Kimono

A kimono literally means “something to wear,” and originally was a general term for clothing overall.
After Western clothing (“yofuku”) came to Japan in the Meiji era (1868–1912), the term came to be understood as meaning “Japanese clothing.”
Today, everyday clothing is called “yofuku,” and “wafuku,” or traditional Japanese clothing, is called kimono.

Even though we say “kimono,” there are many different types, and just like Western clothes, they’re worn differently depending on the occasion and purpose.
These are grouped into classes called “formality,” and are broadly categorized into four types in order: the highest “full formal wear,” followed by “semi-formal wear,” “going-out wear,” and “everyday wear.”
For example, the “yukata,” often worn by both men and women at fireworks festivals and summer festivals, is the most casual and popular type of kimono, and falls under “everyday wear.”

Today, Japanese people overwhelmingly wear kimono for life milestones and events such as Coming of Age Day ceremonies, weddings, and graduation ceremonies, and opportunities to wear one in daily life are extremely rare.