The kimono is a traditional Japanese garment. It is famous for its elegance, symbolism, and intricate design. What are the parts of a kimono called? This blog will explore deeply about kimono, especially parts of the kimono.
The main components of a Kimono
What are the parts of a kimono called? We can see that a kimono consists of several main components. Each element serves a functional or decorative purpose. These kimono parts contribute to the overall look and formality of the outfit.
Kimono
Let’s have a look at the front and back of the kimono. You can also see more details about kimono parts here.
Front of the Kimono
- Sode: Sode is the kimono's sleeve.
- Sode-guchi: sleeve mouth, or armhole
- Ura-eri: the collar's inner lining.
- Tomo-eri: It is a piece of cloth that shields the eri from stains. The tomo-eri can be swapped out if it gets damaged or altered to a new color if preferred.
- Eri: It is the collar of the kimono.
- Do-ura: Do-ura is an invisible plain inner in kimono. It is very simple for women's kimonos. However, it is frequently more ornamental for men's kimonos.
- Okumi: Okumi is a gusset or a panel. It is inserted into a kimono's front edge to make it broader than the rear.
- Mae-migoro: Mae-migoro is the kimono's front panel, without the sleeves.
- Suso-mawashi: Suso-mawashi is a kimono's lower lining. It is frequently decorated in intricate ways and is seen when the okumi unfolds.
Back of the kimono
- Sode-tsuke: the kimono's inside armhole.
- Yuki: the distance between the kimono's center seam and the edge of the sleeves.
- Fuki: the kimono's hem guard at the very bottom.
- Ushiro-migoro: The ushiro-migoro is the major back panel and the reverse of the mae-migoro.
- Furi: Furi is the lower, unsewn portion of the sleeve that swings
- Tamoto: It is the tiny pouch located inside the sleeve's furi section
- Miyatsu-kuchi: Miyatsu-kuchi is only found in female kimonos. It is the little aperture beneath the sleeve that is utilized to modify the fit of the garment.
Obi
The obi is the exquisite outside sash that is quite noticeable. Similar to a corset, the obi conceals any extra cloth and helps women maintain a tiny waist and straight posture. Men's obi are less constricting, thinner, and considerably simpler. Compared to female obi, they also have fewer styles.
Nagajuban
Nagajuban is essentially the kimono's undershirt or slip. These garments, which have a kimono-like shape, shield the vibrant kimono from dirt and grime.
Japanese people wear it to keep the kimono clean. In particular, it keeps the kimono away from perspiration and is washed when needed.
Detailed breakdown of Kimono parts
What are the parts of a kimono called? The kimono is made up of several key components. These kimono parts combine to create a formal and intricate outfit.
Eri - The collar
The eri is a stiff collar located at the back of the neck. It is composed of cardboard coated in cloth and helps to keep the kimono's shape.
Silk ribbons knotted behind the collar hold the eri in place. Modern kimonos do not usually have an eri.
Sode - The sleeves
The kimono's sleeve is divided into several sections such as furi, tamoto, sode-guchi, sode-tsuke, etc. Additionally, there are several sode lengths.
Younger maidens are traditionally dressed in furisode. Furisode are colorful kimonos with larger sleeves. Women who are married or older typically wear tomesode.
Tomesoe is a simpler, black kimono with sleeves that are average length.
Okumi - The front panels
The okumi is the front overlap panel of the kimono. It extends from the breast to the hem. It is an additional fabric piece sewn along the front edges of the kimono, between the collar (eri) and the main body.
The okumi helps to create the proper wrap of the kimono. This gives a neat, layered appearance when worn. This part is important for the kimono's structure and contributes to its elegant drape.
Functional and decorative elements
In a kimono, the functional kimono parts include obijime, obiage, and haneri. These kimono parts reflect both traditional and contemporary styles.
Obijime - The decorative cord
The obijime is a decorative cord in a kimono. It helps to keep the obi in the right place. It often features intricate braiding or embellishments and has various colors and patterns. People usually coordinate it with the kimono or obi.
Obiage - The fabric strip for the Obi
The obiage is a long silk scarf or sash used with the kimono. It keeps the obi tight and in its proper position. It holds everything in place. The obiage has various colors, patterns, and textures. It creates an elegant look and completes the kimono look.
Haneri - The decorative collar attachment
The haneri is a decorative under-collar in a kimono outfit. It helps to protect the collar of the kimono from makeup and sweat. Haneri are often made of silk or cotton. It has various colors and patterns, including embroidery.
Variations in Kimono design
Kimono designs can vary based on factors like gender, occasion, and season. Let’s have a look at Furisode and Tomesode.
Furisode - Long-sleeved Kimono
Furisode is famous for its long sleeves. The lengths of sleeves can reach up to 100-107 cm. It is worn by unmarried women.
They are usually seen at weddings, coming-of-age ceremonies, or tea ceremonies. Furisode typically features bold, colorful designs. This makes it a standout piece in traditional Japanese attire.
Tomesode - Short-sleeved Kimono
Tomesode is characterized by its shorter sleeves. It is a formal choice for married women at weddings and other ceremonial events.
One outstanding feature of this garment is the presence of family crests on the fabric. About its colors, black tomesode is the most formal, while colored tomesode is less formal.
Accessories associated with Kimono
There are many accessories associated with a kimono. Tabi and Zori are some of the most important accessories with kimono.
Tabi - Traditional socks
Tabi are traditional Japanese socks. They have a distinctive split-toe design. They are typically worn with zori or geta sandals. Tabi is usually white and made of cotton.
They might even be embroidered and made of silk for formal wear. Tabi socks are worn for special occasions, such as tea ceremonies, and festivals.
Zori - Japanese sandals
Zori are traditional Japanese sandals. They are often worn with formal attire like kimono and tabi socks. They have a flat base and a thong-style strap. They are made of fabric, brocade, rubber or vinyl.
Women will choose a kind of zori according to the formality of the event. In particular, the brocade-covered zori is the most formal, followed by vinyl and then straw. Men can freely choose the kind of zori and can even wear them without tabi in informal situations.
Comparison of men's and women's Kimono parts
Men's and women's kimonos differ in several key areas. Their noticeable differences are in sleeve design and variation in obi styles.
Differences in sleeve design
Men's and women's kimonos have rather different sleeve designs.
- Women's Kimono: Women's kimonos are characterized by larger, longer sleeves. It symbolizes youth and femininity.
- Men's Kimono: The sleeves of men's kimonos are usually shorter. These sleeves are more practical and less decorative. It represents simplicity and formality. However, there are some variations in formal or ceremonial occasions.
Variations in Obi styles for men and women
Obi also differs between men and women in both style and function:
- Women's Obi: Women's Obi are generally much wider and more decorative. They feature elaborate knots and decorative patterns, especially for formal attire like furisode. The obi can be tied in various ways to enhance the appearance of the kimono.
- Men's Obi: Men's Obi are narrower, simpler, and less ornate. They are usually tied in a more functional.
How to buy a Kimono while abroad
Here’s a simple guide to help you purchase a kimono online from abroad.
Step 1: Visit a trusted website
Start by going to a reliable Japanese online store that sells kimonos, like Yumemiru Yumeko. Make sure the website offers a wide range of kimono styles to match your preferences.
Step 2: Search for items
Use the website's search bar to find the kimono you want. You can enter keywords like "kimono," "Japanese kimono," or specific styles such as "formal kimono" or "casual kimono" to narrow down your options.
Step 3: Check product details
Before you make a purchase, carefully review the product information. Pay attention to details like the fabric, size, and any customization options to ensure the kimono meets your needs.
Step 4: Copy and paste your item ink on Japan Flow
Once you find the perfect kimono, copy the product link from the website. Then, visit Japan Flow and paste the link into our buying request form. Japan Flow will take care of the rest, making it easy for you to buy internationally.
Step 5: Complete your order with Japan Flow
To finalize your order, follow these steps:
- First Payment: After adding your item’s URL on Japan Flow, make the initial payment to cover the product cost and service fee. You can find details about the service fees on the Japan Flow website.
- Order Preparation: Once Japan Flow receives your first payment, we will purchase your kimono. It usually takes about 2-3 days for the item to arrive at their warehouse.
- Second Payment & Delivery: When your kimono arrives at the Japan Flow warehouse, you’ll receive a notification. At this point, you can request packaging. Japan Flow will prepare your shipment and calculate the shipping fee. After you complete the second payment for shipping, they will send your order based on the shipping method you selected.
What are the parts of a kimono called? The blogs showed you the kimono parts. Every component of the kimono has a distinct function and helps the wearer create a recognizable form. Every component, including obi belts, eri collars, and susoyoke undergarments, adds to the kimono's distinct charm. Understanding the components and appropriate kimono wear gives one a better understanding of this Japanese national garment.