Kimono vs. Ruana — What's the Difference?

Worn with an obi belt.

South American wrap garment.

Ceremonial attire with deep cultural roots.

Worn loosely over the shoulders.

Made from luxurious fabrics like silk.

Part of everyday attire in Andean culture.

Associated with specific traditional events.

Requires no fastening.

Traditional Japanese robe.

Often made from wool.

The kimono (きもの/着物, lit., "thing to wear" – from the verb "to wear (on the shoulders)" (着, ki), and the noun "thing" (物, mono)) is a traditional Japanese garment and the national dress of Japan. The kimono is a T-shaped, wrapped-front garment with square sleeves and a rectangular body, and is worn left side wrapped over right, unless the wearer is deceased.

A ruana (possibly from Spanish ruana "ragged" or Quechua ruana "textile") is a poncho-style outer garment native to the Colombian Andes. In Colombia, the ruana is the characteristic and traditional garment of the department of Boyacá, initially made by indigenous and mestizo people, although it is also made in the departments of Cundinamarca, Antioquia, Nariño, Bogotá, Santander (Colombia), Norte de Santander and Caldas.

A long, wide-sleeved Japanese robe worn with an obi and often elaborately decorated.

A poncholike garment, open in front, often worn as a wrap.

A loose, light robe worn chiefly by women.

A poncho.

A traditional Japanese T-shaped, wrapped-front garment with square sleeves and a rectangular body, now generally worn only on formal occasions.

An outer garment typical of the Andes region of Venezuela and Colombia, and resembling a poncho.

(loosely) A yukata.

A long robe-like garment in Western fashion, which may be open at the front, loosely inspired by the Japanese garment.

(regional) A bathrobe or dressing gown.

A kind of loose robe or gown tied with a sash, worn as a traditional outer garment by Japanese women and men. Women may wear it with a broad sash called an obi, having a large bow in the back. At present (1998), most Japanese wear it only at home or on ceremonial occasions, western-style clothing being more common in the workplace.

A similar gown worn as a dressing gown by women of Western nations.

A loose robe; imitated from robes originally worn by Japanese

A kimono is wrapped around the body, with the left side over the right, and tied securely with an obi belt.

A ruana is a poncho-style wrap from the Andes region, usually made of wool, and worn draped over the shoulders.

Accessories can include an obi belt, zori sandals, and sometimes a nagajuban undergarment.

Ruanas reflect indigenous and local traditions, often embracing practicality and simplicity.

A traditional Japanese garment, typically made of silk, characterized by its T-shape and elaborate designs.

While ruanas can be used for daily wear, they can also be part of festive attire in the Andean regions.

Kimonos are more suitable for moderate to cool weather due to their materials and layering.

Traditionally, kimonos are not casual wear, but modern variations and yukatas are more casual.

Dressing in a traditional kimono can take considerable time and skill, often requiring assistance.

Ruanas made of wool should be either washed gently by hand or dry cleaned, depending on the care instructions.