The Kimono:

The Kimono (lit. something worn) is the national costume of Japan. Originally the word kimono referred to all clothing; however, over time it has come to specifically refer to the traditional full-length garment worn by men, women and children. Traditional Kimono’s consists of multiple layers of hand-dyed silk clothing, undergarments, socks, footwear, headpiece and accessories, a very formal affair indeed. A more contemporary kimono would be only the outermost robe, usable on a daily basis. Very comfortable and quite beautiful the act of wearing a kimono is an art form in and of itself. The layering of the various robes and undergarments, choice of obi (waistband), footwear, and headpiece along with fans, hair, and jewelry all mean varying things.