14 inch wide Bolts

Kimono are the treasured cultural dress of Japan and the world instantly recognizes them. But with fewer Japanese wearing them except for special cultural occasions, many Japanese families where kimono are passed down for generations, are letting go of them. Most are barely worn and in pristine condition.

The design and shape of kimono during their evolution of over 1600 years has remained the same. Kimono bolts, called tanmono in Japanese, are woven specifically for the construction of kimono. Full bolts are comprised of exactly the right amount of fabric to construct one kimono – 38 to 41 cm (14 in) wide x 1250 cm 13 yard) long. Selvedges are very narrow, typically 1 cm. Above are two images, the first is a full bolt length with pieces laid out, and the second is how they are assembled:

The kimono industry is still very strong. Weaving silks, wools, cottons and hemp for kimono is still a vibrant industry, often done by artisans who have continued in their parent’s footsteps utilizing age old techniques to spin, weave and dye fabrics. Japan is seeing a modern trend in design and colors to appeal to a new generation of wearers. Care to make your own kimono from scratch? Yoko Bevelry Hills offers variety of kimono bolts, please check under “Japanese Kimono Bolts”.