The History Behind Wearing a Kimono & What Makes it a Symbol of Eastern Culture In the past, Japanese aristocrats and the wealthy wore kimonos. However, as Japan’s economic power began to spread to the general public in the 20th century, people began wearing them for leisure purposes. Nowadays kimonos are worn over a person’s clothes and are usually given as gifts. Kimonos are a type of traditional clothing that originated in Japan. They have been worn by women for centuries, but the style of kimono has changed over time. In the past, they were primarily used during special occasions such as weddings or festivals to show off an individual's wealth and social rank. Kimonos are a symbol of Eastern culture because they have been used in Eastern countries such as Japan for centuries. Women wear them during special occasions such as weddings or festivals. How to Choose the Right Kimono for You and Your Style Kimonos have been in existence for a very long time and they are still popu