13 Different Types of Kimono for Women and When to Wear

The traditional Japanese kimono is a garment steeped in history and cultural significance, with various types designed for different occasions, seasons, and wearer statuses. Understanding these types can help you appreciate and wear kimonos appropriately, enhancing your experience with this iconic garment.

1. Uchikake: The Bridal Over-Kimono

Uchikake are highly formal over-kimonos worn exclusively by brides or during traditional stage performances like kabuki. These kimonos are characterized by bright red or white ground colors, symbolizing rebirth as a wife, and are adorned with intricate embroidery. Uchikake are worn over the main kimono and are a key part of traditional Japanese wedding attire.

2. Shiromuku: The White Wedding Kimono

Shiromuku is a white kimono worn by brides during traditional Japanese weddings. It is a symbol of purity and innocence. This kimono is often paired with an uchikake and is considered one of the most formal types of kimono.

3. Tomesode: The Formal Kimono for Married Women

Tomesode is the most formal kimono for married women, commonly seen at Japanese weddings. It features a black base with white or colored designs, typically on the hem and sleeves. The length of the sleeves varies with the age of the wearer, with younger women wearing longer sleeves.

4. Irotomesode: A Variation of Tomesode

Irotomesode is similar to kurotomesode but has a base color other than black. It is considered very formal for unmarried women and, if adorned with five emblems, is as formal as a kurotomesode. Without emblems, it is less formal than a houmongi.

5. Houmongi: A Versatile Formal Kimono

Houmongi is suitable for various events, including weddings and formal parties, and can be worn by both married and unmarried women. The formality of houmongi depends on the density of its patterns; denser patterns are considered more formal.

6. Tsukesage: A Post-WWII Formal Kimono

Tsukesage emerged after WWII as a simpler alternative to houmongi. The patterns on the skirting may not connect with those on the sleeves. The formality of tsukesage can be adjusted by the type of obi paired with it.

7. Furisode: The Most Formal Kimono for Unmarried Women

Furisode is the most formal kimono for unmarried women, characterized by long sleeves that can reach up to 114 cm in length. It is commonly worn during the coming of age ceremony and at formal parties.

8. Iromuji: A Simple yet Formal Kimono

Iromuji is a simple, one-color kimono without patterns. It is suitable for important ceremonies, such as a bride's white kimono or a black mourning kimono. Iromuji with a family crest is appropriate for various formal events.

9. Komon: A Casual yet Versatile Kimono

Komon is one of the least formal types of kimono, characterized by a repeated pattern across the entire garment. It can be worn casually with a hanhaba obi or dressed up with a more formal obi. Both married and unmarried women wear komon.

10. Yukata: The Casual Summer Kimono

Yukata is a casual summer kimono made from cotton, originating from the Heian era as after-bath clothes for nobility. It is now popular among commoners as a casual summer garment. Yukata can be dressed up slightly with appropriate accessories.

11. Usumono: The Thin Summer Kimono

Usumono, or "thin clothing," is a summer kimono made from lightweight fabrics like ro silk gauze, sha silk gauze, hemp, or linen. It is sheer and breathable, suitable for the warmer months. Usumono can be tailored as tomesode, houmongi, iromuji, or komon for various formal and casual events.

12. Mofuku: The Mourning Kimono

Mofuku is a category of kimono and accessories suitable for mourning. It is characterized by a plain, solid black appearance with five family crests. Mofuku kimono are worn with white undergarments and white tabi.

13. Tsumugi: The Casual Woven Kimono

Tsumugi is a type of woven kimono made from natural and lab-made fibers. It is considered casual but can be used for slightly formal occasions if paired with the right obi and accessories. Tsumugi kimonos are popular for their ease of coordination and traditional craftsmanship.