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Some would argue that the kimono is an endangered fashion. The kimono, the artfully and carefully designed traditional Japanese costume has been losing consumers over recent generations, especially because of the popularity of Western fashion and culture. Since the nineteenth century, Japanese men have worn Western style clothes. Japanese women soon followed the trend after World War II. The expensive price tag and lack of occasion to wear a kimono is a main reason why the kimono market has plummeted.

Although few people ever wear it, many still appreciate the delicate aesthetics of the kimono. Depending upon marital status, women have a vast selection of kimono. The colorful furisode is the most important kimono in a single woman’s wardrobe. The elaborate designs that seamlessly decorate the kimono are hand-painted, gold-leafed, and painstakingly embroidered. Colored furisode are commonly worn to special events today, though in the past black was the only option. The vibrant obi-age (bustle sash) and obi- jime (obi cord) enhance the color scheme. The most stunning aspect of this kimono is the fully patterned fukuro obi (double-fold obi), which can be tied in either the bunko (box) or fukura suzume (plump sparrow) bow.

The Traditional Japanese bridal costume incorporates several different pieces. The shiromuku is the bridal kimono, and is entirely white. The kakeshita kimono and kakeshita obi are worn beneath the uchikake, a full-length outer robe with long, flowing sleeves. Traditional patterns embroidered on the front of the robe are chrysanthemums or pines, which symbolize good fortune. Other possible designs for felicitous occasions include cranes and waves. The uchikake is made of wadded silk. When social status is emphasized, a married woman will opt for the five-crested kuro tomesode. The color schematics of this formal kimono are black and white-- the kimono is black whereas the five crests and designs on the skirt are white. The under-kimono is a white color as well. Other white accents that complete this kimono are the obi-age and obi-jime. The fukuro obi is woven with silver or gold thread, which matches the silver or gold-colored zori (sandals). Because this style belongs to a married woman, the sleeves are relatively short and have comparatively smaller openings than other types of kimono. A slightly less formal kimono for married women is the iro tomesode, which is essentially a colored version of the kuro tomesode. It can be worn at formal gatherings, such as weddings and receptions, when decorated with five crests.

When traveling, a woman can choose to wear a homongi. Both single and married women can wear this formal type of kimono, which is basically a simplified version of the furisode and tomesode. Like the furisode, the homongi is decorated with continuous patterns that run over the seams. The homongi is accented with a fukuro obi and match obi-age and obi-jime. Mourning wear, or mofuku, is an entirely black silk kimono without any designs or patterns except the five family crests. The obi, obi-age, obi-jime, and sandals are all black. The only white accessories are the tabi (split-toed socks) and full-length under-kimono.

Less formal kimono are worn on a daily basis. Tsumugi, yukata, or wool kimono can be worn around the home, while komon, omeshi, or tsumugi are worn around town. The names of these styles are in accordance with the weaving or dying techniques used in making the kimono. On other slightly less formal occasions, the kimono and haori are made of unpatterned silk. The single-crested haori can either match or contrast the color of the kimono, while the haori cords should coordinate in color with both the haori and kimono. Like the kuro montsuki, a kaku obi is worn as well as white or black tabi; white or black striped zori complete the attire. For informal occasions, kimono material consists of either spun silk or wool. The kimono and haori are the same color, but the haori cords should be a slightly different shade. The kaku obi remains with the informal style, and navy blue tabi are worn with either zori or geta (elevated wooden) sandals. During the summer a cotton yukata (unlined summer kimono), heko (soft) obi, and geta sandals can be worn instead.

While many have no reason to wear kimono, elements of the kimono can easily be incorporated into modern dress, in particular, clothing for women. One model wears a long tube dress with a geometric cut and skirt similar to the traditional kimono; obi and obi-jime influences are evident in the midsection. The other model dons a shorter and more flirtatious dress which has long, furisode-like fluttering sleeves. The neckline is inspired by the traditional V-neck collar of the kimono and has a small band of trim.

The simple V-neck of the T-shirt is inspired by the traditional neckline of the male kimono, while the shirt itself is more fitted and has short sleeves.

While the robe the man wears is very similar to the traditional version, the sleeves and garment overall are less wide. The robe is matched with a pair of drawstring lounge pants.