Yes, Men Wear Kimonos - And They're Making Them Their Own

At Kaizen Minimalist, we've noticed something quietly exciting: more and more men are drawn to kimonos - especially the haori and longer length styles (120cm and full length). And not just to admire them from a distance - to wear them, live in them, and make them part of their personal style.

It might seem unexpected, but it's not new.

A Brief History of Men and Kimonos

Until the early 20th century, kimonos were part of everyday life for nearly everyone in Japan - men included. While today they're usually reserved for special occasions like weddings, tea ceremonies, or funerals, kimonos remain an important symbol of Japanese culture and identity.

Traditionally, men's kimonos were understated - often plain and crafted in darker colors like navy, brown, grey, and black. Formal ensembles could include nagagi (long robe), haori (hip- or thigh-length jacket), and hakama (wide-legged trousers). The more layers worn, the more formal - and often, the higher the wearer's rank. Formal pieces might also be adorned with a kamon (embroidered family crest) to indicate heritage and status.

Today, though, the rules are softer. Patterns are more common, the styling more fluid - and that shift has opened the door to new interpretations, without losing respect for tradition.

Who's Wearing Kimonos Now?

Contemporary wearers span professions, cultures, and generations. Among our customers, men are often in their 30s and 40s - creative professionals, art lovers, and design-forward individuals who are unafraid to wear something different. They're not dressing for spectacle - they're dressing with substance.

Younger men in their 20s also love our kimonos. For them, it's aspirational - something they associate with the media that shaped them: anime, martial arts films, and quiet reverence for Japanese aesthetics. They recognise patterns they've seen on screen - cranes, clouds, mountains - and often tell us they've always dreamed of owning a kimono. For many, this is their first step into a more intentional way of dressing.

How They Wear Them

While traditional kimono dressing involves precise layers and ties, today's wearers are reimagining these garments for modern life. Most men wear our haoris and long-length kimonos as outerwear - styled simply over a t-shirt and jeans; or layered with neutral tones to let the kimono speak for itself.

The result is quietly powerful. Statement making, but not loud. Effortless, but intentional.

Why They're Drawn In

There's something magnetic about the kimono rack. Men often spot them across the room - the colour, the texture, the bold patterns - and come straight over. Sometimes there's a moment of hesitation: Can I wear this? Is this for me?

Our answer is always yes.

What often seals the decision is the fabric itself - the weight, the structure, the way it holds shape. There's a strength to it. A sense of purpose in every thread. Suddenly, it's not just about style - it's about standing differently. Feeling grounded. Wearing something with history and intent.

Making Meaning with Modern Style

Wearing a kimono today isn't about dressing up. It's about dressing with intention. These pieces carry history, artistry, and the hands of original makers. When someone chooses to wear one - whether as daily wear, creative expression, or cultural appreciation - it gives the garment new life and meaning.

And that, to us, is the heart of slow fashion.