The aesthetics of the kimono
- by MaedaYumiko
- 3 min reading time
In recent years, kimonos have become increasingly common outside of Japan as well.
But what exactly is the source of their beauty?
Colors, patterns and materials naturally play an important role.
For me, however, the true beauty of the kimono lies primarily in its lines .
Lines that move calmly and gently along the body.
These flowing lines create an aesthetic that is typical of Japanese culture.
The soft transitions from the neck over the shoulders to the back are particularly beautiful.
The way the neck is visible, how the sleeves fall, and how the entire silhouette appears when standing also create a harmonious line.
The kimono shows very little skin.
And yet, the interplay of fabric and body creates a subtle, profound sensuality.
It is a beauty that does not reveal itself directly, but leaves room for imagination.
Kimono and the theme of "balance" (Hosei)
In today's traditional way of wearing kimono, the so-called Hosei – balancing the body shape – plays an important role.
This involves using cloths or towels to soften the body's natural curves in order to create a smooth silhouette.
This method ensures that the kimono and obi fit snugly and retain their shape for a long time.
Therefore, Hosei is now widely used in kimono dressing practices.
What old woodcuts show us
However, when considering Ukiyo-e and historical depictions of beauty, a question arises:
Did people back then also balance their bodies?
The answer is: no.
In times when the kimono was everyday clothing, no such balancing was used.
This practice only began to develop slowly from the Meiji period onwards and finally became established in the early 20th century.
Back then, everyday life itself shaped the body.
The way people wore kimonos was also more relaxed:
The obi sat lower, was narrower, and the ohashori was shorter or not present at all.
Of course, woodcuts also depict idealized forms.
However, with the influence of Western clothing and changing lifestyles, the ideal of beauty also changed.
The fact that expressions of beauty change with time and culture is universal.
Today, balancing the body is a personal decision.
What matters is not whether you do it or not, but how the lines between fabric and body interact.
A little tip on wearing a haori
When I try on haori at markets, I often give a simple piece of advice:
Do not pull the haori tightly around your neck, but let it slide back a little.
Many people unconsciously try to wear it close to their neck.
As a result, the shoulders often appear tense and the line becomes harsher.
Even a slight backward movement makes the line from the neck over the shoulders to the back appear softer and more harmonious.
A small space is created between the body and the fabric – and that is precisely where the beauty lies.
This idea also applies if one wears a haori over western clothing.
The kimono lives from the lines and the space between them.