Determining the kimono, you’ll wear for an event can be challenging. You must know each type and familiarise yourself with different design patterns including the symbolism and the subtle social messages attached to each garment. The kimono you pick out can reflect your age and determine your marital status and the level of formality of the event you are attending, so it is best to learn how to differentiate one kimono from another before anything else. Down below, we have enumerated the most popular kimonos to help and guide you, so check it out.
Here are the different kimonos and the right time to wear them:
- This is the choice kimono you must wear if you are a single woman whenever you attend formal gatherings. You wear them during coming-of-age ceremonies or when you attend weddings and wedding receptions. They are most known for their sleeves which are designed to be very long. But, they are also known for the colourful patterns hand-stitched into the garment.
- This is the kimono one wears to tea ceremonies. The colourful kimono is made from a dyed silk like the ones found in The Kubota Collection.
- This is the only type of kimono you can wear during burial processions. It is known to be the formal mourning dress for both genders. Mofuku is made from plain black silk, and you accessorize them with a black-coloured obi for women.
- This is a kimono designed with small patterns. Both single and married women can wear it. The style of this garment is fit for a more casual setting, so you can wear this when you want to walk around town or dine at a restaurant.
- This is the kimono you need to have when you are getting married. A bride wears this highly formal kimono for the wedding, and it is either completely white or very colourful. You wear the uchikake with another set of kimono and obi. After putting on a kimono and tying its obi, you can now wear the uchikake. You must place it over the tied kimono. It is supposed to be donned like a coat as the obi around the uchikake remains untied.
- You can wear an Irotomesode for highly formal to semi-formal events depending on the design and patterns stitched on the garment. If the irotomesode features five kamon (Japanese emblems or crests used to decorate and identify an individual or a family), then it is the kimono you wear when you are attending a close relative’s wedding. The kimono is also the go-to-choice when you are accepting a medal in the royal court. But, if the irotomesode features only one to three kamon, then the irotomesode is the kimono you wear when you attend semi-formal parties.
Learning the difference between these kimonos will help you a lot in the long run. It will allow you to deftly sift through your kimonos and choose the right one immediately and accurately. So, you will always be able to put your best foot forward anytime anywhere.
