The kimono shirt is a fashionable take on the traditional Japanese kimono robe. While a traditional kimono is a full-length robe with long sleeves, the kimono shirt is a shorter, tunic-style garment that can be worn as a stylish top or light jacket. Kimono shirts offer a nod to Eastern style while still being wearable in a Western wardrobe. Read on to learn more about the history, styles, and wearing tips for the versatile kimono shirt.
History and Origins of the Kimono Shirt
The origins of the kimono shirt can be traced back to the traditional kimono robe of Japan. The word “kimono” literally means “thing to wear” in Japanese. Traditional kimonos were T-shaped robes with long sleeves and elaborate decorative motifs. They were worn by both men and women in Japan for centuries.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Western fashions began influencing Japanese attire. During the Meiji period, the silhouette of the traditional kimono gradually shifted to accommodate Western-style clothing. Japanese designers also began experimenting by combining elements of Western and traditional Japanese dress.
It was during this period that the first kimono-inspired blouses and tunics emerged. These early kimono shirts took the essence of traditional kimono robes and adapted them into tops and jackets that could be worn with Western pants, skirts, and footwear. These transitional garments bridged Eastern and Western aesthetics.
The kimono shirt rose to popularity in the West in the 1960s and ’70s. The bohemian fashions and cultural blending of that era led many designers to incorporate elements from other cultures, including the exoticism of Japanese kimonos. Brands like Kenzo and Issey Miyake introduced kimono-style tops and jackets to Western runways and retail.
Today, the kimono shirt remains a popular garment around the world. Designers continually reinvent the kimono shirt while still nodding to its origins in traditional Japanese dress.
Common Styles and Features
While they may take on many forms, kimono shirts have some signature features that nod back to traditional kimono robes:
- Tunic length hitting at the hips or waist
- Loose, flowing silhouette
- Wrap construction with overlap front
- Long, wide sleeves
- V-neckline
- Cinched or tied waist
- Dramatic prints, patterns, or decorative motifs
- Bold colors
Kimono shirts may have all or just some of these traits. Here are some of the most common kimono shirt styles:
| Style | Description |
|---|---|
| Wrap Kimono Shirt | A kimono shirt with an overlap front closure and tie belt, mimicking a robe |
| Floral Kimono Shirt | A kimono-style top with a bold floral print |
| Short Kimono Shirt | A cropped, above-the-waist kimono shirt |
| Long Kimono Shirt | An ankle or floor-length kimono shirt like a robe |
| Printed Kimono Shirt | A kimono shirt with geometric, paisley, or other bold prints |
| Boho Kimono Shirt | A kimono shirt in natural, flowing fabrics like rayon or chiffon |
Modern kimono shirts may also play with length, silhouette, and detailing to create new interpretations of the traditional garment.
Fabrics and Materials
Authentic Japanese kimonos are made from silk. Today’s kimono shirts use a wider range of fabrics, including:
- Rayon – Drapes well and mimics silk
- Cotton – Lightweight and breathable
- Polyester – Colorful prints and stretch
- Silk
- Chiffon – Flowy and airy
- Georgette – Sheer and delicate
Lightweight, drapable fabrics that flow nicely and hold colorful prints are ideal textiles for modern kimono shirts. Some may include lace, sheer, or mesh panels, though traditional kimonos favored solid fabrics and bold prints.
Buying and Sizing Tips
Here are some tips for choosing the right kimono shirt:
- Select your regular shirt size for a trim fit or size up for a looser, flowy fit.
- Pay attention to fabric content – natural fabrics like rayon and cotton will be cooler.
- Look for a cinched or elastic waist if you want a defined silhouette.
- Check if the shirt is open or closed down the front – open fronts will show more skin.
- Consider laundering – hand wash or dry clean embellished or delicate fabrics.
- Try it on if possible to check the length and flow of the fabric.
Some general guidelines for sizing kimono shirts:
| Size | Dimensions |
|---|---|
| XS | Chest: 32-34″, Waist: 24-26″, Hips: 34-36″ |
| S | Chest: 34-36″, Waist: 26-28″, Hips: 36-38″ |
| M | Chest: 38-40″, Waist: 30-32″, Hips: 40-42″ |
| L | Chest: 42-44″, Waist: 34-36″, Hips: 44-46″ |
| XL | Chest: 46-48″, Waist: 38-40″, Hips: 48-50″ |
How to Style a Kimono Shirt
One of the appeals of the kimono shirt is its versatility. Here are some tips for stylish ways to wear a kimono shirt:
- Layer it over tanks and tee’s for a light layering piece
- Pair with jeans or leggings for weekend casual wear
- Go boho chic with flared pants or maxi skirts
- Add a belt over a wrap shirt to define your waist
- Wear it open over your swimsuit as a beach cover up
- Tie it closed and tuck into a skirt for an on-trend Japanese street style look
- Drape it over shoulders for a casual shrug
- Cinch the waist with a thick obi-style belt
Kimono shirts look great with denim, yoga pants, flowy skirts, leggings, shorts, and swimwear. The kimono shirt is an easy way to add a dash of Japanese or bohemian flavor to your wardrobe!
Advantages and Disadvantages
Here are some key pros and cons to consider with kimono shirts:
Advantages
- Trendy, fashionable silhouette
- Flattering on many body types
- Lightweight and comfortable for warm weather
- Easy to dress up or down
- Fun colors, prints, and details
- Can be worn open or closed
- Classic yet exotic aesthetic
Disadvantages
- Can look sloppy if too oversized
- Fabrics may wrinkle easily
- Open fronts show skin and undergarments
- Can run short if improperly sized
- May need special laundering care
- Not suited for professional settings
Conclusion
With its roots in traditional Japanese dress, the kimono shirt offers a lightweight and stylish take on exotic Eastern fashion. The wrap construction, long sleeves, and bold prints create an eye-catching top or jacket that easily dresses up jeans or skirts.
Look for kimono shirts in materials like rayon or polyester for fluid drape and brilliant colors. Size up for a more dramatic silhouette or purchase your normal size for a neater fit. Keep proportion in mind, as lengths and sizing can vary. Properly styled, the kimono shirt is a versatile piece that instantly injects a bit of global flair into any outfit.