The word Kimono literally translates as clothing in Japanese. It is a traditional Japanese style. This Japanese clothing is worn both in the Harajuku district of Tokyo and during fashion week in the land of the rising sun. Kimono men is a formal Japanese outfit. If you are looking for a more casual kimono. Have a look at the kimono shirt. The haori and the shorts are perfect for summer, the matsuri festival or to chill at home...
Historically this Japanese dress was the privileged outfit of the samurai and nobles of the Edo era. There are different types of kimonos for men. They can be worn casually as a kimono jacket or very formally as a wedding kimono!
For Westerners like us, wearing a Japanese kimono for men may at its base seem strange, but know that every occasion is good to wear this traditional Japanese clothing. There are different kinds of kimonos that fit any type of situation. It is an authentic piece to have in your dressing room or wardrobe whether you are a big fan of Samurai Land or not...
Traditional Men's Kimono
Traditional Japanese kimono is worn at weddings, graduations or some Shinto ceremonies
When to wear a traditional Japanese kimono?
Wearing the Japanese man's kimono meets a strict dress code. Here are the items you'll need for an official outfit:
- A nagajuban is a sub-kimono
- Family cabinets embroidered on the Japanese kimono jacket
- A Hakama. It is a kind of kilt but quite long that is worn like trousers
- A haori jacket that falls to the waist (this is a long-sleeved or short-sleeved jacket)
- Japanese sandals
- Tabi socks
- A Keko Obi, a narrow obi
- An obi belt
- A small folding fan
- A Japanese Kinchaku Bag
A Japanese kimono for men with all accessories can be expensive. This can go up to several thousand euros! That's why the Japanese tend to rent them as ceremonial garment is not worn every day. The rental remains expensive but still less than buying the full kimono kit! But don't panic... We offer you at KimuraKami a whole collection of cotton and polyester kimono at a more than affordable price!
Casual Kimono
Historically, the Japanese Man Kimono is an outfit that respects a certain number of codes as we could see before. But know that it is possible to wear a light and comfortable kimono both at work and at a matsuri festival. It is also called this dress a yukata...
When to wear a yukata kimono?
The lightweight Yukata unlike the official kimono is worn for a sportswear look. It is a summer kimono that perfectly combines Japanese tradition with a casual wear look. It is possible to wear it with a pair of zori or geta wooden sandals, but we recommend that you do not wear socks. No need to wear it with nagajuban underwear either.
Wear the top of the kimono with a simple crew neck t-shirt and your favorite fit jeans pants or the Japanese cargo pants of your choice... This is the modern men's kimono bridging Japanese customs and Western Modernism... It's perfectly possible to go to the office.
Anyway, if you like to dress up, wear it like a cosplay costume. To immerse yourself even more in Japanese culture, add a replica of the katana sword to your belt. Japan's feudal manga style is guaranteed...
How to choose your kimono?
The kimono is popular throughout the fashion world as this traditional garment features a straight cut that adapts to any body shape. The wearing of the kimono adapts to the tastes and colors of each person, but also to periods and changes in heat. So favors a men's kimono cardigan with a thick fabric for the winter, and a fine cotton or silk kimono for the summer. All these features make it an iconic Japanese garment that has been able to go through centuries of modernization...
Some may be wondering: “Yes, but I have a particular morphology, not sure that wearing the kimono can suit me”... Below are all types of morphologies for men: The morphology in H : if you have wide shoulders, a longline silhouette and you are rather large. So we advise you to wear a semi-long kimono with plain prints... It will highlight your stature...
The A-shape: if you have shoulders smaller than the width of your waist and you have a little roundness, know that the kimono is the perfect outfit. The Japanese kimono is ideal to refine the silhouette by marking the waist using the Obi belt... We recommend wearing a long kimono with an open men's kimono jacket! The O Morphology: for a body of a trapy nature, we recommend a short kimono (mid-thigh). Do not wear a Japanese belt to give uniformity to your traditional Japanese style.
V-shaped morphology: if you have a slim waist and legs, with fairly wide shoulders, you should put on a long, fluid kimono. Unlike the O shape, you can tie an obi at the waist to highlight even more the finesse of your silhouette. Opt for a long kimono (ankle)...
Haori kimono jacket
In the past, the Haori were worn in combat by the “samurai” warriors. It was a coat that protected from the cold. But in the modern look, they are worn on different occasions.
When to wear a Japanese haori?
The Japanese wear the haori like a men's kimono jacket. Streetwear, sneakers or cosplay fans also like to wear it in spring or summer for a casual urban style with Japanese inspiration! In many onsen spa resorts and hotels, you'll probably get a haori to wear over your yukata! The haori is also worn by men for the ceremonial outfits as a light cardigan.
At KimuraKami we particularly like the mix between a loose Asian style in top and the flashy and flowery colors with Japanese inspirations for the bottom of the outfit! To highlight your Japanese kimono we advise you to finalize your style with a:
- Traditional Japanese T-Shirt
- Hoodie
- Traditional Japanese mask as a samurai warrior oni half mask or kitsune mask
Meaning of Japanese Motives
A kimono is often characterized by trendy and fashionable Japanese symbols. These Japanese drawings are called Wagara. Their origin comes from the Heian period in the 8th century. Here is the meaning of some Japanese symbols that are often found printed on kimonos:
- Koi Carp Pattern: This Japanese fish is synonymous with courage and strength.
- Japanese Dragon Pattern: This is the sign of wisdom, dragons are the protectors of the Japanese deities Kami.
- Sakura Cherry Pattern: This is an iconic floral pattern that can be found on many vintage kimonos, yukata, or kimono vests. Cherry blossoms mean transient beauty. Tsuru Design: This Japanese design is a sign of longevity and prosperity.
- Hannya Pattern: Hannya is a wild, violent oni demon borrowed from an unstoppable desire for revenge.
- Mount Fuji Pattern: The mountains (yama) are a sign of assurance, like the foundations of everything.
- Kanagawa Wave Pattern (Japanese Wave): This big wave is an engraving by Japanese artist Hokusai. This artistic work participated in the fame of the land of the rising sun.
Who wears the Japanese man's kimono? Samurai, Kabuki and Artists
Traditional artists often wear a kimono and own several in their clothes wardrobes. These include Shodo (calligraphy), Ikebana (floral arrangement), Ukiyo-e (wood print), Shikki (Japanese lacquer), traditional dances (Kabuki and Noh), and the tea ceremony!
This ceremony is one of the traditional arts where men tend to wear kimono all the time. Some will attend traditional kimono Tea Ceremony classes to train to wear them. If you have the chance to meet sumo wrestlers in town (or during a sumo basho). You can see them dressed in a kimono. They have an obligation to wear their traditional Japanese clothing when they are in public!
You will find on our Japanese online shop a wide selection of samurai kimono or Onna bugeisha (samurai woman). We have selected the best ready-to-wear sets from our partners to ensure a casual chic look...