Kimono Upcycling: Giving New Life to Japan's Iconic Attire

While picturing Japan, there is one iconic piece of clothing that comes to mind- the kimono. A vision of elegance and refinement, the kimono has long been an icon of Japanese culture revered by the rest of the world. These artful masterpieces of clothing still hold a special place in Japanese society for momentous occasions such as graduations, coming-of-age ceremonies, and weddings. However, as the world around them has evolved, kimonos have lost their footing as a day-to-day item. Instead, they have become precious purchases, much like a prom dress or wedding gown. It is worn for a short but spectacular moment before retiring to the back of a closet. As a result, there has been an increase in the discard of kimonos, with some reports suggesting that 500 tons are discarded every year, and with it has come the rise of the kimono upcycling movement. 

Walking the streets of cultural hot spots, such as Kyoto, you are bound to come across a kimono shop or two. Most cater to tourists, offering day-use kimono rentals and hair styling for photos around the city. Beyond that, some other storefronts offer luxury fitting experiences with matching price tags for those preparing for a celebratory milestone in their lives. But in between these two worlds live the secondhand kimono shops and flea markets where upcyclers' dreams come true.

With the adoption of Western clothing in Japan kimonos have fallen out of popularity for daily wear and with the hefty price that they fetch in good condition a niche market has taken a chance on reselling them. However, since the market is still limited many have begun to find new uses for the beautiful fabric. In Japan and across the globe designers and crafters alike have been busy finding inventive ways to repurpose these textiles into eye-catching pieces.

Upcycling has taken on many forms with differing levels of complexity. Dresses, shirts, skirts, jackets, and even suits become stylish statement pieces when patterned from upcycled kimonos. The shiny fabric, intricate designs, and flattering color palettes lend themselves greatly to these wardrobe staples. Accessories like hair bands, ties, and hats are also popular. While traditional kimonos can be difficult to put on and take a lot of work to maintain these redesigns lend themselves to daily wear.

 Other artisans and companies have expanded beyond the straightforward garment-to-garment transformation to venture into the realm of footwear. One popular brand specializes in sneakers featuring panels of different kimono cloth. Bags have also gained popularity in recent years with designers embracing the large swaths of decorative fabric as their canvas to create everything from clutches and wallets to backpacks and overnight bags.

Kimono upcycling offers a unique but practical way to bring a touch of elegance to your everyday attire. Whereas a full-blown furisode might not be a feasible work wear option, or even a party wear option, accent pieces like shoes or bags can slip effortlessly into our wardrobes, offering a pop of color and a conversation starter. Beyond the realm of fashion, upcycling offers a sustainable and environmentally friendly way to breathe new life into kimonos, giving an increasing number of people a chance to experience this iconic piece of Japanese culture in their corner of the world.

About the author: 

Nadine Pryor

Nadine first became interested in Japan and Japanese culture after working with an exchange program at her university. After hearing so many wonderful things from the exchange students she worked with she was longing for a chance to see Japan for herself. That opportunity came to her in the form of the JET program where she spent 5 years on a small island in the beautiful prefecture of Okinawa. While living in this very rural community of just under 1,300 people she was lucky to experience a glimpse into some of Okinawa’s unique traditions and culture. In her free time, she traveled the main island of Japan as well as eastern Asia, seeking out the most delicious foods and exciting experiences. She currently resides in the United States but hopes to return to Japan in the future.