Kimono Simply Means Thing to Wear
A kimono is a traditional Japanese garment. The name is entirely literal, and it was once the general word for clothing.
A kimono is a traditional Japanese T-shaped robe with wide sleeves and a sash. The name is as plain as it could be: *ki* means wearing and *mono* means thing, so kimono is simply a thing to wear. It was the ordinary Japanese word for clothing until Western dress arrived and a distinguishing term became necessary.
- A Japanese robe. *A silk kimono.*
- A dressing gown in that style. *A cotton kimono.*
- Obi — the sash worn with it. *A wide obi.*
Word forms
| Form | Word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun | kimono | A formal kimono. |
| Plural | kimonos | Two kimonos. |
| Related | obi | A brocade obi. |
| Related | yukata | A summer yukata. |
| Related | haori | A short haori. |
How it is used in a sentence
- The obi is tied at the back.The sash.
- Always left over right.Right over left is used only for the dead.
- A yukata is the casual summer version.Unlined cotton.
Japanese garments
- Kimono — the formal robe
- Yukata — an unlined cotton version for summer
- Obi — the wide sash
- Haori — a short jacket worn over a kimono
- Geta — the raised wooden sandals
From Japanese *kimono*, from *ki*, wearing, and *mono*, a thing. English adopted it in the mid nineteenth century.
Which way does a kimono fold?
Always left side over right. The reverse is used only when dressing the dead.
Kimono or yukata?
A yukata is a lighter unlined cotton kimono worn in summer and at hot springs. A kimono proper is lined and more formal.