What Makes Kimono Sustainable Fashion?

Posted by chiharusasaki on

What Makes Kimono Sustainable Fashion?
Previously, the fashion industry faces challenges related to mass production and mass consumption, and kimonos would solve those challenges.


Easy to recycle and upcycle
One kimono is cut into eight pieces by straight cutting and tailored, so that when the kimono is unraveled and joined together, it returns to the shape of the original piece of cloth.
Furthermore, because it is made by straight cutting, it has fewer scraps than other garments.
Because it returns to its original shape, it can be remade into a new kimono, and kimonos that have become difficult to wear have been reused as zabuton (cushions) and nunbin (cloth cloth). In this way, it can be said that reuse and upcycling are the basis of kimono.
Recently, many kimonos are being remade into dresses and clothes,
We never cut in curves.
We never cut in curves so that it can be used again.
Absolutely square straight cuts.


1) Shape that can be worn for a long time
Kimonos have not changed with the times, and their shape has remained unchanged since the Edo period (1603-1868).
To begin with, kimonos are slightly longer than the height of the wearer as "something to be worn for a long period of time. The dimensions can be adjusted as children grow and their weight increases or decreases.
Even after becoming an adult, even if one's body shape changes, such as losing weight or gaining weight, it can be adjusted, so it is not restricted by one's body shape as is the case with western clothes.

(2) Passed down from one generation to the next
When the measurements no longer fit, the seams can be undone and the garment re-tailored.
When stains stand out, the fabric can be dyed a different color.
If the hem is frayed, it will be cut and repaired neatly.

Kimonos have been worn in everyday life,
Kimonos have been treated with great care.

If stored in good condition, they may be passed down from grandmother to mother, to her daughter, to her grandchildren, and so on for generations to come.



(3) Culture in which secondhand clothes are taken for granted
The act of wearing secondhand kimono was common among common people in the Edo period (1603-1867). Before the industrial revolution in the world, most industries in Japan were conducted by human hands, and only a few upper class people were able to purchase fabrics from kimono shops and have kimonos tailored. Many other ordinary people bought kimonos sold at secondhand clothing stores in town.
According to one theory, there were about 4,000 secondhand clothing stores in Edo. This number suggests that secondhand clothing was a commonplace part of the culture.


Kimonos are a bit environmentally friendly. Surprised?

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