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Kimono Structure
着物の構造
The fundamental parts that make up a kimono garment — from collar to hem.
10 terms
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身頃Migoro
Body Panel
The main body panel of the kimono. Consists of front (mae-migoro 前身頃) and back (ushiro-migoro 後身頃) panels.
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衽Okumi
Front Overlap Panel
A narrow panel sewn to the front body panel to create the overlapping neckline.
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衿Eri
Collar
The collar of the kimono that frames the neckline. Always worn with the left side over the right.
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半衿Han-eri
Inner Collar
A decorative half-collar sewn onto the nagajuban that peeks above the kimono collar.
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掛衿Kake-eri
Collar Guard
A protective fabric strip sewn over the outer collar to prevent wear and staining.
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衣紋Emon
Nape Opening
The gap at the back of the collar that reveals the nape of the neck.
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裾Suso
Hem
The bottom edge/hem of the kimono.
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身八つ口Miyatsukuchi
Side Opening
An opening under the armpit between the body panel and the sleeve, found on women's kimono.
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胴裏Doura
Body Lining
The lining fabric for the upper body section of a lined (awase) kimono.
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ふきFuki
Hem Padding
The slight padding or rolled edge at the hem that gives weight and structure.
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Sleeves
袖の部位
Sleeves are one of the most expressive parts of a kimono — their length and shape communicate status and occasion.
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袖Sode
Sleeve
The general term for the kimono sleeve. Unlike Western sleeves, kimono sleeves form a pouch-like bag shape.
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袂Tamoto
Sleeve Pouch
The lower, bag-like portion of the sleeve that hangs down.
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袖口Sode-guchi
Sleeve Opening
The wrist opening of the sleeve where the hand passes through.
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振りFuri
Sleeve Swing
The open section at the back of the sleeve (between body and sleeve back edge) on women's kimono.
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袖丈Sode-take
Sleeve Length
The vertical measurement of the sleeve from shoulder to bottom edge.
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肩幅Kata-haba
Shoulder Width
The measurement from the center back seam to the shoulder-sleeve joint.
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振袖の種類Furisode Styles
Long Sleeve Types
Three lengths exist: Ō-furisode (大振袖, 114cm), Chū-furisode (中振袖, 95cm), and Ko-furisode (小振袖, 75cm).
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Collar & Neckline
衿元の用語
The collar area is the focal point of kimono dressing — subtle adjustments communicate elegance and propriety.
6 terms
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合わせ衿Awase-eri
Collar Overlap
Where the left and right collar panels meet. Always left-over-right for the living.
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衿足Eri-ashi
Collar Length
The measurement of the collar from the joining point to its end.
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衿芯Eri-shin
Collar Stiffener
A stiff insert placed inside the collar to maintain its shape and structure.
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伊達衿Date-eri
Decorative Collar
An additional decorative collar layer placed between the kimono collar and han-eri for added color.
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共衿Tomo-eri
Matching Collar
A collar made from the same fabric as the kimono body.
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抜き紋Nuki-mon
Resist-dyed Crest
Family crests (mon) placed on the collar area of formal kimono using resist-dyeing technique.
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Obi & Accessories
帯と帯周り
The obi sash is the centerpiece of kimono styling — an art form in itself with dozens of tying methods.
11 terms
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帯Obi
Sash / Belt
The wide sash worn around the waist to secure the kimono. Obi are works of art in their own right.
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丸帯Maru-obi
Full-width Obi
The most formal obi type, fully patterned on both sides. Traditionally used for bridal wear.
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袋帯Fukuro-obi
Double-fold Obi
A formal obi with pattern on the outer surface only. The standard choice for formal occasions.
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名古屋帯Nagoya-obi
Nagoya Obi
A semi-formal obi that is partially pre-folded for easier tying. Invented in the Taishō era.
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半幅帯Hanhaba-obi
Half-width Obi
A casual, narrow obi about 15-17cm wide. Used with yukata and casual kimono.
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帯締めObijime
Obi Cord
A decorative braided cord tied over the obi to secure it in place.
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帯揚げObiage
Obi Scarf
A silk scarf tucked into the top of the obi, partially visible above the obi's upper edge.
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帯留Obidome
Obi Brooch
A decorative clasp or brooch threaded onto a flat obijime cord.
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帯枕Obimakura
Obi Pad
A small cushion placed behind the obi to support and shape the bow (musubi) or drum (taiko).
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帯板Obi-ita
Obi Board
A stiff board inserted behind the front of the obi to keep it smooth and wrinkle-free.
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太鼓結びTaiko-musubi
Drum Knot
The most common obi tying style, forming a rectangular "drum" shape at the back.
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Patterns & Motifs
文様と柄
Every pattern on a kimono carries deep symbolism — from seasonal flowers to auspicious geometric designs.
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柄Gara
Pattern
The general term for patterns and motifs on kimono fabric.
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桜Sakura
Cherry Blossom
The most iconic Japanese motif, representing the beauty and transience of life.
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鶴Tsuru
Crane
A symbol of longevity, fidelity, and good fortune. Common on bridal and formal kimono.
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青海波Seigaiha
Wave Pattern
Concentric overlapping arcs representing ocean waves — a wish for peaceful, enduring happiness.
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麻の葉Asanoha
Hemp Leaf
A geometric star pattern resembling hemp leaves, symbolizing healthy growth and resilience.
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亀甲Kikkō
Tortoiseshell
Hexagonal pattern resembling a tortoise shell, representing longevity and prosperity.
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菊Kiku
Chrysanthemum
The Imperial flower of Japan, symbolizing longevity, nobility, and autumn.
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牡丹Botan
Peony
The "King of Flowers," representing wealth, nobility, and feminine beauty.
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松Matsu
Pine
An evergreen symbol of endurance, constancy, and longevity.
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梅Ume
Plum Blossom
Blooming in late winter, plum blossoms represent resilience, renewal, and the arrival of spring.
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Accessories & Undergarments
小物と下着
A complete kimono outfit requires numerous accessories — each with its own traditions and rules.
12 terms
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長襦袢Nagajuban
Under-kimono
A full-length undergarment worn beneath the kimono, with its own collar (han-eri) visible at the neckline.
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肌襦袢Hadajuban
Undershirt
A thin cotton or gauze undergarment worn directly against the skin, beneath the nagajuban.
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裾よけSusoyoke
Underskirt
A wraparound underskirt worn from the waist down, preventing the kimono from clinging to the legs.
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足袋Tabi
Split-toe Socks
Traditional Japanese socks with a separation between the big toe and other toes, worn with thonged footwear.
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草履Zōri
Formal Sandals
Flat or slightly elevated thonged sandals for formal and semi-formal kimono wear.
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下駄Geta
Wooden Sandals
Traditional wooden platform sandals worn with yukata and casual kimono.
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簪Kanzashi
Hair Ornament
Decorative hair pins and ornaments worn with kimono. A crucial element of the complete ensemble.
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扇子Sensu
Folding Fan
A folding fan carried as part of formal kimono outfits, often purely decorative.
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巾着Kinchaku
Drawstring Bag
A small drawstring pouch carried as a purse with kimono, since kimono have no pockets.
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腰紐Koshihimo
Waist Ties
Thin fabric ties used to hold the kimono in place during dressing, hidden under the obi.
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おはしょりOhashori
Waist Tuck
The fold of excess fabric at the waist, visible below the obi. A distinctive feature of women's kimono.
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伊達締めDatejime
Under-sash
A wide, flat tie or sash worn over the koshihimo to smooth the front and help hold the ohashori.
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Fabric & Construction
生地と仕立て
Understanding kimono construction reveals the ingenuity of a garment system designed for zero waste and generational longevity.
8 terms
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反Tan
Bolt of Fabric
A standard bolt of kimono fabric, approximately 36-40cm wide and 12-13 meters long.
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布Nuno
Fabric/Cloth
General term for textile fabric. Kimono fabrics include silk (kinu 絹), cotton (momen 木綿), linen (asa 麻), and synthetic fibers.
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袷Awase
Lined Kimono
A fully lined kimono worn from October through May (cooler months).
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単衣Hitoe
Unlined Kimono
A single-layer, unlined kimono worn during transitional months (June and September).
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薄物Usumono
Sheer Kimono
Translucent, sheer-fabric kimono for the hottest months (July-August).
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友禅Yūzen
Paste-resist Dyeing
An elaborate dyeing technique using rice-paste resist to create detailed pictorial designs.
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絞りShibori
Tie-dyeing
Traditional resist-dyeing technique using binding, stitching, or clamping to create patterns.
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西陣織Nishijin-ori
Nishijin Weaving
Luxury brocade weaving from the Nishijin district of Kyoto, used primarily for obi.
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Famous Dyeing Kimono
日本の名染め着物
The great dyeing traditions of Japan — each region developed its own distinctive philosophy of beauty, passed down through centuries of master craftsmanship.
5 terms
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加賀友禅Kaga Yūzen
Kaga Yuzen Dyeing
A refined paste-resist dyeing technique from Kanazawa, characterized by highly realistic depictions of nature with distinctive outlining and color gradation.
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京友禅Kyō Yūzen
Kyoto Yuzen Dyeing
The most opulent and celebrated kimono dyeing tradition in Japan. Known for vivid multi-color designs, extensive use of gold leaf, and elaborate pictorial compositions.
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東京友禅Tōkyō Yūzen
Tokyo Yuzen Dyeing
An urban, refined dyeing tradition embodying the Edo aesthetic of "iki" (粋) — chic sophistication and restrained elegance.
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辻が花Tsujigahana
Phantom Flower Technique
A legendary, mysterious dyeing technique from the Muromachi–Momoyama period combining shibori tie-dyeing with hand-painting. Called the "phantom technique" because it disappeared for 300 years.
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江戸小紋Edo Komon
Edo Fine-Pattern Stencil
An extraordinarily refined stencil-dyeing technique producing microscopic repeating patterns so fine that the kimono appears to be a solid color from a distance.
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Famous Woven Kimono
日本の名織物
Japan's woven textile traditions — from mud-dyed silks of subtropical Amami to snow-bleached ramie of Okinawa, each reflecting its region's soul.
7 terms
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西陣織Nishijin-ori
Nishijin Brocade
The supreme weaving tradition of Japan. Famous for breathtaking gold and silver brocade obi that have adorned royalty for over a millennium.
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大島紬Ōshima Tsumugi
Oshima Pongee Silk
A luxurious hand-woven pongee silk famous for its unique mud-dyeing (泥染め dorozome) that produces a distinctive deep chocolate-brown with an incomparable silken sheen.
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結城紬Yūki Tsumugi
Yuki Pongee Silk
Japan's oldest surviving textile tradition (2,000+ years). UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Entirely hand-spun, hand-woven silk that improves with decades of wear.
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牛首紬Ushikubi Tsumugi
Ushikubi Pongee Silk
A rare tsumugi uniquely made from "tamamayu" (玉繭) — cocoons spun by two silkworms together, creating an extraordinarily strong double-thread.
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塩沢紬Shiozawa Tsumugi
Shiozawa Pongee Silk
A distinctive tsumugi from Niigata's heavy snowfall region, featuring fine kasuri patterns. Part of the famous Echigo textile trio.
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久留米絣Kurume Kasuri
Kurume Ikat Cotton
A beloved indigo-and-white cotton fabric from Fukuoka, with warm rustic geometric patterns created through the kasuri (ikat) pre-dyeing technique.
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宮古上布Miyako Jōfu
Miyako Premium Ramie
The finest ramie fabric in the world, woven on Miyako Island, Okinawa. So thin and translucent it's called "fabric woven from wind." A National Important Intangible Cultural Property.
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Special Techniques
特殊技法
Exceptional dyeing and decorative techniques — from microscopic stencil patterns to three-dimensional tie-dye sculptures.
2 terms
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有松鳴海絞Arimatsu Narumi Shibori
Arimatsu Tie-Dye
Japan's most celebrated shibori tradition, preserving over 100 distinct binding techniques that create stunning three-dimensional textured fabrics.
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型友禅Kata Yūzen
Stencil Yuzen
A stencil-based adaptation of hand-painted yūzen, enabling beautiful multi-colored designs at more accessible price points while maintaining handcrafted character.
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