What are Silk Kimonos?

A silk kimono is traditionally a Japanese garment, much admired for its luxurious fabric and detailed and beautiful designs. Made from fine silk, these kimonos are highly valued for their elegance, fluid drape, and the richness of colors and patterns, some particularly precious and historic kimonos are displayed in museums around the world. Traditionally, silk kimonos are worn on formal occasions or festivals, with designs that can range from classically simple to elaborate motifs inspired by nature, folklore, or seasonal themes.

Different types of silk kimonos are tailored for various purposes and seasons. For example:

• Furisode: A formal kimono with long, flowing sleeves, typically worn by unmarried women.
• Uchikake: An ornate, heavily embroidered kimono worn over other garments in formal settings, like weddings.
• Yukata: A lighter, often cotton kimono for casual summer wear, but it can also be made of silk.

The kimono is wrapped left over right, secured with an obi (a wide belt), and accessorised with tabi socks and geta or zori sandals.

At Helen Loveday we take inspiration from this classic art form and design our silk dressing gowns with many of the features found on a kimono such as the wide open sleeve, wide collar and a simple version of an obi which is much easier to tie.