Why Do Kimonos Have Big Sleeves?

It is said that the sleeves of kimonos became longer in the Edo period because a custom for women to learn dancing was born. The hems were lengthened to make the dancing look more beautiful.

Why do kimonos have holes under the arms?

It is for ventilation. Because women wear their belts (obi) at a higher position than men, they need that slit to give their arms wider range of motion.

What is the purpose of kimono sleeves?

The sleeves of the kimono indicate the age and marital status of a woman. A young unmarried Japanese woman would wear a Furisode, a colorful kimono with flowing sleeves which almost touch the feet. The sleeves are about 18 inches long ( or more) . Tomesode and Houmongi are kimonos worn by married women.