Britannica Sources used in this answer

How did the Japanese kimono enter Western wardrobes in the 17th century?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Portrait of King Henry VIII of England wearing ornate 16th-century royal attire with a fur-lined cloak, gold jewelry, and a feathered hat, standing against a dark background. — Dress Henry VIII, painting by Hans Holbein the Younger, c. 1540.

The Japanese kimono entered Western wardrobes during the 17th century primarily through the trade networks established by European merchant organizations, most notably the Dutch East India Company and the East India Company.21

As these companies expanded their reach into East Asia, they imported the garments to Europe, where they were adopted for informal, private use. Because of their origins, the Dutch accurately referred to them as "Japanese coats," while the English often labeled them "Indian gowns"—a likely misnomer stemming from the East India Company's involvement in their distribution.21

In Western society, these garments were also known as nightgowns or banyans and became a fashionable choice for "undress," or informal attire. While initially cut loose to mirror the Japanese originals, these styles eventually influenced the development of more tailored Western garments, such as modern dressing gowns and housecoats.2