Traditional Japanese Women’s Clothing

6 min readSep 30, 2024

When I first got about traditional Japanese women’s dress, I was awed by the beauty and historical importance of each item. From the Japanese Kimono to current forms, Japanese outfits blends cultural importance and artistic beauty. In this post, I will walk you through the world of ancient and modern Japanese clothing, with a focus on the legacy and allure of Traditional Japanese women’s clothing.

The Iconic Kimono

Clearly the most iconic style of traditional Japanese women’s attire is the kimono. For ages, Japanese fashion has been built mostly around this T-shaped, wrapped garment.Origins and history:

Derived from the ninth century Chinese hanfu.
Established into its present shape during the Heian era (794–1185).
During the Edo era (1603–1867), became the main clothing code for all social levels.

Structure and components:

Made from a single piece of cloth.
has many levels, which includes:
Juban (clothing).
Main robe.
Obi (broad sash).

12 Traditional Japanese Women’s Clothing

1.Kimono

The most famous and immediately identifiable of all traditional Japanese attire, the kimono is still a staple garment for many Japanese people and is rising in worldwide popularity too. Drawing inspiration from old Chinese style apparel, the kimono was worn originally with a hakama, a long skirt like item that occasionally included a separator along the center. Over time, however, preferences evolved and it became considerably more fashionable for the kimono to be worn without the skirt and instead kept together with a sash known as an obi. Typically worn for special events, both traditional and modern, the kimono has lasted the test of time, its “flattering and body-hugging silhouette is a timeless expression of Japan’s high admiration for well chosen beauty.

2. Yukata

Simply explained, the yukata is the lighter, summertime variant of the kimono. Made from soft, lightweight fabric like cotton, the garment’s name translates to swimming cloth, for which it was initially made. Worn by men and women the yukata is secured with a sash (obi) and is extremely simple to wear. It is most widely used when onsen swimming, and its beautiful and airy robe is also the unofficial costume for vivid summer matsuri events during the warm summer months.

Men’s yukata tend to have muted hues like gray and navy, but otherwise are fairly similar in style to women’s yukata. These casual kimono may be donned with little to no aid, making yukata an easy gateway to the realm of Japanese traditional dress.

3. Hanten

A hanten is a winter coat that was primarily worn by average people during the Edo period. Its history may be far-reaching, nevertheless, owing in large part to its basic, simplistic style, the jacket is a highly adaptable item of clothing that can very effortlessly integrate into the modern-day wardrobe. The throw-over type coat-jacket is cushioned and designed for a warm, yet flattering fit. If you’re interested in infusing some Japanese flare into your wardrobe, this is a wonderful place to begin, and even better we’ve already created a complete guide here.

If you know someone who continues determined to appear nice even while temperatures are falling, inform him that wearing a hanten is how it should be done. Hanten layer effortlessly and mix nicely with work casual clothes and athleisure. For extra warmth, put in a few kairo, or hot sachets, in the pockets of the hanten.

4. Haori

A more formal manifestation of the hanten, a haori is a medium-length jacket meant to be worn over the kimono. In former periods was only available to people of a higher social level, whereas in the Sengoku era, men would wear sleeveless forms of the haori over their armor like tabard was worn in Europe. Women also dabbled with wearing the haori as a statement style item, a trend popularized by geisha in the 1800s.

This includes tying together segments of the cloth before it is dipped into to produce elaborate patterns between the colored regions and raw fabric. Each of the hundreds of tiny dots you see has been hand-tied to produce this interesting design. You may check out our antique haori collection here.

5. Samue

Samue is an extraordinarily plain garment initially worn by Japanese Zen Buddhist clergy, yet even to this day while they are participating in physical, focused activity known as samu. Activities that come under the samu banner include cooking, cleaning, outdoor work, and they’re all thought to be wonderful methods to develop the skill of mindfulness. Consisting of a basic pair of trousers and a shirt, they’re often constructed from linen or cotton and stained indigo blue, or brown. Its subtle simplicity, and well thought design is a good depiction of the practice of Zen Buddhism. To find out more about Samue, check out these 10 Things to Know!

Samue loungewear is intended for modern living and is totally customizable to offer optimal comfort whether resting at home or conducting errands around town. The nicest cotton samue loungewear to be found is handmade in Kurume, Kyushu. For even better comfort, check out our samue pajamas!

6. Kimono Robes

A kimono robe is really more comparable to a yukata, the kimono’s more casual and relaxed cousin. The history of kimono garments is connected with bathing culture and ryokans, or Japanese style inns, featuring onsen hot springs. Bathing tradition in Japan goes back to the 12th century Kamakura era.

Nowadays, the yukata you may find at a ryokan have been simplified so that they can be worn very quickly with a single tie around the waist, much like a bath robe. They don’t need any special undergarments, additional knots, or difficult folds.

7. Men’s Nagajuban Robes

Men’s nagajuban are worn beneath a kimono in order to keep it clean and dry. These kimono undergarments generally constructed from white cotton or silk fabric, yet it’s not rare to find antique nagajuban with elaborate hand-painted artworks, making them a perfect as loungewear robes too! Check out the collection here.

8. Obijime

The obijime is a gorgeous, braided thread that is twisted around the obi, then tied at the front of the kimono. Originally they were considered to have been presents from a patron or lover, but now you may purchase your own! Obijime may be found in most current kimono outfits in a great range of styles, colors, forms, and materials. However the most popular obijime are to made of silk.

9. Nagajuban

Hidden beneath a kimono is where you’ll discover a nagajuban a tiny robe meant to keep the remainder of the kimono clean. The item, which is usually made of silk or cotton, separates the kimono’s layers from the body. Kimono may be exceedingly difficult to clean, particularly when made of silk, thus the nagajuban is vital to keep perspiration away from the outside material. The nagajuban is generally only visible at the collar, where you notice a small strip of white.

Even simpler than a nagajuban this men’s cotton kimono undergarment, or hadagi, will keep you comfortable and clean while wearing any kimono, yukata, or other outerwear. A short-sleeved kimono undershirt like this is simply buttoned up. It is frequently worn with panties, or lightweight shorts.