12/10/2004

Kimono (Japanese: 着物 literally “something one wears”) are the traditional garments of Japan.

Kimono was originally a word that referred to all types of clothing, but the word eventually came to refer specifically to the full-length robe-like garment still worn by women, men and children today.

Women’s kimono

There are several different types of kimono worn by women today. These are chosen according to the wearer’s gender and age, and the level of formality required. The following lists the different types by descending order of formality.

• Kurotomesode (黒留袖 ; くろとめそで): black kimono, patterned only below the waistline, kurotomesode are the most formal kimono for married women. They are often worn by the mothers of the bride and groom at weddings. Kurotomesode usually have five kamon (family crests) which are printed on the sleeves, chest and back of the kimono.
• Furisode (振袖 ; ふりそで): furisode literally translates as “swinging sleeves” — the sleeves of furisode average between 39 and 42 inches in length. Furisode are the most formal kimono for unmarried women. They have patterns which cover the entire garment, and are usually worn at coming-of-age ceremonies (Seijin Shiki) and by unmarried female relatives of the bride at weddings and wedding receptions.
• Irotomesode (色留袖 ; いろとめそで): irotomesode are single-colour kimono, patterned only below the waistline. They are slightly less formal than kurotomesode, and are worn by married women, usually close relatives of the bride and groom at a wedding. May have three or five kamon.
• 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, houmongi rank slightly higher than their close relative, the tsukesage. Houmongi may be worn by both married and unmarried women; often friends of the bride will wear houmongi at weddings and receptions. They 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. They 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. They are 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. 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): Edo komon is a type of komon characterized by tiny dots arranged 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 decorated with kamon, may be worn as visiting wear (equivalent to a tsukesage or houmongi).
• Yukata (ゆかた): informal unlined summer kimono usually made of cotton, linen, or hemp. Today yukata are most often worn to outdoor festivals, by men and women of all ages. They are also worn at onsen (”hot springs”) resorts, where they are often provided for the guests in the resort’s own pattern.

(Source: Wikipedia)