version of the kimono popularly worn at ryokan and during summer festivals by both men and women. A yukata is traditionally made of cotton, and today sometimes it is also made of polyester. Because a yukata is worn without undergarments, it is lighter than other types of kimono. Though it is the most informal, the yukata is the most popular among Japanese kimono types, and you can see people wearing yukata not only during festivals but also in historical cities like Kyoto. Being a much cheaper alternative to the traditional kimono, a yukata is also a popular souvenir among tourists!
Yukata The price of a kimono
The price of a kimono can vary greatly depending on the material used and decorations, the typical fee for a basic kimono starts at ¥20,000, with silk kimonos priced somewhere between ¥380,000 to ¥10 million. Luxurious silk kimonos with rich embroidery and/or painting can easily cost up to millions of yen. This is part of the reason why good quality kimonos are passed down from generation to generation. Today, many people also rent a kimono to wear at weddings or other formal ceremonies. Yukata prices range between ¥3,000 and ¥10,000 and are widely available. Many souvenir shops sell them, but also mainstream shops such as UNIQLO sell the traditional Japanese summer wear.
Haori & Hakama
Haori and hakama are, when worn together, a formal outfit for men typically worn by a groom during wedding, coming of age ceremony, and other big life events.
A haori is an overcoat worn on top of a kimono. In the past, haori were worn by men in battles to protect them against the cold. However, in modern Japan, haori are also used as a work uniform of those working in classical Japanese theater, or as an overcoat to be worn over yukata in ryokan. Women can also use haori over kimono.
Haori & hakama 
Hakama The hakama is a skirt-like pants worn with a kimono. The Japanese hakama were originally worn only by men such as samurai and people participating Shinto rituals. However, in the modern era women also wear them on certain occasions including a university graduation ceremony. A hakama is also worn by people working at a shrine, or when doing kendo (Japanese swordsmanship), kyudo (Japanese archery), aikido and other martial arts.
Happi & Hanten
A hanten is a short winter coat with cotton padding for warmth and a tailored collar. It was originally worn over a kimono or other garments for both women and men. It is similar to haori, however, in the Edo period wearing haori was restricted to certain social classes, while hanten were available to all.
Hanten 
Happi A happi is also a short coat but much more casual than the haori or hanten. Happi were originally worn by house servants as the family crest representatives. In the past, firefighters also used to wear a happi, the symbol on their backs would refer to the group to which they belonged to. A happi comes usually in plain colors, typically blue, with white, red, and black. Nowadays a happi is worn mainly during festivals, with the kanji for matsuri (festival in Japanese), printed on the back, and it often comes with a matching headband.
Fundoshi
The fundoshi is a comfortable and very traditional Japanese male undergarment, made from a length of cotton. Until WWII, a fundoshi was mainstream underwear among men in Japan, and there were several different types which were worn for different events, situations, and among different people. Nowadays, you probably only see fundoshi being worn at traditional festivals. Sumo wrestlers also wear a type of fundoshi called mawashi.
Fundoshi 
Mawashi Samue and Jinbei
Samue and jinbei are traditional relaxing clothes made from cotton or hemp, and are typically dyed with a solid color such as indigo, blue or green. They both come in a matching set of a top and trousers.
Jinbei 
Samue A samue was originally worn by Buddhist monks when they work, while the jinbei was used by townspeople for everyday use. Samue are often worn by farmers when working in the garden.
The samue and junbei look very similar to each other, but the crucial difference between the two is the pants. The trousers of the samue are long trousers up to the ankle, and Jinbei are shorts under the knee. The second major difference is that many of jinbei are knitted with yarn about the shoulder parts for better ventilation. The samue is worn regardless of the season, but jinbei is basically summer clothing.
Japanese traditional accessories
Kanzashi
When women wear kimono, they usually use kanzashi, hair ornaments, to complement their traditional Japanese hairstyles. The kanzashi has a long history and is still worn by many in modern times. When attending a formal event, many women will wear a kanzashi in their hair.
There are many types of kanzashi including Tama (ball) kanzashi, Hirauchi (flat) kanzashi, Yuremono (swinging) kanzashi, Musubi (knot) kanzashi, Tsumami (knob crafted) kanzashi, and Bachi gata (fan shaped) kanzashi. Hair combs can also be beautifully decorated and used as a hair ornament.
kanzashi 
