Pop Japan

Kimono isn't the type of "wear-and-go" dress. It usually has five to six parts and several accessories are partnered with the clothing.

There are also several kinds of kimono that is worn based on the occassion or on the marital status of the wearer.

Here's our complete guide to girls who dream of wearing the intricate Japanese traditional clothing:

1. Furisode - Furisode is a type of kimono worn by unmarried women. Its most noticeable detail are the swinging long sleeves. The longer the sleeves, the more formal it gets. It is worn in special occassions such as the coming of age ceremony, wedding ceremony (not as bride), voting, and tea ceremony. 

Photo by Dr.A at the English language Wikipedia. Licensed under Creative Commons. 

2. Tomesode - Tomesode on the other hand is the most formal kimono, worn by married women. It has two kinds based on the hue: the colored one (iro) and black (kuro), which is the most formal, and always adorned with five crests.

Photo by Japanexperterna.se. Licensed under Creative Commons.

3. Komon - This is a more informal kind of kimono worn by unmarried women. Compared to Furisode, it has small patterns that covers the entire kimono.

Photo by Ichiro Wada. Licensed under Creative Commons.

4. Susohiki/Hikizuri - These are worn by geisha or  performers of traditional Japanese dance. This style also has long swinging sleeves and usually longer than the basic kimono.

Photo by Jean-Pierre Dalbéra from Paris, France. Licensed under Creative Commons.

5. Odori Katamigawari - This is usually worn by Japanese traditional dancers.

Photo by Arcimboldo. Licensed under Creative Commons.

6. Iromuji - These are plain, unpatterned kimonos that are both worn by married or unmarried women. This style is mostly seen in tea ceremonies. The crests determine the formality of the clothing. 

Photo by Corpse Reviver. Licensed under Creative Commons.

7. Mofuku - It is an all-black kimono worn by both male and female as mourning clothes. The black mourning clothes are for the family, relatives, and those who are close to the departed.

8. Yukata - Yukata is an inexpensive type of kimono which is easier to wear and popular clothing whenever festivals are held.

Photo by Chris Gladis. Licensed under Creative Commons.

9. Houmongi - Houmongi is a kimono that is patterned up to the hem and sleeve. Houmongi is a visiting dress that is less formal than tomesode, but more formal than komon kimono.

Photo by Greg. Licensed under Creative Commons.

10. Uchikake - Lastly, Uchikake is the special, all-white (or with red) bridal kimono for the traditional, Shinto wedding ceremony. It is not tied with an obi.

Photo by Dave Jenkins. Licensed under Creative Commons.

Layers of Kimono

1. Nagajuban - It is a robe worn under the kimono. Kimonos are hard to clean, so they wear an undergarment to reduce the need to wash the kimono. It is usually white, and shows only the collar. Some nagajuban have replaceable collars so that the wearer can change colors to different kimonos.

Photo by Pitke. Licensed under Creative Commons.

2. Datejime - It is an undersash used to tie nagajuban.

Photo by Pitke. Licensed under Creative Commons.

3. Obi - An obi is a wide silk sash that ties the kimono in the waist of the wearer. There are different ways to tie an obi, which also have meanings. Several accessories are also used to make the obi look firm and stiff.

4. Hakama - These are designed long skirts with slits that is usually worn for graduation ceremonies and martial arts such as kyudo (archery).

Photo by Last. Licensed under Creative Commons.

Kimono is not only worn by the Japanese as a fashion statement. They wear it with because the traditiona has been deep rooted in their past, and it is their way to preserve and pass their tradition on.

So when you wear one, respect and feel the prestige of experiencing a piece of authentic Japanese culture.