If you love kimono for its refined beauty and Eastern elegance, then you should definitely pay attention to kimono remake. This is the reworking of traditional Japanese clothing into Western-style garments that you can wear every day. Such clothing brings classic Japanese motifs into contemporary fashion, expressing the beauty and value of ordinary kimono in a new way. Japanese craftsmen create handmade items in a unique style, such as kimono skirts or kimono dresses. Learn more about what kimono remakes are and why they're trending today in our article.
What Is A Kimono Remake?
It’s impossible not to admire the beauty of the kimono – the traditional garment that many strongly associate with Japanese culture. At first glance, it captivates with its elegant patterns and simple yet refined cut. In the past, Japanese women and men wore kimonos as everyday clothing, but today, this item has become quite expensive and is worn only on special occasions – for example, at weddings or various ceremonies. There are both women's and men's kimonos, and in addition, women wear different types of kimonos depending on the occasion and their social status.
Many kimonos are expensive and considered luxury items, often passed down as family heirlooms. They are also quite difficult to put on by yourself—you’ll either need help from someone else or have to learn how to do it using instructional guides. A kimono remake can be a real lifesaver for those who love the elegance of traditional Japanese clothing but want to avoid all the difficulties associated with wearing a classic kimono.
Kimono remake is the repurposing of traditional kimono into Western-style clothing or various accessories such as belts, bags, and hair clips. To do this, a regular kimono is taken apart, and the resulting fabric is used to sew unique handmade items that preserve the beauty of the original material but are much more practical and varied in design. After all, you’re unlikely to wear a classic kimono every day—especially if you don’t live in Japan—whereas a kimono remake can be worn like any regular piece of clothing, without hassle, and still look stylish. How about a kimono dress made from original Japanese fabric with an elegant pattern, or vibrant kimono skirts made from natural silk? They’re sure to become a standout element of your look and pair well with various clothing styles.
Since a kimono has a straight cut, when it is taken apart, it results in long strips of fabric that can be conveniently repurposed into other clothing or stylish accessories. Items made from kimono fabric turn out to be unique for several reasons:
- The fabric used for kimonos is usually of very high quality – it's natural silk or cotton;
- It is dyed using special techniques that have been practiced in Japan for many centuries;
- The richly decorated obi belt, which is used to tie the kimono, can be transformed into unique statement accessories.
- The fabric is adorned with beautiful patterns and embroidery that can make any item unique;
- Even flaws in the worn fabric of old kimonos can become the highlight of a kimono remake if used creatively – this is a perfect embodiment of the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi, where beauty lies in imperfection.
Why Is Kimono Resewn/Altered?
You're probably already wondering whether it's a shame to use such an expensive and beautiful item as a kimono for fabric. Of course, owners of the most luxurious and rare kimonos are unlikely to repurpose them into something else. However, in all other cases, it's a personal choice. And today, more and more Japanese women prefer to have a kimono remake in their wardrobe that they can wear regularly, rather than a kimono they only put on once or twice a year for special occasions.
There can be many reasons to remake a kimono:
- because it’s no longer worn;
- the kimono has worn out, so it's better to turn it into a keepsake rather than just throw it away;
- it no longer fits because someone has outgrown it – a kimono remake as a memory of childhood;
- the kimono was inherited from relatives, but it doesn't fit. For example, a daughter can turn her mother's heirloom kimono into a kimono-style dress and pass it down to her own daughters, knowing it won’t just gather dust in the closet;
- you can turn your kimono into a gift for loved ones.
Of course, you can simply buy a ready-made kimono remake with a design you like, instead of altering your own kimono. That’s why you can easily order items from Japan that are made from genuine traditional Japanese clothing. They might not hold the same sentimental value as for those who remake their own kimonos, but it's much more convenient, and your kimono remake will still be a unique and vibrant piece that carries a part of Japanese history.
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What Can A Kimono Be Repurposed/Remade Into?
Diving into the world of kimono remakes, you'll discover a wide range of items that will delight you not only with their quality but also by being truly one of a kind.
Kimono Dress
One of the most popular ways to repurpose kimono is into women's dresses. These dresses are just as beautiful as traditional kimonos but much more practical. Such a dress can become a highlight of your wardrobe and can be worn both for casual outings and more special occasions. The most common style is a one-piece kimono dress adorned with exquisite Japanese embroidery. For example, you can buy an elegant black kimono dress from Japan, featuring beautiful patterns on the skirt, repurposed from a tomesode—a formal kimono for married women. There’s also the kimono-style dress with wide sleeves, which closely resembles the traditional garment but is far more comfortable in everyday use. Their unique design is sure to captivate anyone who appreciates Japanese aesthetics!
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Kimono Jacket
You can also turn a kimono into a unique jacket – its patterns look great on outerwear and allow for the creation of many stylish color combinations. Some jackets and blazers preserve Japanese motifs in their design and make the most of the kimono fabric’s beauty, while others have a more familiar look. The kimono-style jacket in the form of the popular Japanese sukajan bomber stands out – even if you’re not a fan of a feminine style, you’ll definitely be able to find a kimono jacket you like!
[Read also: Sukajan souvenir jackets from Japan: history and features of the stylish bomber]
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Kimono Skirt
A skirt is a very important element of a woman's wardrobe, often defining her style. And a great way to highlight that style is by choosing unique Japanese kimono skirts made of silk. Kimonos are repurposed into various types of skirts—maxi skirts, gathered skirts, and even asymmetrical modern designs. A kimono skirt will be a wonderful addition to your everyday look—and its standout feature.
Buy Kimono Skirts on ZenMarket
Kimono Pants
If you prefer practical trousers over skirts, there are some great options for you too. Check out kimono-style pants, such as balloon trousers or wrap pants—they’ll make a stylish addition to your wardrobe. The authentic Japanese style and high-quality silk fabric will delight fashion lovers around the world!
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Accessories In Kimono Remake Style
A kimono can be repurposed into more than just clothing – it can be transformed into a variety of stylish accessories. Most often, the sleeves of the kimono and the obi belts are used for this – they make truly unique items with luxurious Japanese designs.
- bags
- hats
- bracelets
- hair clips
- wallets
- mirror screens
- tapestries
- keychains
- boxes, and much more!
The choice of accessories in the kimono-remake style is limited only by the imagination of their creators – and you can purchase such a stylish souvenir from Japan with us!
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How To Buy A Kimono Remake In Minne?
If you're looking for the best place to buy a kimono remake from Japan, check out the Japanese marketplace Minne! This online store specializes exclusively in handmade items, including repurposed kimonos. Minne offers a wide selection of kimono-style dresses, skirts, jackets, and other clothing and accessories in the kimono remake style. You'll find the best handmade clothing from Japanese artisans to suit every taste – buying kimono remakes from Japan has never been this convenient! Here's why:
- Minne is an official partner of ZenMarket, which makes purchasing items from there simple, fast, and safe;
- You don’t need to register on Minne to find what you’re looking for – just select this store on our website and add your desired items to the cart;
- Choose your favorite kimono remake from the catalog or search for a specific item using the search bar on the site – buying a kimono remake on Minne with ZenMarket is easy!
Here are a few useful Japanese words to help you find the kimono remake of your dreams:
- 着物リメイク (kimono rimeiku) – kimono remake;
- 着物リメイクドレス (kimono rimeiku doresu) – evening kimono dress;
- 着物リメイクワンピース (kimono rimeiku wanpiisu) – casual kimono dress;
- 着物リメイクノースリーブドレス (kimono rimeiku nou suriibu doresu) – sleeveless kimono dress;
- 着物リメイクスカート (kimono rimeiku sukaato) – kimono skirt;
- 着物リメイクギャザースカート (kimono rimeiku gyazaa sukaato) – gathered kimono skirt;
- 着物リメイクパンツ (kimono rimeiku pantsu) – kimono pants;
- 着物リメイクジャケット (kimono rimeiku jaketto) – kimono jacket;
- 着物リメイクスカジャン (kimono rimeiku sukajan) – kimono sukajan bomber;
- 着物リメイクブルゾンジャケット (kimono rimeiku buruzon jaketto) – kimono blouson jacket;
- 着物リメイクバッグ (kimono rimeiku baggu) – kimono bag;
- 着物リメイクアクセサリー (kimono rimeiku akusesarii) – kimono accessories.
[Also read: How to order Japanese handmade items on Minne]
Which Kimono Remake Should You Buy?
Please note! Ready-made kimono remakes are indeed crafted from old kimonos that the seller has in stock. Many of them are sewn from fabrics taken from several different kimonos, which makes each one truly unique – every piece is one of a kind. All fabrics are carefully cleaned before creating a kimono remake, but due to the nature of repurposing old clothing, there may sometimes be minor flaws that are unavoidable. Please keep this in mind when ordering a kimono remake from Japan.
Sleeveless Kimono Dress Made From Tomesode
Tomesode is a type of Japanese kimono with shortened sleeves, traditionally worn by married women. These kimonos usually have a formal appearance and are made in a restrained color palette, which makes remakes from tomesode appealing to those who love black and other deep shades. Take a look at this sleeveless kimono dress made from a tomesode—it looks sleek and stylish, perfectly conveying the character of the original garment it was made from.
Kimono Dress Made From A Furisode
A more eye-catching option is a kimono-style dress made from a furisode. This type of traditional Japanese attire is worn by unmarried women. It has longer sleeves, which have been preserved in this dress—it perfectly conveys the Eastern beauty and elegance of the classic kimono. Despite its original look, it’s as easy to put on as a regular dress.
Summer One-Piece Kimono Dress
If you're looking for something simpler and more vibrant, you might want to go with this light red summer kimono dress. It has a solid color, but the fabric features a unique floral-textured pattern that will definitely make you stand out from the crowd.
Skirt Made From A Japanese Michiyuki Coat
The Mitiyuki coat is a traditional Japanese outer garment worn over a kimono. It is typically worn in cold weather to keep warm. The skirt made from Mitiyuki is sewn from pure silk, which in the light resembles suede and has a beautiful shine. The dark blue fabric with patterns resembles lights glowing in the mist above the sea, or the light of torches shining through the pines in a Japanese forest. Such a skirt will look appropriate in almost any style and will noticeably add variety to your everyday look.
Blouson Jacket Made From A Kimono
A very stylish and modern option is transforming a kimono into a jacket-blouson. It looks especially good in a sleek black version with an accent pattern — this kind of kimono jacket can definitely be worn as an everyday piece that stylishly complements your wardrobe.
Hairpin Made From An Obi Belt
If you want to complete your look with a Japanese-style kimono dress, you can choose a matching hair clip. It is made from an obi belt and conveniently secures the hair with a clasp on the back. This is a great, inexpensive accessory from Japan that you can get to explore the world of kimono remakes.
Clutch Bag Made From Kimono
A beautiful bag is one of the most important accessories that complements your look and helps you stand out from the crowd. This exquisite reversible clutch bag, featuring patterns of cranes and blooming sakura, catches the eye with its elegant obi belt tassels. By purchasing this bag, made from an authentic Japanese kimono, you’ll definitely have something to show off to your friends.
Important! Pay close attention when choosing your clothing size when buying a kimono remake on ZenMarket. If you're browsing items on our website, look for the auto-translated product description in English at the bottom of the page — that's where sellers usually indicate the available sizes and provide approximate measurements for the waist and other dimensions in centimeters. You can also find this information in the product description on the Minne website — in Google Chrome, simply right-click and select “Translate to English” from the menu that appears. When adding a kimono remake to your cart on ZenMarket, be sure to specify the size you need.
How To Care For Repurposed Kimono?
- Since remade kimonos are made from delicate materials, it's best to avoid frequent washing;
- It's better to wash them separately from other clothes, as kimono fabric tends to fade;
- Silk and embroidery are especially easy to damage, so after washing, it's best to dry your kimono remake without wringing it—just hang it in a well-ventilated area;
- If the fabric gets dirty or stained, try to spot-clean it rather than washing the entire garment;
- Another option is to take it to a dry cleaner, but be sure to inform them that the item requires very gentle handling due to its delicate fabric.
Wear your kimono remake with joy, but don’t forget to treat it gently—then you’ll have far fewer issues with maintenance.
Why You Should Buy a Kimono Remake
Kimono-remake is truly a very cool thing, and here’s why:
- It’s perfect for those who want to stand out from the crowd and are looking for their own unique, individual style;
- It will appeal to those who love historical fashion – after all, a kimono-remake is a reinterpretation of traditional Japanese clothing in a modern style, and it’s sure to win over anyone who appreciates the aesthetics of Japanese culture;
- It’s a handmade item into which Japanese artisans pour their soul – many kimono-remakes look like genuine works of art;
- Uniqueness – each piece is one of a kind, as even kimono-remakes with similar designs are made from different kimonos, each carrying its own story;
- It supports the trend of sustainability in fashion – old kimonos are given new life instead of being discarded, becoming cherished and useful items;
- A kimono-remake makes a great gift – perfect for delighting friends and loved ones, or for giving yourself a true piece of Japan in the form of a special item.
Restyling a kimono not only frees you from having to learn the complex rules and traditions of wearing a classic kimono, but also gives you a truly special item from Japan that’s suitable for everyday wear. It will definitely bring you joy and surprise those around you—so choose your kimono remake with us, and let’s enjoy Japanese clothing together!