One of the most common, well-known, and widely used words/terms in Japan is the Japanese kimono. The term refers to Japanese clothing and seems to cross language barriers easily. The exact translation of the term kimono from the Japanese dictionary is “something to wear” which does not help because it is frequently used as an umbrella phrase for all Japanese traditional clothing.
Adding more to the confusion, you can find a variety of garments like lingerie, cardigans, and other clothing outside of Japan labelled as women’s kimonos. Similarly, many clothing pieces can be called robes, like judicial attires, academic ceremonial gowns, royal garments, monk’s clothes, and even your everyday necessity, a bathrobe.
Both kimonos and robes have common specifications of being long, flowing, and sleeve, but what makes them different from each other?
There are some non-similarities between them we’ll be discussing here.
Let’s dive in!
Kimonos
As we all know, the term kimono refers to a Japanese garment; most of us are unaware of what garment is called a kimono.
Kimonos are generally and originally hand-sewn from a delicate silk cloth into a T shape, held together with a belt.
In Japanese culture, a women’s kimono is considered formal clothing, similar to donning a formal dress, a suit, or a gown. Due to the kimono’s rich cultural connotation, not every robe can be called or referred to as a kimono because the kimono is steeped in traditional significance.
The aesthetics and styles of the kimono reveal the personality, style, and background of the wearer.
They are usually full-length in a single color palette made of glossy material and are specified to wear on formal occasions.
After the western adaptation of a kimono, you’ll find them worldwide with significant changes in length, style, and colors. The western community has adopted a kimono to wear for both casual and formal events, such as white sheer kimonos (not made of silk), Black Batwing Sleeve kimonos, and many more styles.
Robes
When both kimonos(Japanese tradition) and Kaftans(middle-eastern tradition) evolved, Robes made an appearance as a western adaptation of an airy and light outerwear garment to wrap you in luxury and comfort.
A big THANKS to the hotels and spas, robes are becoming commonplace for all the women out there to enjoy the perfect blend of comfort and luxury at home. Inspired by kaftans and kimonos, robes can be incredibly perfect and useful when paired with casualwear outfits as well as loungewear outfits. Combined with convenience and fashion, premium quality satin robes can offer a truly luxurious experience to lounge in and create a fashion statement for a trendy and standout look.
Robes are no longer limited to wear in bedrooms; they can be dressed up to add some glitz to any outfit when heading out.
