Simple, straight cuts of fabric have been stitched together in Japan to make unisex garments now commonly called kimono since the Heian period, 794-1192.
Unisex, adaptable to temperature and any body shape, these robes became the broadly worn national dress in the Edo period, 1603-1868, or the last centuries of traditional, isolated Japan.

While the simple cut never changed, variations of sleeves, patterns, fabrics and color signified the social status of the wearer. The codifications were so plentiful they were kept in reference books for the trade, and similar in restrictions to Japanese paintings, poetry, ceramics and lacquerware of the time. The age, gender, social rank, and refinement were all communicated in one garment, and commonly understood.

This woman’s silk kimono from the 1970s is from a lot from purchased from a textile dealer who combs vintage clothing markets all over Japan.