The History of Men's Kimono // Why I find Men's Kimono Boring

[@Twilekmaniac]

As a man who loves to wear kimono, I really wish there were more colorful kimono for men available. I was lucky enough to find a beautiful purple men's kimono with a Nō actor motif that was probably a stage costume, but it's so rare for kimono like that to be on sale.

[@BillyMatsunaga]

Yes! It’s really sad!!! But it’s changing little by little. I see more and more colors in men’s kimono recently.

[@taylors5145]

I’ve had that same issue. So what I’ve started doing is buying un-sewn kimono bolts and sewing my own. This also helps it fit better as well as it is hard to find kimono in my size since I am larger. I’ve gotten some really amazing fabrics that way. eBay and Etsy are a great resource.

[@紗多瑠]

As a man also I highly recommend getting 仕立て注文 custom order kimono. Yes they cost alot but you can control the design you would like and colour.

[@Waldemarvonanhalt]

I think mens kimonos have been Beau Brummel-ified to the point of almost being like the ubiquitous Western mens suit.

[@colmkirk8657]

Very informative video. Also, love your disclaimer, 'instead of complaining... a little bit of research on your own won't hurt you.' Preach!

[@BillyMatsunaga]

Haha! Thank you!!

[@LittleSpaceCase]

I love kimono but agree women's kimono is better. I've never seen men try to style women's kimono in a masculine way but I would like to try it.

[@chocolat262]

Do people really complain about picture when you provide free knowledge and education ? Humans are surely interesting... However a nice and instructive video as always :)

[@BillyMatsunaga]

Oh yes, they do...😪😪😪

[@zoukatron]

Man here. I have a very conservative navy blue kimono and haori with a small kikko pattern. I can see a lot of modern people finding it very boring and conservative, but I do enjoy wearing it.

[@danamarcotteseiler7423]

I wish we Jewish men could wear kimono , they say we can’t for religious reasons ; maybe aI will at home

[@Snailirific]

While men's kimono are rather drab I am quite envious of their huge haori-himo pom-pom. It's such a nice little accessory, especially the dual colored ones. An observation: Modern montsuki and other formality of hakama/haori/kimono for men tend to have intricate weaves and patterns you can't usually see unless you get close, which to me seem to indicate the beauty is intended for those who can get close; friends and family. No idea if that is intended but it made me think, especially considering all the other symbolism in Japanese culture.

[@ramoneguzman8491]

you're right, it is extremely boring. just as today for western men, in my opinion.

[@sigutjo]

I agree, men's clothing feels very limited. Women have much more freedom and options and can even wear men's clothing.

[@connormelton1635]

Yeah...this is correct. There's not many clothing variations for men just formal and summer and winter informal.

[@fbyi2940]

Just become gender neutral lel

[@lifeispoop8537]

Y E S ! Now, we men need one more thing : A tutorial for making men’s kimono ;)

[@asdf913g]

I support your idea

[@happyfaults]

Ditto!

[@BillyMatsunaga]

That’s coming soon... (and probably sooner than you might think...😉)

[@purpleicicles]

@@BillyMatsunaga Oh, are they not the same as women's kimono?? I assumed they'd be shorter as men don't have that fold at the waist - excited to see more!

[@cristianavadean2349]

Men's kimono boring or not, the video was interesting to watch because it's always a pleasure to see you. :) Thank you for telling us stories on the internet :)

[@starmieswift]

One interesting fact I’ve seen with Men’s kimono, in particular Haori jackets is that the linings of the jackets can have beautiful art on them, which can cause them to be more expensive. Aside from that, I love kimono! With fashion being a big part of my life, I don’t let Men’s kimono get too boring for me! Women’s kimono actually triggered my interest, and then I learned that there are kimono for men that were usually way more boring, but I saw no reason in being boring if you don’t want to! I finally finished my yukata that has whales on it! I made it because I’m 5’10”, and not a lot of kimono fit me, and when they do they are expensive and boring! The yukata I made is far from perfect but It’s the most fun piece of clothing I own. I also have some Morning Glory (朝顔) fabric, and some Orange (みかん) fabric to make some more. Morning Glories are definitely never really seen on Men’s kimono, but I love that particular kimono pattern. I don’t care if the pattern is “feminine”, what matters is that I enjoy it and it makes others inspired. Kimono can be whatever you want it to be! From flamboyant and beautiful, to plain and conservative, to different alternatives. I truly believe Kimono is for everyone. :)

[@aubresuttle824]

Thank you for this history! I appreciate all the research you do to give us accurate historical information. I have made 3 kimono using your tutorial and would love to make my partner some as well, so I am hoping that a men's tutorial is on the way soon 🤞

[@BillyMatsunaga]

Its probably coming sooner than you might think... 😉

[@cnscaevola]

I love wearing men’s kimono because they’re boring. I’m incredibly well known in my normal clothes for dark / muted / solid colors, so I try to find more simple women’s kimono. So men’s kimono is just comfort(able) wear for me. That and I love my kendogi / hakama waaaaay too much, so I love any chance to wear hakama. I love your walking through history videos as it gives me a jumping off point for my own research.

[@BillyMatsunaga]

When you enjoy it: go for it!!! Every gender can rock men’s kimono ❤️❤️

[@kattkatt744]

High five for kendo!

[@benjamins.5271]

I agree it is unfortunate that mens' kimono are "boring" compared to womens' kimono. I have always wanted to see mens' kimono with more vibrant colour and design, long sleeves, and more elaborate obi. I do like the black and dark blue montsuki and haori. I think they are classy, like a tux or a very formal suit, but I would love to see more flashy colour and features like long sleeves. I have had this idea of "inventing" a "mens' furisode" for a long time. First, I have to find fabric that is a has a pattern I like, that I think would be suitable. I am thinking about finding an existing furisode that has colours and a pattern that I find agreeable. Finding furisode that meet these requirements and fit me comfortably is like finding a needle in a haystack. I have found a few that have designs that I think will work, waves, bamboo stalks and leaves, and a kakeshita and shiromuku with a hexagonal pattern. Yes! I am not just going for mens' furisode! Mens' shiromuku!

[@SeSeMittens]

To be honest I just can agree with you - I think women's kimono are way more interesting - but this was nice to watch nonetheless 🙂

[@psiholog.matei.gabriela]

i recently watched "age of samurai" on netflix. i was wondering about the accuracy of the costumes they show. if you ever consider making a video in which you review what they wear i would love to watch it :)

[@artistninja7508]

Thanks for explaining, it really helped for my manga drawing!

[@ukallii]

Man, I thought the European sumptuary laws (laws restricting dress) were intense.

[@oakdell]

That is exactly why I started with collecting (and later wearing) women's kimono as well. I'd love to see more of interesting models for men though, and to learn about their rules of wearing (though I don't think there are as many of them as for women's even now :D)

[@asdf913g]

Than you for sensei for production of this video 🙏

[@bluecupcake7401]

OMG it's rare to see information about men's kimono! So interesting! Are you planning to make a women's one?

[@BillyMatsunaga]

Of course 👍🏻

[@catzrulez910]

I prefer to wear mens kimono/haori in public of i could, because they are generally more "muted" in design/color, its a bit easier to pair with my regular wardrobe. But i am so tempted to wear some very bright, intricate womens kimono designs when theres a special event💕

[@christophermattox1982]

How fascinating. Thanks for all the work that went into this video. I guess this means I am going to have to force myself to watch all my favorite period japanese movies all over again to see if I can understand what the character's costume's say about their status. Yay! Thanks Billy!

[@tereza5071]

Thank you for this video and for all your hard work! Visually, traditional mens kimono may be boring, but that means there is room for improvisation individually and a designer might come along with a new vision that might take it farther. Blending traditional and modern clothing for a new look is so creative. I like the idea of how traditional kimono are so readily accessible for modern people who are interested in taking a step back in time, too. 💜💜💜

[@happyfaults]

Thanks for the video! I couldn't find a lot of resources on the history of men's kimono. As for me as a male and a massive fan of classic samurai films, I actually find men's kimono pretty cool!

[@JokerMxyzptlk]

Came upon your channel on accident after many a failed search. This was EXACTLY what I was looking for thank you!!!! I know you prefer the ladies clothing, but would you consider doing some sewing tutorials for the formal mens clothing such as : jinbaori, kamishimo, kariginu, and sokutai?

[@deborahrowan9034]

I am so distracted by the amazing fabric matching with the stripes in your kimono!!!!

[@mayoooketchup]

The left thumb ♡ hihi so cute to see it in motion. Yeah!! A Nara era throwback. I didn't know about the left-collar-over-right rule!!

[@EliotChildress]

I am a man living in japan and would like to start venturing into Japanese clothing. Where would you recommend I start? What to buy and such. Thank you. I’ve been waiting for you to talk about men’s stuff for so long.

[@BillyMatsunaga]

Go thrifting!! They usually have everything from accessories to kimono. You’ll have to do a little bit of research on what you need, of course.

[@ForgeMasterXXL]

Thank you, I would be extremely interested in further videos on men’s clothing. As a kimono wearing man and collector I find this information highly fascinating.

[@connormelton1635]

Yeah....mens kimono (especially vintage) is like 75% shades of indigo....blue, blue, blue, and more blue

[@LadyNiennell]

Domo arigatou gozaimashita! Thank you so much for this video. It was very informative and I appreciate your hard work.

[@cap4life1]

Very interesting video and thank you for the research. Agreed that ppl should do additional research if they’re interested.

[@boyffb]

This reminds me when I bought my frist yukata (it was vintage) and I just feel in love with the pink cherry blossoms design on the blue and white background and they told me it was for women and I was like I don't care it's so beautiful ! I need it in my life 😍🥰. It was 12 years ago, since then that yukata has experienced some damage and is in the process of being upcycled into the lining of a denim jacket 😁😎. I've bought a new male one and I am going to make my first one by my self and it's going to be kinda sorta Non-binary/Unisex but more on the male side of things... 🤷🏼‍♂️💁🏼‍♂️😜😏😁.

[@mayalynn]

I got into kimono first cosplaying male characters so this fascinating. Thank you!

[@siby913]

hello Billy you are absolutely right I also find that men's kimono are boring, for example because they do not have much more color, pattern or formal or informal kimono like those for women. I also feel it when I shop for kimono on the internet .... I find it very unfortunate. thank you very much for the video🙏😊

[@BillyMatsunaga]

Yeah, it’s really a little sad. But men in kimono look still gorgeous!! (Especially you!)

[@siby913]

@@BillyMatsunaga thank you so much 🙏 😘😊!!

[@kathryncoelho2249]

While the aesthetic of men’s kimono may not be as interesting, I found this video fascinating! When the “making a men’s kimono” video comes out I will do my part on sewing up some colorful variations!! Let’s do it!! Thanks for all the research.

[@natashagoetz4160]

Hello Billy, I have been learning from you for a while now. I am very into Sashiko and so it led me into Kimono :D REALLY, so I would like to know if you have any video about sashiko already online, and if you dont, well, I will register myself in the wainting list for it! :D Thank you for sharing this precious information!

[@Piggypotpie]

Love The Video!! Super informative. Do You think you may ever do videos on Heian eras Ju Ni toe?

[@anncortez4056]

How do you make a man kimono I would love to know

[@BillyMatsunaga]

That video is scheduled! Soon!! (Sooner than you might think 😉)

[@handel1111]

of all the kimonos, I love the Kariginu and Hitatare the most, very colorful and intricately designed than Edo period

[@benjamins.5271]

Since you mention kariginu, do you know where I can find a pattern for kariginu, or where I can buy an authentic kariginu? If I get my hands on one, I am pretty sure I can reproduce it.

[@highchamp1]

Purple I have seen the color used as gift wrapping for gold Koban, Ryo (in Samurai TV Series) murasaki Furoshiki cloth. The complimentary colors (Purple & Gold) go together. Also as a Sago cord in Iai. Does it have any significance for the Samurai or in Kendo, Kenjutsu? Any replies would be welcome.

[@martinauditoredafirenze5568]

Hey Nice Information for the History of Kimono !

[@Cjiadon]

What is your opinion on men wearing women's kimono? Especially with the more subdued colors and designs that women's kimono can have. Here in the US, it's not unheard of for men to wear women's clothes and often some of my clothes look better on my husband than on myself. XD I'm curious to know your thoughts on this as someone who has studied kimono so extensively.

[@crys4509]

most of the time i use women kimono and do the obi for men so i wont look girly/women .. but sometimes i wear men kimono with friends when going out to cultural activities

[@gregorypetty6887]

I always thought men's kimonos were boring and ugly, with the exception of the 5 kamon crest montsuki black kimono made of habutae silk, along with a matching Haori. I personally love to wear women's kimonos, especially Furisode kimonos. I have a Furisode kimono at home and I wear it on a regular basis.

[@theplussizecostumer]

My best friend and her husband decided that he should wear a the kimono, haori, and hakama for his wedding clothes. But we had no idea as to how he should wear them. What gets put on first? Could you do a video sometime on how to style them? I know you have a video on how to wear hakama, but that is mostly for women. I'd like to know how men put on the kimono, hakama, and haori so that the next time my best friend's husband wears them, he will be wearing them correctly. They're 10th anniversary is next year and we will probably help them celebrate by wearing our wedding clothes.

[@BenjaminDrews]

Thanks for yet another great video! Men’s kimono truly are boring in the sense of color and pattern, but I think they come across as pretty elegant regardless! I do wish embroidered, colorful men’s kimono were a thing, but I guess there’s no choice but to settle for the “inner beauty” of secret haori lining as the only “fun” part of a men’s kimono.

[@genettemora4325]

I loved this video.

[@hindsightpov4218]

To be fair, men’s clothing in general, traditional and modern, aren’t that flashy compared to women’s clothing across many cultures. Modern men’s kimono have a lot more variety and bright colors than men’s kimonos in the past. There being less social class restrictions now compared to before probably played a factor in this. Men’s theatrical kimonos from Noh and Kabuki plays are much more flashy from what common people wear. But these types of theatrical kimonos are not typical nor completely historically accurate of the time the plays take place. They’re also most definitely not affordable for Japanese men of the general population to purchase. But there’s hope for men’s kimonos to evolve to being “less boring” in the foreseeable future. It seems to be going in that direction.

[@kcbrandao3802]

Thank you.

[@TackyHistorian]

I had assumed the the Tokugawa sumptuary laws had caused things like women’s obi to widen. People could not have certain colors, embroidery, or shibori on their kimono at one time or another. So to get around that, women’s obi became more elaborate. Coupling that idea with the one about men’s and women’s roles and the spaces they occupy during in Edo society only reinforces that idea. Men would be under more scrutiny but women didn’t have that same pressure. Is there really a connection between obi and sumptuary laws?

[@BillyMatsunaga]

No. I’ve read so so sooo many garment history books and they never ever really mention them. Those laws had less influence than you might think. Usually when one thing prohibited, something new became trend (ok, that’s an influence for sure). Fashion history-wise super interesting. Also: not a lot of people had access to shibori etc. that it would have been really restricting. The obi widened because the kimono and hair styles changed drastically in the 17th and 18th century. The bigger the hair and the longer the kimono, the wider the obi. Otherwise it would also look weird...

[@crispywallpaint]

I am curious (or just dumb) How does a pregnant woman wear a kimono?

[@jacqueline-delphine5160]

How are hakama pants able to fit over a kimono?

[@BillyMatsunaga]

I’ve a video that shows you how to put a hakama on. Make sure to check that out! kzbin.info/www/bejne/e2rOc42noKh5qtk

[@EliotChildress]

Yes men’s kimono stuff!!! They may be more boring but oh well.

[@zimrasawyer1881]

Thank you! That was very informative and interesting. Yes mens kimono are boring, but most menswear is... boring 😂. Thank goodness for women's creativity and style!

[@zayaweight9579]

I think men’s clothing in general is unnecessarily boring way too much of the time. A more reserved style is cool & definitely has its place, but we like colours too! Women’s clothing comes in all shapes & colours & it’s often really cool, then men’s clothing is all basically the same 3 outfits with bland colours.

[@januaresterjodiningtyas8863]

Where were you when i was in the college???? This is such a precious information to have!! Doesn't matter though, i will always enjoy your video 😍😍 Btw what happened to your thumb??

[@BillyMatsunaga]

I cut it when I tried to cut an avocado... 😅😅😅😅😅

[@januaresterjodiningtyas8863]

@@BillyMatsunaga omg 😅

[@SpawnedInTheHades]

I wish there was a shop where we men could have custom kimono designed and tailored because I agree, men's kimono are boring AF. I want something with some character, with some bolder colors, but those just don't seem to exist.

[@purpleicicles]

So given all that, does that mean that the historical restrictions on colour, pattern and obi styling for men's kimono are now eroding? Can men now be more colourful?

[@jazy3091]

Personally I prefer man's kimono a hundred times over woman's. I understand it's a little bit on a conservative side and restricts men from expressing their creativity and personality, but it's also very elegant and in modern times when men are not required to stick that much to the rules in fashion you can find more courageous fabrics. It's all in details while women's komonos tend to be too shouty, too colourful and overloaded - not all obviously there are many examples of wonderful fabrics but in general I find them overly vibrant. So as a woman I do appreciate subtlety and elegance that comes with man's kimono.

[@RitsukoKotoha]

Why the formal men kimono are always super long that looks like they're gonna trip so uncomfortable to walk

[@leronharrison1110]

As a man who wears kimono and hakama, I don't see the boring nature of it. I do get tired of hearing the whole "men's kimono is boring" line, especially when it's in the vicinity of "Oh, how I wish more guys would wear kimono!!" If, as you presented in your video, you trace kimono lineage back to the Heian period (and I look at that a bit skeptically), the color gradations in that period were more subtle and current color combinations would be regarded as garish and unsophisticated. So I like to think I carry on the tastes of the Heian period and not contemporary ones in my color choices.

[@BillyMatsunaga]

First of all: I’m allowed to have an opinion and to represent that on my channel. Secondly, in Heian period there already strict rules about who could wear which colors. So no, there was not a lot of freedom and not as nice as you might think. And you should also never forget that 98% of the population did not have access to those colors. Plus, just because I find men’s kimono boring, shouldn’t keep you from wearing and having fun with it 😉

[@leronharrison1110]

It wasn't that there were strict rules for colors at first but colors had various associations and displays of color show aesthetic sensitivity and political consideration. These things get codified as knowledge as much knowledge becomes hereditary and that becomes yushoku kojitsu.

[@anncortez4056]

Do you know a good place to find fabric on online

[@aubresuttle824]

Etsy is great! There are plenty of shops that sell more traditional Japanese fabrics if that is what you're looking for, but you can find almost anything else as well. Kimonomomo is a shop that I love for making kimono/yukata or any other project that I want a traditional Japanese feel for 😊

[@spaghettiking7312]

I'm glad men's fashion being boring isn't exclusive to Western culture.

[@jaspernez6456]

That why I want to know how to make men kimono. So, I could pick the fabric I like and make to my life style or someone else. But first learn why the men kimono are boring and less style then is today. When I saw the Kabuki actor Wearing colorful kimono.

[@YasashiNe]

Guys probably don't wear as many colors because they worked a lot more and needed to clean their clothes more often than women did.

[@ryusadakata2521]

hello ms.billy is it ok for a man to wear a woman's kimono and a woman wearing a man's kimono?

[@BillyMatsunaga]

Yes, it is. You see it quite often in Japan.

[@ryusadakata2521]

@@BillyMatsunaga thank you so much for answering my question! i hope you will be safe💕