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Evolution of the kimono -

Clothing similar in style to a kimono first appeared in Japanese society during the Heian period (794–1192), apparel composed of straight cuts of fabric sewn together to create a simple garment suitable for every body shape.

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The kosode -

By the Edo period (1603–1868) the design had evolved into a unisex outer garment called a kosode, the direct predecessor of the kimono.

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Meiji period -

It was during the Meiji period (1868–1912) that the kosode, widely worn in Japan as common, everyday dress, became known as the kimono.

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"The thing to wear" -

Kimono literally means "the thing to wear." It's a unique cultural element that is intrinsically associated with the land, tradition, artisanship, language, and various other Japanese customs.

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The correct way to dress -

Kimonos are worn wrapped left side over right and secured with a sash called an obi.

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Kimono accessories -

The garment is commonly worn with accessories such as zōri sandals and tabi socks. Combs and pins worn in the hair are also important.

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Designed for ease of movement -

As a simple, straight-seamed garment, kimonos' wrap style allows for ease of movement, a deliberate design element useful in a culture where many activities are performed while seated on the floor.

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Summer kimono -

Kimono designed to be worn in the hot, humid summer months are unlined. Those worn in winter a multi-lined.

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Embodiment of being Japanese -

The wearing of kimonos is a symbol of respect for tradition, culture, and history. It's why the garment embodies so much about what it means to be Japanese.

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Kimono for all seasons -

But it is the pattern, rather than the cut of a garment, that is significant. Different kimono designs are worn throughout the year to represent seasonal changes, auspicious occasions, and celebrations of significant calendar events.

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Complex patterns -

Each motif intricately stitched onto these garments carries profound meanings. Indeed, indications of social status, personal identity, and cultural sensitivity are expressed through vivid color and ornate decoration.

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Crane kimono -

The most popular bird depicted on kimonos is the crane. In Japanese folklore, the crane has a lifespan of 1,000 years and symbolizes longevity and good fortune.

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Cherry blossom kimono -

Kimonos with cherry blossom and plum blossom motifs are designs synonymous with spring.

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Butterfly kimono -

In Japanese culture, the butterfly represents metamorphosis. Butterflies are often depicted on the furisode sleeves of kimonos worn by young women during seijinshiki, or coming-of-age ceremonies.

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Peony kimono -

The peony, known colloquially as the king of flowers and revered for its beauty, is another very popular kimono motif.

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Furisode kimono -

Furisode kimonos are designed for single females and feature a number of different motifs that can include large fans, snowflake, bamboo, chrysanthemum, and other plant motifs. It's a garment that expresses hopes for happiness, good luck, and longevity.

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Miyamairi kimono -

Miyamairi kimonos are worn by girls visiting a Shinto shrine for the first time. The garment is decorated with flowering autumn plants—peonies, chrysanthemums, hibiscus, balloon bell, and ominaeshi herb.

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Aesthetic appeal -

The aesthetic appeal of a kimono is enhanced by colors, all of which have strong metaphorical and cultural meanings.

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Important colors -

The most significant color, according to Japanese culture, is green, which represents new beginnings and good fortune.

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Red, white, and blue -

A white kimono symbolizes growth, while blue represents peace. A red kimono is associated with love. Pictured is a woman wearing a predominantly blue kimono playing a traditional koto, the national instrument of Japan.

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Male kimono -

It wasn't just kimonos for women that began to take shape during the Heian period. Kimonos for men were also being designed and worn.

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Main differences -

The main distinctions between modern men's kimonos are in the fabric and the design.

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Subdued colors -

Most kimonos designed for men are of subdued, dark hues. Common colors are black, dark blues and greens, and occasionally brown.

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Use of fabric -

Fabrics are usually matte. Some have a subtle pattern, and textured fabrics are common in more casual kimonos.

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Lighten up -

More casual men's kimonos may be of slightly brighter colors, including lighter purples, greens, and blues.

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Formal attire -

Almost any kimono outfit, for men or women, can be made more formal by wearing hakama and haori (pictured).

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Yukata kimono -

Sumo wrestlers, meanwhile, wear colorful, custom-made traditional yukata kimonos.

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Worn for formal occasions -

Today, only a small number of people regularly wear kimonos. The garment is generally reserved for formal occasions such as wedding ceremonies and funerals, or for summer events.

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Traditional Japanese fashion -

Kimonos, however, remain the best-known example of traditional Japanese fashion and serve as a reminder of Japan's core culture before the 20th century.

Sources: (JSTOR Daily) (Dress Your Color) (Japan Objects)

See also: 11 beautiful Japanese concepts to inspire better living

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