Types of Kimono

Did you know there are various types of Kimono worn in Japan on different occasions? Here are few major types of Kimono worn in Japan:

Furiosde

Furisiode is generally worn by unmarried women. The term literary translates as a "swinging sleeve." One of the most common usages of Furisode is at the Coming-of-age ceremony in January. In Japan, you are considered as an adult when you turn twenty years old so wearing a Furisode is significant for Japanese girls and their families. The primary difference between a Furisode and a normal kimono is how long the sleeves are. Furisode sleeves are very long compared to other Kimonos as they fall in to 39 to 42 inches as normal kimonos only fall in 19 to 25 inches. Modern Furisodes are colorful with modern patterns which are favored by the younger generations.

Hakama

Hakama is a Kimono designed for men. It is a traditional lower garment worn by Samurai and Japanese sports players. There are two types of Hakamas. The andon hakama is a skirt worn at religious ceremonies and in archery. The umanori hakama (horse-back riding style) is a pleated pant worn by Akido players. Hakama can be worn by women on certain occasions such as Kyudo, a traditional Japanese sport. Another case is at a graduation ceremony but a Hakama for this occasion is more colorful with floral patterns and emphasizes the women's waistline.

Yukata

Yukata are worn at festivals and fireworks display in the summer. Wearing a Yukata is much simpler than a normal Kimono and it does not limit one's movement unlike other formal Kimonos. Yukatas are lightweight as they are made out of cotton. It does not feel uncomfortable wearing one. Also, Yukatas are less expensive than other kimonos so you can purchase one if you do not want to borrow one. In addition, Yukatas are favored in terms of maintenance, storage space, and cleaning costs.

Shichi-Go-San

The Shichi-Go-San is a festival for seven (Shichi), five (Go) and three (San) year olds in Japan. As odd numbers are perceived to be lucky in Japan, people celebrate Shichi-Go-San, the Seven-Five-Three Festival. For Shichi-Go-San, girls wear a bright colored kimono and wear fancy hair accessories with hanging flowers and miniature dolls, while boys wear a hakama or a suit. After dressing up, they head to a Shinto shrine with their parents and families throw a get-together party for their Shichi-Go-San child.

Bridal Kimono

Bridal kimonos are slightly different from a normal kimono as there are few external features added to a normal kimono. The Shiromuku is a popular wedding kimono worn by brides and was originally worn by samurai families. "Shiro" means the color white so every part of the Shiromuku comes in pure white. The color white represents pureness, cleanness and virginity. Also, the color conveys that the bride is ready to be dyed with the color of the groom.

There are two types of hats, the Wataboshi and the Tsunokakushi. The Wataboshi is a bridal kimono hood worn outdoors to avoid dust and prevents from the cold by married women since the Muromachi to Momoyama periods. The Tsunokakushi is a wig worn with the Shiromuku. The literal meaning of Tsunokakushi is "hiding horn" as it symbolizes how the bride will be obedient to the husband.