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Kimono (着物 ; hiragana: きもの) is the traditional garment of Japan. The
style and construction of the kimono have varied over time, but the word
usually refers to the full-length wrap-around robe-like garment worn by both
men and women. The kimono is held in place by a sash called an obi. The
kimono is nowadays worn by most people in Japan only on special occasions
such as weddings and formal parties.
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Red Kimono - Kimonos come in every color of the rainbow and in a
just as many patterns and prints |
"Kimono" is often called "Japanese clothing" (和服 ; hiragana: わふく ; wafuku),
but wafuku is more of a general term, encompassing all types of traditional
Japanese clothing. Some wafuku are kimono, but many, like those worn by
servants and workers, may not be.
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Men's Kimono - Kimonos are not only for women. They are worn by
men, women, and children in Japan. |
Types of Modern Kimono
There are several different types of kimono still worn today. They are
chosen according to the wearer's gender and age, and an event's level of
formality. The following lists the different types by descending order of
formality.
- Kurotomesode (黒留袖 ; くろとそで): black kimono, patterned only below the
waistline. It is the most formal kimono for married women, worn by the
mother of the bride or groom at weddings, for example. Usually has five
kamon (family crests).
- Furisode (振袖 ; ふりそで): literally translates as "swinging sleeves".
Characterized by its long sleeves (averaging between 39 to 42 inches in
length) and patterns which can cover the entire garment, a furisode is the
most formal kimono for unmarried women. They are usually worn to
coming-of-age ceremonies (seijinshiki) and by unmarried female relatives of
the bride at weddings and wedding receptions.
- Irotomesode (色留袖 ; いろとめそで): single-colored kimono, patterned only below
the waistline. Slightly less formal than a kurotomesode, an irotomesode is
worn by married women, usually close relatives of the bride and groom at a
wedding. May have three or five kamon.
- Hakama (袴 ; はかま): somewhat resembling Western pants, a hakama is a
divided skirt, worn by men. It ranges from most formal to visiting wear,
depending on its pattern.
- Houmongi (訪問着 ; ほうもんぎ): literally translates as "visiting wear."
Characterized by patterns which flow over the shoulders, seams and sleeves,
a houmongi ranks slightly higher than its close relative, the tsukesage. It
may be worn by both married and unmarried women; often friends of the bride
will wear houmongi at wedding and reception. It may also be worn to formal
parties, such as galas.
- Tsukesage (付け下げ ; つけさげ): a tsukesage has more modest patterns that cover
less area - mainly below the waist - than the more formal houmongi. It may
also be worn by married and unmarried women.
- Iromuji (色無地 ; いろむじ): single-colored kimono that may be worn by married
and unmarried women. It is mainly worn to tea ceremonies. The dyed silk may
be figured (rinzu, similar to jacquard), but has no differently colored
patterns.
- Komon (小紋 ; こもん): "fine pattern" in English. A kimono with a small,
repeated pattern throughout the garment. Somewhat casual: may be worn around
town, or dressed up with a nice obi for a restaurant. Both married and
unmarried women may wear komon.
- Edo komon (江戸小紋 ; えどこもん): Type of komon (fine pattern) characterized by
tiny dots, in dense patterns that form larger designs. The Edo komon dyeing
technique originated with the samurai class during the Edo period. A kimono
with this type of pattern is of the same formality as an iromuji, and when a
kamon is present, may be worn as visiting wear (equivalent to a tsukesage or
houmongi).
- Yukata (ゆかた): informal summer kimono usually made of cotton, linen, or
hemp, and unlined. Today yukata are most often worn to outdoor festivals, by
men and women of all ages.
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The Yukata - An informal summer garment also worn by men, women,
and children in Japan. |
Haori (羽織 ; はおり): Hip- or thigh-length kimono coat, adds formality to
women's wear. Haori were originally reserved for men, until fashions changed
at the end of the Meiji period. They are now worn by both men and women.
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Happi Coat - A type of haori commonly worn at festivals. The
kanji on this happi coat reads "festival". |
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