When you think of Japan, you probably immediately imagine Sakura trees (Cherry blossoms), tea ceremonies, charming old ramen shops, and men and women walking down the streets wearing a beautiful kimono.
Kimonos are popularly known as the traditional dress of Japan. They reflect the Japanese culture, history and the significance of each element of nature. However, they are not the only traditional dress of Japan.
Japanese traditional dresses, as a whole, are called wafuku（和服. The kimono（着物） is the national dress of Japan and, therefore, one of the different types of wafuku. Each Japanese traditional dress for men, women, and children and their accessories holds a significant cultural meaning that the Japanese and all people of Japan-origin take pride in.
So, let’s explore what are the different types of traditional dresses for Japanese men, women and children.
Japanese Dresses for Men
The Japanese are known to be very disciplined and somewhat socially conservative. This nature is well-reflected in their design of clothing too. Traditional dresses for Japanese men tend to be practical and functional, with some of them specially designed for specific occasions. Here are some of them:
1. Kimono
The national costume of Japan, the kimono, is a traditional attire that can be worn on any formal and informal occasion. The garment has a distinct T-shape design and a hem length with ends just above the ankle. Men’s kimonos are most commonly solid coloured and available in demure colours like black, grey, blue, green, and brown. However, colourful kimonos with prints and hand-painted designs are also available.
The kimono is worn with a thin obi belt on top around the waist to hold the garment in place and prevent shifting during movement. The most common fabrics used to weave a kimono are linen, wool, cotton, and silk. Traditional kimonos are considered a prized belonging since many are hand-made; a simple white robe called nagajuban is worn underneath to prevent any sweat damage.
2. Montsuki
A more formal version of the kimono, the Montsuki is often characterized by a solid colour and the symbol of a family crest embroidered or printed on both shoulders. Montsuki is typically worn on important occasions like weddings, traditional ceremonies and funerals. Therefore, they are made of high-quality silk or silk gauze.
3. Hakama
Hakama is a wide-pleated pant, usually made of cotton and with a silhouette of a skirt. They are commonly worn over a kimono. Traditionally, they were worn by samurais, and the design had seven-folds which represented the seven virtues of a samurai. Presently, it is worn in martial arts events like aikido, kendo and kyudo (traditional Japanese archery).
4. Yukata
A more casual form of kimono, the yukata is a garment worn during the summer festival. Since most traditional yukata are made of cotton and are lightweight, they are also worn casually throughout the summer to combat humidity. The attire is completed with a sash tied around the waist called the koshihimoor or a thin obi belt. A Yukata is meant to be worn on its own. Therefore, many often wear a traditional Japanese undergarment called fundoshi or shorts underneath it.
5. Jinbei
A jinbei is commonly considered a summer attire comprising short-length pants and a short-sleeved jacket. Designed for ease and comfort, jinbei typically feature simple patterns like stripes and geometric designs or are solid-coloured. They are commonly worn at summer festivals or as loungewear.
6. Happi
Happi is a traditional Japanese coat, usually made of cotton and worn during festivals or events. These coats are adorned with bold patterns, such as kanji characters or family crests, and vibrant colors like blue, red, or black.
7. Haori
The Haori is a short, hip-length jacket worn over a kimono. Historically used by samurais for protection against the elements, it later evolved into a stylish overcoat for both men and women. Haori jackets are decorated with intricate patterns on the inside, often hidden until the coat is removed.
8. Hanten
The hanten is a padded jacket ideal for cold winters, featuring a straight-cut design and quilted cotton layers for insulation. Its practical style, paired with simple geometric patterns or family crests, makes it a popular choice for everyday wear in traditional settings.
9. Eboshi
Eboshi refers to a traditional cap worn with a shōzoku, primarily during formal ceremonies by Shintō priests in ancient Japan. It symbolizes dignity and rank, crafted from materials such as black-lacquered silk. Today, Eboshi can be seen in historical re-enactments or traditional weddings among other such ceremonies.
10. Kamishimo
Kamishimo is a formal outfit for men, comprising a sleeveless jacket and hakama pants, often made from stiff, high-quality materials. This attire, popular during the Edo period, was traditionally worn by samurai or officials to demonstrate rank and status.
12. Zori and Tabi
Zori are traditional sandals with a flat sole, often paired with tabi, which are split-toe socks. These accessories complete the look of formal kimono attire, emphasizing functionality and elegance.
13. Geta
Geta are wooden sandals raised on platforms, designed to keep the feet above mud or snow. The simple design features a thong strap, often made from fabric, and is commonly worn with yukata or casual kimonos.
Traditional Dresses for Women
The traditional dress of Japan for women is often characterized by beautiful motifs of nature and other cultural symbols. Often displaying an elaborate, flowing, and voluminous design, they paint a picture of gracefulness and delicate beauty. Here are some of the traditional dresses you should know about.
1. Kimono
The women’s kimono stands as an iconic representation of Japan’s heritage. Typically made of silk, each kimono features intricate patterns and motifs inspired by nature, such as cherry blossoms, cranes, or waves. The women’s kimono is often brightly coloured and paired with wide obi belts, which are meticulously tied at the back into elaborate knots. The sleeves of a woman’s kimono are generally longer than those of men’s, symbolizing youth and elegance. Seasonal variations influence the choice of fabric and design, with lighter patterns for summer and richer tones for winter.
2. Furisode
The Furisode is a form of kimono worn by young, unmarried women during significant ceremonies such as coming-of-age celebrations. Its most distinguishing feature is the long, flowing sleeves that can extend around 114 cm. The fabric is often adorned with vivid and luxurious designs, such as cranes, peonies, or clouds, which exude a sense of festivity and youthful energy.
3. Shiromuku
The Shiromuku is a traditional wedding kimono, entirely white, and symbolizes purity and new beginnings. This ensemble typically features heavy silk fabric with intricate embroidery, often in patterns of cranes or floral designs. Brides also wear a matching white headpiece called a tsunokakushi, intended to veil metaphorical “horns” of jealousy and ego, reflecting humility and the promise of harmony in marriage.
4. Uchikake
An Uchikake is another bridal garment, typically worn over the Shiromuku. Unlike the Shiromuku, it boasts vibrant colors such as red and gold, with ornate embroidery showcasing motifs of phoenixes, cherry blossoms, and waves. This luxurious overcoat is not tied with an obi but draped open over the kimono.
5. Yukata
The yukata is a staple for women during Japan’s summer festivals and fireworks events. Made of breathable cotton, it often features cheerful patterns of fireworks, morning glories, or goldfish. Women often pair it with traditional wooden sandals called geta and carry a small handbag for their belongings.
6. Tomesode
The Tomesode is a formal kimono worn by married women, usually at weddings or other celebratory occasions. It is characterized by its shorter sleeves and subdued colors, often in black or dark hues. The lower section of the kimono is decorated with elegant designs such as landscapes or flowers, and the garment typically features the family crest embroidered on the shoulders.
7. Hanten
The hanten is a short, padded jacket known for its warmth and practicality. Typically quilted with cotton, it offers excellent insulation against cold winters. The simple straight-cut design is versatile, making it suitable for both casual and semi-formal occasions. Commonly adorned with understated geometric patterns or family crests, hanten jackets were traditionally worn by commoners and have become a beloved winter garment.
8. Haori
The Haori, a hip-length jacket, was initially worn by samurai over their armour. It later gained popularity as a sophisticated overcoat for both genders. Haori for women often feature intricate, hand-painted motifs, such as flowers or landscapes, while men’s designs tend to be more subdued, focusing on subtle patterns or family crests.
9. Nemaki
The nemaki is a casual, cotton kimono-style garment worn as sleepwear or loungewear. It is often provided in traditional inns (ryokan) for guests, offering comfort while maintaining a touch of cultural authenticity. Patterns on the nemaki are typically understated, featuring geometric designs or soft, nature-inspired motifs.
10. Kanzashi
A critical element of traditional Japanese women’s attire is Kanzashi or ornamental hairpins crafted from wood, metal, or silk. These accessories range from simple designs for daily wear to elaborate floral arrangements for formal occasions. Geisha and maiko often use the Kanzashi to enhance their hairstyles. Interestingly, each arrangement is often a reflection of the season or event.
11. Geta
Geta are traditional Japanese wooden sandals raised on two wooden supports called “teeth,” which elevate the feet above the ground. Japanese pair traditional attire like yukata and kimono with this footwear. The rhythmic clacking sound of geta on stone streets evokes a nostalgic image of traditional Japan.
12. Okobo Shoes
Worn by maiko (apprentice geisha), okobo are platform sandals made of lacquered wood. They serve both a functional and aesthetic purpose, adding height while training maikos to walk gracefully. The Okobo often features a simple thong strap and is sometimes embellished with bells to announce the wearer’s presence.
Traditional Dresses for Children
Japanese traditional clothing for children reflects the nation’s cultural richness and emphasis on ceremonial milestones. These garments are crafted with vivid colors and intricate designs, tailored to convey joy and prosperity. During Shichi-Go-San, a festival celebrating children aged 3, 5, and 7, boys wear hakama paired with haori featuring family crests, while girls don furisode, a type of kimono with long, flowing sleeves.
A distinct garment for younger children, especially toddlers, is the hifu, a padded vest worn over a kimono. The hifu not only enhances the ensemble’s aesthetic appeal with vibrant patterns but also provides an additional layer of warmth and comfort.
Traditional Dresses of Japan – A Tapestry Woven With Timeless Threads
The traditional dress of Japan offer a window into the country’s rich history, artistry, and cultural values. Each piece, from the formal kimono to the casual jinbei, holds a story that connects the past to the present. These garments celebrate the beauty of nature, the importance of rituals, and the elegance of craftsmanship. Preserved through generations, traditional Japanese attire remains a cherished symbol of identity and pride, resonating with people across the globe.