Uchikake
This is the traditional Japanese bridal costume. It is worn over the white Shiromuku or Kakeshita during the wedding ceremony. These often have ornate gilding, embroidery and dyes. They are also very brightly colored; primarily red, gold and black. The hem is padded so that it trails gracefully behind the bride. It is not worn with an obi; it is worn more like a robe. |
Shiromuku
This is also the traditional Japanese bridal costume. Like the Uchikake, it is often embroidered, gilded and lavishly decorated. However, unlike the Uchikake, this is completely white. It is worn with white obi and accessories.
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Kakeshita
This is a furisode for a bride. It is the kimono worn under the Uchikake, with an obi. It can either be colorful or white, depending on the Uchikake worn with it. Often, after the wedding ceremony, the Uchikake is taken off and just the Kakeshita is worn. |
Geisha Hikizuri
Geisha and Maiko kimono are very similar, but each have unique characteristics. Both are especially long with a padded hem to trail behind the artist gracefully. The Geisha’’s kimono’’s sleeves are medium length, since she is older. The kimono also has more subdued colors and motifs; this puts emphasis on the woman and her art. |
Maiko Hikizuri
A Maiko’’s kimono is designed to accentuate the young beauty of the girl wearing it. It has bold colors and motifs. Special tucks are sewn in the shoulders and sleeves to simulate a child’’s kimono. The sleeves are long like the furisode. |
Tomesode (Irotomesode, Kurotomesode)
This kimono is a formal kimono for married women. They are commonly yuzen dyed on a dark background. The colors depend on the event and the wearer. The Irotomesode has brighter colors and is worn at more festive occasions like parties and formal gatherings. The Kurotomesode is of darker colors and is worn mostly at very formal events like weddings. |
Furisode (Kofurisode, Chuburisode, Oburisode)
This is the most formal kimono for unmarried women. These kimono are brightly and elaborately decorated. These are often given as presents to a young woman on her Coming-of-Age Day ceremony when she turns 20. The different types of furisode have different lengths of sleeves. However, all are formal and worn by young women. Traditionally, long sleeves are worn by young unmarried women to catch the hearts of young men in them. |
Houmongi
This can be worn by married or unmarried women as a semi-formal kimono. The formalness depends on how the fabric is dyed and the number of mon. This type of kimono can be worn to almost all events. |
Tsukesage
This can be worn by married or unmarried women as a semi-formal kimono. It is slightly less formal than the Houmongi. The Tsukesage is recognizable primarily by the pattern that flows from the bottom of one side and up to the sleeve on the opposite side. |
Iromuji
This is kimono is of a solid color and subtle woven pattern. This is the type of kimono worn during the traditional tea ceremony. The more mon on the kimono, the more formal it becomes. It can even outrank the Houmongi depending on the number of mon. Brighter colors are worn by younger women, subdued colors by older women. |
Komon
This kimono features a very small repeated pattern. This kimono is suitable for a casual party, tea ceremony or just to go out. |
Yukata
This is the most informal kimono. It is made out of unlined cotton and is traditionally indigo with white designs. Modern yukata however, are varied in designs and colors. It is often worn to summer festivals, at bath houses and hot springs. |
