Kimonos
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Aesthetic Evening Dresses
1980s Japanese Coats and Outerwear
1980s Japanese Coats and Outerwear
1970s Japanese Coats and Outerwear
1940s Robes
1970s Unknown Evening Dresses
1990s Italian Jackets
1960s Coats and Outerwear
1940s Jackets
1990s French Jackets
1970s Japanese Coats and Outerwear
1920s Car Coats
1980s Japanese Coats and Outerwear
1940s Jackets
1980s Coats
1970s Japanese Robes
1970s Japanese Robes
1970s Japanese Robes
21st Century and Contemporary Coats
1920s Chinese Chinese Dresses
1980s Japanese Evening Dresses and Gowns
1970s Coats
Early 1800s Coats
Mid-20th Century Japanese Loungewear
1970s Japanese Coats and Outerwear
1970s Japanese Coats and Outerwear
1960s Coats
1960s Coats
1970s Car Coats
1990s Italian Jackets
1930s Unknown Jackets
1970s Japanese Loungewear
1980s Japanese Evening Dresses and Gowns
Late 20th Century Indian Robes
1980s Japanese Evening Dresses and Gowns
1980s German Loungewear
1930s French Jackets
2010s Italian Jackets
Mid-20th Century Japanese Caftans
2010s Overcoats
1980s Japanese Coats and Outerwear
1970s Japanese Robes
1970s Japanese Robes
1970s Japanese Robes
21st Century and Contemporary Coats
21st Century and Contemporary Coats
1980s Japanese Coats and Outerwear
21st Century and Contemporary Coats
20th Century Japanese Evening Gowns
2010s Italian Fur Puffer Coats
1940s Japanese Jackets
Mid-20th Century Coats
1970s Coats
1960s Coats
1990s Coats
1990s Coats
1980s Japanese Coats and Outerwear
1960s Coats
1920s Coats
1990s French Vests
- 1
- ...
Kimonos
With a history that spans more than 1,000 years, the kimono has amply earned this simple yet emphatic translation. The uncomplicated T-shape design, cut from a single bolt of (usually glorious) cloth, was protected by law in 1950, deemed bunkazai hogo ho, “cultural property,” something that provides insight into Japan’s art, history and way of life.
But the garment’s allure knows no boundaries, national or otherwise. “You can’t love fashion and textiles without loving kimonos,” says Katy Rodriguez, founder of the luxury vintage design boutique Resurrection. Adds Bridgette Morphew, owner of the eponymous Morphew, “It’s unisex and appeals to all sizes and ages.”
It’s the kimono’s balance between two competing identities — cultural icon and fashionable attire — that underlies its attraction today.
But here’s the thing: More likely than not, we’ve got the kimono all wrong. We gaze at elegant images of geisha from our limited Western perspective and think with reverence, “How timeless! How unchanging!” Not true, insist the curators of two exhibitions that opened in 2020.
Browse a collection of kimonos on 1stDibs, and read about the history of this garment at The Study.
Finding the Right Clothing for You
From museum-worthy vintage Oscar de la Renta evening dresses and jackets to audacious T-shirts and trousers from provocative punk designer Vivienne Westwood, one thing is abundantly clear: If the clothing available on 1stDibs could talk, it would certainly make a statement.
For fashion lovers, the 1990s have become associated with styles adopted by today’s supermodels and influencers — think Galliano and Cavalli — but maybe ‘80s accessories are among your (guilty?) pleasures. Playful, boldly colored coats and outerwear from Moschino and other titans of the era can take a simpler ensemble to the next level, while chic and practical suits from the likes of Christian Dior and Chanel remain classic for haute couture advocates and beyond. By exploring the vast array of vintage collections on these pages, you can transform your closet into a retreat that is as retro as it is royal.
Velvet cocktail dresses and silk evening gowns designed by French-born American couturiere Pauline Trigère — who dressed Wallis Simpson, the Duchess of Windsor — have proven timeless since their mid-century debut, while an overcoat by Alexander McQueen is the perfect finishing touch. In fact, an emerald one stays in rotation for Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge.
Those seeking modern high-fashion brands are also in luck. Turn your day-to-day into a runway with selections from Dolce & Gabbana, Yves Saint Laurent and Versace or complete that fresh look with stunning footwear classics from the likes of Gucci and Christian Louboutin. The future — and glamorous past — of fashion is yours for the wearing.
Build your collection of covetable and iconic vintage garments by shopping on 1stDibs. No matter where you roam, our diverse apparel and accessories will keep you covered in the hottest styles and comfiest black hoodie imaginable.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022To respectfully wear a kimono, first wrap it left over right. Then, position the collar so that the opening is between one and two fists wide. Wear the obi or sash in the back. Find a range of kimonos on 1stDibs.
- What is a kimono stand?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021A kimono stand is the setting for displaying your ornate Japanese textile. The robe's exquisite needlework is highlighted by the stand, which also protects it from the stress that could cause the seams to separate. Traditional ikou, or kimono stands, are huge, expensive, and often hard to come by.
- What is a kimono shirt?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Kimono shirts are a traditional Japanese garment. It is characterized by its open front and boxy ‘T’ shape. A kimono shirt can be a solid color or feature a vibrant all-over pattern. Shop a collection of kimono shirts from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
- What is a silk kimono?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Kimonos are traditional Japanese garments often crafted with silk material. The kimono is T-shaped with rectangular sleeves, and is wrapped left over right and secured with a sash or “obi”. You can shop a collection of silk kimonos from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
- What is a kimono sleeve?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021Kimono sleeves mimic the sleeves on traditional Japanese dresses known as kimonos. The sleeves are cut in one piece with the bodice as opposed to being cut and sewn on the bodice separately.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The difference between a haori and a kimono is how you wear it. The kimono is a wrap-around garment worn like a dress, while a haori is a jacket worn over top of a kimono or other clothing. You'll find a collection of traditional Japanese apparel on 1stDibs.
- What is a kimono jacket called?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021The kimono jacket is called a haori. It's a hip- or thigh-length jacket worn over a kimono, an article of traditional Japanese clothing. The haori is normally designed with a tiny collar and two thin, triangular panels sewed onto each side seam. Two short cords, known as haori himo, are normally tied in the front of the haori and attached to small loops stitched inside the garment.
- What is a kimono style robe?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 5, 2021A kimono-style robe, or kimono, is a long loose outer garment like a robe. It is a traditional Japanese garment and the national dress of the country. It is a T-shaped, wrapped-front garment. The kimono features square sleeves and a rectangular body. It has numerous parts and in Japan, it isn’t worn everyday as it is reserved mainly for special occasions like weddings and festivals. Find kimonos today on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022To tell if a kimono is made from silk, look for silk’s signature pearlescence, sheen and luster. Run your fingers over the fabric — it should feel smooth. Hold the kimono up from a single point at the neck. The fabric and it should drape luxuriously. If the fabric has a flat sheen, feels rough, or doesn’t drape well, it’s probably not real silk. Shop a collection of authentic silk kimonos from top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022A Japanese kimono is sometimes called a gofuku. However, you will most often see it referred to as a kimono. The garment developed from traditional silk robes worn in China during the Wu dynasty. You'll find a collection of kimonos on 1stDibs.
- How do I store an old kimono?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022To store an old kimono, first air it out for roughly four hours to eliminate moisture. Then, use an emonkake, a hanger designed specifically for kimonos, to hang it in a dry, dark location. Shop a collection of vintage kimonos on 1stDibs.
- Are kimonos made of silk?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, authentic Japanese kimonos are made of silk. Mulberry silk, which comes from the mulberry silkworm and accounts for around 90 percent of the world’s silk, is the most popular type used to make kimonos. Shop a selection of authentic silk kimonos on 1stDibs.
- What is a wedding kimono called?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 19, 2021A wedding kimono is also known as the shiromuku. The shiromuku is entirely white, as is the bride's entire outfit, from her outer robe, called the uchikake, to the kimono worn beneath the robe, known as the kakeshita. Shiromuku wedding kimonos are typically made of a rich fabric such as silk or satin and feature elaborate embroidery and beading. Shop a range of vintage wedding kimonos on 1stDibs.
Read More
Barbra Streisand Channeled Klimt’s ‘Woman in Gold’ in This Shimmering Dress
Costumer to the stars Ray Aghayan brought the famed painting to life with his spectacular design.
A Chanel Obsessive’s Cache Extends Well beyond Her Walk-In Closet
From handbags and heels to jackets and jewels, Sharon Coplan Hurowitz has a deep admiration for (and collection of) all things Chanel.
Behind the 1970s and ’80s Glam of ‘Halston’ with the Hit Show’s Costume Designer
Jeriana San Juan explains how she undertook the intimidating project of designing costumes for the new Netflix series about the New York fashion legend. (Hint: She found vintage Halston on 1stDibs!)
A Short History of Capri Pants, on the 100th Birthday of Their Inventor
Once considered a controversial item of clothing, fashion designer Sonja de Lennart's creation is now a bona fide classic.
How the Chanel Jacket Forever Changed What Women Wear
The classic tweed garment has been a wardrobe staple of chic women around the world since the 1950s.
A Pair of Shoes — Heels or Flats — Can Tell an Impactful Story
Amanda Benchley and Bridget Moynahan teamed up to explore the relationship between powerful women and their most significant footwear.
You Saw It at the Met Ball. Here’s What Camp Fashion Is Really About
This year's Costume Institute exhibition is all about embracing the eccentric.
The V&A Takes a Fresh Look at the New Look’s Pioneering Progenitor, Christian Dior
Ballrooms, Bar Suits and British royals — in a sweeping exhibition, the London museum looks back on 70 years of the French fashion house, as well as its illustrious founder and his fondness for the United Kingdom.