
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Kimono A long garment that can be created in a variety of styles depending on the occasion and the season. It can be made of silk, cotton, hemp, wool or a mix of fibers.
Haori A short hip or thigh length jacket worn by both women and men. Haori do not close but are worn open or kept closed by Himo cords that connect the lapels.
Yukata A summer cotton kimono often patterned with bright flowers or designs.
Furisode A formal kimono style traditionally worn by young single women shaped with very long sleeves.
Juban An undergarment worn by women and men underneath a kimono. A juban is worn against the skin, with the kimono layered on top.
Obi Jime Cord An accessory to the kimono, the obi jime are hand-woven and beautifully detailed decorative cords worn to secure the kimono in place. Often worn over the Obi belt.
Obi A wide belt used to secure the kimono closed. Designed to wrap around the body, the obi sash is an accessory to the kimono with equal deep history and traditional ways of tying.
Himo Cords Short woven cords that are attached to loops inside the seams of a haori jacket. Handwoven and beautifully detailed, they are designed to tie together to keep the haori closed when desired.
Shabori Dyed Shibori is the Japanese word for a variety of manual resist dyeing techniques that involves shaping and securing the fabric before dying to create patterns. Known to be one of oldest Japanese dyeing techniques, the first appearances of shibori dyed fabrics date back to the eighth century. Each thread is hand tied, resulting in intricate variations in the shapes and textures created.
Meisen Silk a type of Japanese silk fabric that is durable, somewhat stiff to the touch and has a slight sheen. It is known for it”s vivid colors and bold patterns created because of the centuries old weaving techniques used to create it.
Mons A mon is a traditional Japanese emblem used to identify an individual, family or institution. They could also feature plants, animals or objects. These crests have been an integral part of Japanese culture for centuries, serving as symbols of heritage, lineage, and social status. On a kimono the use of a Mon is a way to honor and display family heritage, institution affiliation, and a love of nature.