DIFFERENT TYPES OF "KIMONO"

MUFUKU
The Mofuku is only worn to the funeral of a close relative. This kimono is all black.
Due to the sensitive nature of when this kimono is worn, we do not have any pictures of one.

While the Tomesode and Mofuku kimono are not as expensive as the Furisode, they still costs around A$8,000. In Japan they have a saying,
"if you have three daughters, you will be broke!"

JADAJUBAN
‘Hadajuban’ is the first undergarment worn in the kimono attire. It is so named as it is worn next to the skin.

Note 1: As the kimono is cut in a straight pattern / shape, padding is often needed around the waist and/or bust. A padding similar to the one shown in the picture can be worn to fill / level off body curves. Please note that padding is worn underneath the ‘hadajuban’.

Note 2: Over the ‘hadajuban’, a second undergarment called the ‘nagajuban’ is worn to add collar definition to the kimono. Please note that the ‘nagajuban’ is not worn with a casual kimono such as the yukata.


UCHIKAKE - The wedding kimono
For a young women having a traditional Japanese wedding, they wear the most gorgeous Kimono called Uchikake. Most people rent this kimono, however the rental still costs around A$5000. The white Uchikake (pictured on the left) is just part of the elaborate Japanese wedding ceremony.

If you look carefully you will be able to see how the Uchikake is very long and would touch the ground if it was not held up. Unlike traditional Western wedding dresses, that have train or material that flows along the ground at the back of the dress, the Uchikake is long all the way around. The bride has to be assisted by one of her attendants to walk in this kimono.


FURISODE - The formal kimono
When a young Japanese woman turns 20 years old, she is recognised as an adult. She has the right to vote, is responsible for any crimes and is allowed to smoke and drink (officially).

Many parents buy the Furisode for their daughters to celebrate this significant point in a young woman's life. Furisode is a formal kimono for single women, it is brightly colored and made of very fine quality silk. In the very modest Japanese society wearing a Furisode is a very obvious statement. It is a very loud and clear advertisement that the single woman is available for marriage.

One of the major points of difference with the furisode are the long sleeves. In these pictures they may appear to be short, but they are actually very long. The sleeves go right to the ground.

Furisode are mainly worn for major social functions such as wedding ceremonies or tea ceremonies until they get married. Depending on the quality of the materials, design and workmanship, a furisode normally costs around A$15,000 for the whole outfit.
The second Monday in January is a public holiday called 'Adult Day' and many young women attend a ceremony wearing their Furisode kimono.


YUKATA - The summer casual kimono
The Yukata is a casual light cotton kimono for wearing in summer. Yukatas normally have very brightly coloured designs on them. Today these kimonos are mainly worn to the traditional Bon-Odori and summer festivals. The relative simply design of Yukata means Japanese women can, with some practice, put this kimono on unassisted.

The name yukata comes from the word ‘yu’ (bath) and ‘katabira’ (under clothing). In the Heian era (794-1185), court nobles wore linen ‘yukata’ which were draped loosely after taking a bath. The yukata was later also worn by Japanese warriors and by the Edo era (1600-1868), it was widely worn by the public when public bath became a popular recreation in Japan.

Today, the yukata is widely worn as a casual wear in summer, as well as in festivals. Further, the yukata is also widely worn in ‘ryokan’ (traditional Japanese inn). The yukata is loved for its lightweight cotton material. Fabric designs vary from the traditional plain cross hatch pattern to the more colourful designs. A cotton sash is usually worn with the yukata for casual daily or nightly wear. In attending festivals and public occasions, the yukata is worn with a wider belt, which can be simply wrapped around the waist and tucked in at the end. For a more formal appearance, the yukata is worn with an obi belt, along with a matching geta (wooden sandals) and purse to complete the attire.

Japanese girls and young Japanese women both here in Australia and in Japan enjoy the opportunity to dress in their Yukatas. Today there are not as many suitable chances to wear this colourful traditional Japanese outfit.

In Australia many Bon-Odori festivals feature a Yukata competition, which is a little like a traditional beauty pageant. The major difference is the emphasis on adherence to traditional style including hair, make-up, foot ware and disposition.


TOMESODE
The tomesode is a formal Japanese kimono. A married woman would normally wear a tomesode to a Japanese wedding ceremony of a close relative. It would not be worn to a friend's wedding or any other ceremonies. The houmongi is used for these occasions.
A picture of two sisters. On the left wearing a tomesode kimono at her sister's wedding (right) wearing a Uchikake - the wedding kimono.

The black background of the tomesode is clearly designed to contrast with the white of the uchikake. The colorful obi and lower half of the tomesode shows that it is being worn on a happy occasion.


HOUMONGI
When a Japanese woman marries, many parents buy their daughters another kimono, the houmongi. The houmongi takes over the role the furisode played in the life when she was single. The houmongi is the married woman's formal kimono. This would be worn when attending Japanese weddings or tea ceremonies. An example of a houmongi can be seen on the left.