9 Types of Kimonos
1. TOMESODE
First-class formal wear worn by women at relatives' weddings and other formal ceremonies. The pattern of Tomesode is always below the waist and has a beautiful design, and often includes gold. In western culture, this kimono type is equivalent to and evening dress. It has either 3 or 5 crests. The latter is more formal. Kuro (black) Tomesode are only worn by married women. Those with three or one crest patterns on a colored background are called colored tomesode.
2. FURISODE
The main technique is post-dyeing, in which a pure white fabric is dyed with hand-drawn or stenciled patterns. Kimonos dyed with colors and patterns using yuzen, bingata, batik, etc. are breathtaking for their gorgeous colors and designs. Unmarried women wear the furisode. Often the furisode kimono type come with very dramatic designs meant to catch the eye. There are actually three different furisode kimono types with different sleeve lengths; the Kofurisode (小振袖) with short sleeves, the Chu-furisode (中振袖) with medium sleeves and the Ofurisode (大振袖) with sleeves almost reaching the ground.
3. HOUMONGI
The literal meaning of Houmongi is “visiting wear”, and both married and unmarried women wear these semi-formal kimono types. These are the kimonos with a pattern all over, or a kimono with a design near the hem, left front sleeve, left shoulder, and collar. It can be worn for almost all the formal occasions, such as attending school graduation ceremonies, friends' receptions, parties, and tea parties, and can be worn regardless of age or marital status. This kimono style (so is tomesode) is created using the “Eba” method. It is painted after temporary basting. The pattern continues across the seams. When unfolded, the pattern is applied to the seams and would look like a picture.
4. KOMON
Compared to other kimono types, you will likely see these the most often. They have repeating small patterns all over the kimono. Komon are casual kimonos, making them perfect for lessons, dates, shopping, and more. Young ladies can wear it to semi-formal parties.
5. IROMUJI
The beauty of these kimono styles comes from simplicity. It really shows the quality of silk. A kimono dyed entirely in a single color, other than black. If one crest is attached, it becomes a formal dress for family celebrations or graduation ceremonies, and if there is no crest, it can be used as a fashionable outfit.
6. MOFUKU
A plain black mourning kimonos with five crests worn by relatives at funeral ceremonies and wakes. The obi and obijime shoule be all black. For Buddhist ceremonies, black or gray belts are worn on a plain dark color kimono with crests.
7. TSUKESAGE
Tsukesage is a general term for kimonos with upward-facing patterns on the sleeves, bodice, and collar, and is worn slightly more casually than Houmongi.
8. YUKATA
Though it is the most informal, the yukata is the most popular among Japanese kimono types. As a result, the yukata appears during summer festivals or fireworks displays. Geta, wooden kimono footwear, are worn on barefoot and the obi is tied in a simple way. This cotton kimono’s light weight and lack of undergarments make it perfect for summer. You’ll have plenty of chances to experience the comfort of a yukata in Japan if you visit any Japanese ryokan or hot spring town.
9. MEN’S KIMONO
Men’s kimono are simpler with subdued colors. Haori and hakama with a crest are formal attire. Even if it is not black, if you wear a haori or hakama with a crest on it, it will be classified as formal wear, so feel free to enjoy coordinating it. Tsumugi and Omeshi are worn for casual outings, and woolen ensembles (a set of kimono and haori) are worn more casually.
