noun
General term for rolled or folded fabric sold by the bolt, especially for kimono or traditional garments.
呉服屋で反物を選ぶのは楽しい。
Choosing fabric at a kimono shop is enjoyable.
この反物は絹でできている。
This cloth is made of silk.
noun
measure of kimono material; bolt of kimono cloth
Specifically refers to a standard length of fabric used for making one kimono, typically about 12 meters.
着物を仕立てるには一反の反物が必要だ。
One bolt of kimono fabric is needed to make a kimono.
反物 literally means 'bolt thing', from 反 (tan, a counter for bolts of cloth) and 物 (mono, thing). The alternate kanji 段物 uses 段 (step/bolt) with a similar meaning.