Glossary:
One of three types of furisode kimono worn by unmarried women, with medium length sleeves (about 90 cm long) that fall to below the knees.
A formal kimono with long sleeves worn by unmarried women. Three types of furisode: kofurisode, chuburisode and oburisode.
A formal, long-sleeved over-kimono that is worn unbelted over over a pure white kimono, called shiromuku. Usually worn as part of the Kanto or Tokyo style bridal ensemble.
Hakama
Long pleated split skirt or flowing pants worn over a kimono.
Haori
Coat worn over kimono, in long, medium or short lengths. Worn by men as part of formal wear, but only with informal kimono by women.
Homongi
Literally "visiting wear". This is a semi-formal kimono worn by both married and unmarried women.
Coloured tomesode kimono worn by married women to all but the most formal gatherings.
One of three types of furisode kimono worn by unmarried women with short sleeves (about 75 cm long) that fall to just above or on the knee.
Kosode
Literally "short" or "small" sleeves. Refers to type of kimono worn since the 10th century.
Black tomesode kimono worn by married women only to very formal events.
Nagajuban
A full-length under-kimono that is worn directly beneath formal and semi-formal kimono.
Obi
A long piece of cloth that is wrapped around the torso and tied at the back with a special bow. Depending on the social occasion, there are obi of varying lengths, widths and materials. There are also different types of bows used for different occasions.
One of three types of furisode kimono worn by unmarried women with full-length sleeves (about 105 cm long) that fall to the hem of the kimono.
Literally "white pure", this is a special type of kimono called a kakeshita kimono. It is worn only with a kakeshita obi and under a furisode uchikake as part of the Kanto or Tokyo style bridal ensemble.
Formal kimono worn by married women, with short sleeves (between 55 cm and 70 cm long). There are two types of tomesode: kuro tomesode and iro tomesode.
Uchikake
An unbelted, long over-kimono that has been in use since the Muromachi period (1338 - 1568).
Wafuku
The term used to refer to kimono wear. The kimono has become a symbol of traditional Japanese clothing and it is still worn for important ceremonies.
Yofuku
The term used to refer to Western-style clothing. It has replaced the kimono as the style of clothing worn every day by most women.
Zori
Thong sandals made of leather or brocade worn with tabi (split-toed) socks. Worn with kimono.
