Like an adult kimono, a children’s kimono is a robe-like garment worn tied at the waist with a wide belt known as an obi. Where older women wear somber colors and muted designs, children’s brightly color with bold designs. During festival times, children wear all the same accessories, including obi belts, shoes, and traditional hair accessories for girls.
Just like adults have a variety of traditional Japanese clothing based upon the weather, marital status, and special events, there is a wide variety of children’s kimonos as well. More questions? Send us an email!
Omiyamairi Kimono
Omiyamairi is a Japanese baby’s first visit to their local temple. The ceremony generally takes place between birth and 100 days old. Some babies wear a white, lacy children’s kimono similar to a baptism gown. Another popular style is a brightly colored children’s kimono which ties around the baby and the person carrying the child.
Hanten
This is a shorter winter coat to wear by both boys and girls. It includes a light batting for added warmth, much like a quilt or stuffed jacket. These generally make it much easier to dress a child and wear during cooler weather.
Furisode
This kimono style is easily recognizable by its long, flowing sleeves, which may often reach the floor. Girls often wear this formal kimono during their coming of age visit to the temple around age 20.
Haori
This style is a short jacket, often emblazoned with the family crest, worn over a kimono. While girls wear kimonos with flowing sleeves for formal occasions, boys often wear a haori.