The Kimono itself is constructed out of four main strips of cloth, of which two pieces make up the panels of the front and the back of the body and the other two make up the sleeves. Additional strips are used for the narrow front panel and the collar. The Obi or the sash is made of silk.

The techniques of weaving and dying used in creating the Kimono fabric originated in Korea and China. Informal occasions call for Kimonos made from woven patterns, while the more formal ones like those worn for weddings are made of silk. Traditional Kimonos are worn in layers of different contrasting colors. But now-a-days they are worn in a single layer over a slip.

A large quantity of material, around 13 meters is required to construct the Kimono. Due to the high cost involved, the number of Kimonos worn today is quite limited. Most of the Kimonos made now are from cotton and synthetic fibers like rayon and polyester. Silk is used for weddings only.
The colors and the prints on the Kimono fabric change with the seasons. In spring brighter colors are worn and in fall darker colors are favored. In winter, the Kimono fabric with patterns of the woods and trees are considered to be signs of good luck.

The Kimonos worn by older women are different from those worn by younger women; married women wear short sleeves whereas unmarried younger women wear long flowing sleeves. Men wear different styles and colors from women, their kimonos being of dark colors or white depending on the occasion for which they are worn. Between the sexes, different styles and colors are worn for weddings and funerals.

The Kimono remains an integral part of Japanese culture even though it is not seen as often today. The Japanese continue to hold the Kimono in high regard and this can be clearly seen at ceremonial occasions where the traditional Kimono with all the cultural meaning that it signifies, takes precedence over other forms of dress.