| | ---------- introduction ---------- quick facts ---------- brief timeline ---------- clothing ---------- citations & credits ----------
Clothing Types
 | Juni-Hito
• The juni-hito, literally meaning "twelve layer" clothing, originated in the Heian period, from 792 to 1192 A.D. (JP NET Kimono Hypertext)
• These garments are worn today by the ruling class only when a formal ceremony is taking place, and are typically very elaborate and large. (Antiquer, The)
• They can actually be up to twenty layers thick, although their name says twelve. (Antiquer, The)
• A traditional juni-hito consists of solid colored layers of clothing, since during the Heian period, the yuzen dyeing method was not yet invented and elaborate patterns were difficult to achieve. (Antiquer, The)
• Each layer's color represented different things—seasons, nature, values, class, status. (Antiquer, The) |
 | Yukata
• While most other types of kimono are made of silk, the yukata is made of cotton. (Japanese Kimono)
• A yukata is a light summer article, worn in the summer months when comfort is valued most. (Japanese Kimono)
• Although other forms of kimono are valued for their style and beauty, the yukata is an informal piece of clothing valued for comfort and functionality, similar in function to a t-shirt and sweatpants in America. (Japan Guide)
• The word "yukata" originates from two words: "yu" and "katabira", meaning "bath" and "under clothes." (Japanese Kimono)
• This type of kimono is most popular in modern day Japan. This type is worn after a bath or during the summer. (Japanese Kimono)
• Designs are usually far simpler than that of a traditional kimono, although women's designs still focus on flowers and nature, and men's designs are usually darker or less vibrant. (Japanese Kimono) |
 | Furisode
• The furisode is the most widely recognized of all kimono types. The long, flowing-sleeves and bright, beautiful designs are usually what most people picture when they think of kimono.
• This type of kimono is usually worn by young, unmarried women. (Antiquer, The)
• The swinging sleeves of a furisode worn by a young woman is considered very flirtatious behavior. (Bookmice)
• Women begin wearing furisodes at around nineteen years of age, and as they age or get married, their sleeves are gradually lessened in length. (Fact Sheet)
• Some furisode sleeves may reach down to a woman's ankles. (The Black Moon Kimono) |
 | Uchikake
• An uchikake is wedding ceremony clothing.
• The traditional uchikake is long all the way around and doesn't have a "train" like western wedding dresses have. (Japan-Guide)
• An uchikake is either white or has many different patterns, more ornate than the typical furisode. A white uchikake symbolizes a wife's willingness to adapt to her husband's household. (Bookmice)
• During the Edo period, the three-day wedding ceremonies had three different kimono. The white uchikake was worn on the first day, the red uchikake—a protection symbol in Japan—was worn on the second day, and a very formal black uchikake was worn on the final day. (Bookmice)
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