In Japan a Kimono means A thing to wear its also called Gofuku. A Kimono is a full length robe that falls down to the ankles, it is a traditional garment worn in Japan by Men, Women and even Children but with differences in style. For instance the Female Kimono has additional length for a Ohashori, which is the tuck one sees under the Obi, Male Kimonos don’t have this.

Kimonos can be worn anyday, anytime but with differences in style for some occasions. Kimonos are worn wrapped around the body, with the left side going over the right, which is then held with an Obi, [Sash] there are various styles of tying the Obi but its always tied at the back.

Kimonos are usually "T-shaped" and straight lined, with full wide sleeves and an attached collar, a Traditional slipper called Geta and a special sock completes the Kimono get up.

The Kimono was the standard dressing in Japan, with many different styles to the Kimono as well as the Obi, until royal edicts by Emperor Meiji proclaimed Western Fashion, as the appropriate clothing. It is also
the standard dressing for Sumo wrestlers, when they make public appearances.

Nowadays women wear the Kimono more than Men, who prefer to wear it only for special occasions.

Care for the Kimono centuries ago was quite unique, as the Kimono was sewn in a way that it could be later taken apart for washing, then re-sewn again when ready to be worn. Traditionally, Kimonos are sewn by hand, the sewing machine is also allowed but it would still need a lot of hand stitching.
The Kimono consists of four parts, two for the front and back, while the other two are for the sleeves, the Kimono is sewn in a way that the material remains uncut and you will agree with me that, its just another unique way that allows the material, to be re-sewn for another Kimono design or even sewn for someone else!

Kimono fabrics are usually made with either satin or silk, this is why Kimonos are so expensive, a complete Kimono outfit which includes the Kimono, socks, Sash, Obi even Under-garments can cost up to $20,000!
But don’t worry, you can get a second hand Kimono at just $5, believe me they are just as beautiful and exquisite as the new ones, there are several dealers in Japan who deal in this second hand Kimonos and they are quite popular too.

If you don’t feel up to that, why not make your own Kimonos, they are easy to make, you just buy your beautiful material and sew, at least you’ll get the satisfaction, as well as the pride in sewing your very own Kimono, there are also different types of Kimono, with different elaborate designs.

To care for your Kimono make sure its folded, in the appropriate way and wrapped in paper, this prevents wrinkling and also make sure that you air it once in awhile.