The kimono is probably one of the most recognizable Japanese clothes in the world. Often perceived as a simple traditional dress, it is actually a structured dress set, composed of many pieces with precise functions. For the curious traveller, understanding the elements that make up a kimono makes it possible to appreciate otherwise the scenes of daily life, festivals, ceremonies or visits to historic neighborhoods. This reading of clothing, both technical and cultural, also sheds light on the relationship that the Japanese have with aesthetics, body and social uses.
The kimono, much more than just a garment
The word kimono literally means “thing that I’m wearing”. In common use, it refers not only to the main piece of fabric, but also to the entire outfit. Each element has been designed to meet specific needs, whether in terms of comfort, social status, season or formal context. This complexity explains why the wearing of the kimono requires specific know-how and why it is often reserved for specific occasions.
For the visitor, recognizing the different parts of a kimono makes it possible to better understand what he observes, whether in the street, in a museum or at a cultural event.
The visible elements on the front of the kimono
The front part of the kimono is the most visually expressive. It concentrates much of the details that define the style, age or situation of the person wearing it.
The sleeves, called sode, are one of the most distinctive elements. Their length varies according to age and status. Unmarried young women wear long, mobile sleeves, while married or older women wear shorter, sober sleeves. This distinction is still legible at official ceremonies.
The opening of the handle, called sode-guchi, allows the passage of the arm and influences the ease of movement. Near the neck, the collar, or eri, structures the silhouette and plays an important aesthetic role. It is often protected by an additional fabric band, the tomo-eri, replaceable if needed.
Inside the collar is the inner lining, rarely visible but essential to comfort. The front panel, called mae-migoro, is the main surface of the kimono at the front, while the kongomi, a part added on the front, allows a wider cover and an elegant closure.
The lower part is supplemented by the suso-mawashi, a low lining sometimes decorated, visible during movements or when the kimono opens slightly while walking.
The structure of the kimono from the rear
The rear of the kimono is often more sober, but it also reveals important technical elements. The main panel, lsushiro-migoro, forms the back of the garment and ensures the overall balance of the cut.
The junction between the body and the sleeves is called sode-tsuke. This zone influences the posture and how the kimono accompanies gestures. The length between the central seam of the back and the end of the handle corresponds to the yuki, an essential measure to adjust a kimono to the person’s morphology.
At the bottom of the garment, the fuki protects the hem from friction and wear. The sleeves also have moving parts, such as furi, the unsewn portion that can swing, and the tamoto, a kind of small inner pocket sometimes used to slip a fan.
On female kimono, a specific opening under the handle, the miyatsu-kuchi, facilitates adjustments and improves comfort, especially during prolonged wear.
The nagajuban, the invisible but indispensable garment
Under the kimono is the nagajuban, a kimono-shaped underwear. Its role is above all practical. The external kimono being difficult to clean, the nagajuban absorbs sweat and protects delicate tissues.
Often simpler, however, it can be decorated, especially for men, where the lining sometimes becomes a personal taste marker. When a slightly contrasted collar is observed under a kimono, it is usually the one for the nagajuban.
Lobi, central piece of clothing
The wide belt keeps the kimono in place. More than just an accessory, it structures the posture and strongly influences the general appearance. In women, the lobi is wide, rigid and tied in a elaborate way in the back. In men, it is narrower, discreet and functional.
Before landing the kimono, it is maintained by ties called koshihimo. These thin ribbons, hidden under the obi, allow the garment to be fixed correctly before the final noodle. They play a key role in the overall stability, although they are never visible.
Traditional shoes associated with kimono
The wearing of the kimono is accompanied by specific shoes. Tabi are split socks for the big toe, usually white on formal occasions. Their shape allows to wear traditional sandals while maintaining good stability.
Zori are flat sandals, once made of straw, now made of various materials. The choice depends on the level of formality. The models covered with embroidered fabric are reserved for the most solemn occasions.
Geta, raised wooden sandals, are more often associated with summer outfits. Their characteristic sound on the ground is part of Japanese cities’ sound imagination in summer. Some variants, worn by geisha apprentices, are easily recognizable by their height.
Recognize a kimono on a trip to Japan
For the traveller, knowing how to identify the different parts of a kimono makes it possible to better understand the observed contexts. A kimono with long sleeves during a ceremony indicates an unmarried young woman. A discrete and low obi in a man indicates a formal but sober outfit.
In tourist districts, some people wear kimono rental. Although simplified, these sets often follow the outline of the traditional structure, providing a good visual introduction to this art of clothing.
Why this knowledge enriches the travel experience
Understanding kimono also means understanding part of the Japanese relationship to body, space and time. The garment imposes a certain way of walking, sitting and standing. It reflects attention to detail and general harmony.
During a stay in Japan, this attentive reading turns a simple observation into a cultural experience. It allows to approach museums, festivals or meetings with a more informed and respectful look.
Learning to recognize the different parts of the kimono is not just about dress curiosity. It is a gateway to a finer understanding of Japanese culture, its social codes and its sense of detail. For the attentive traveller, this discreet knowledge enriches every observed scene, from urban daily to ceremonial moments.
Si cet article vous a apporté des informations utiles et peut aider d’autres voyageurs à préparer leur séjour, un avis Google en cliquant sur l’image suivante sera toujours apprécié.
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