Kimono
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.
"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.
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.
- 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.