Wedding kimonos are traditional Japanese formal garments, with the shiromuku being the most traditional and popular. Newer variations include the shiromuku irouchikake, furisode, hikifurisode, and organdy fabric kimonos, with Western influences and pastel colors.
A wedding kimono is a formal bridal garment that originated in Japanese culture for wedding ceremonies. In general, kimonos are popular in Japanese culture not only for weddings but for most formal events and functions. Physically, kimonos are flowing, floor-length robes with long, wide sleeves. There are several variations of the garments that fall under the category of wedding kimonos.
The shiromuku is one of the most appreciated and traditional wedding kimonos. Shiromukus are completely white, and the entire outfit the bride wears with this kimono is white, from her outer robe, called uchikake, to the kimono worn under the robe, called kakeshita. The bride also traditionally wears a white sash around her waist, white headgear, and white shoes. Shiromuku wedding kimonos are usually created in a rich fabric such as silk or satin and often include elaborate embroidery and beading.
Newer kimonos offer an updated version of the classic shiromuku and are becoming popular today, even for Western cultures. The shiromuku irouchikake is a take on the classic wedding kimono and is a padded, beltless robe with a train that comes in a variety of colors and patterns rather than plain white. New fabrics and variations on the traditional wedding kimono have greatly increased the range of kimono options and have led to the recent rise in popularity of the traditional garment.
Another version of the wedding kimono is the furisode. The furisode is a colorful, long-sleeved kimono traditionally worn by unmarried women, especially during Japanese coming-of-age ceremonies. At present, many brides choose to wear a Western-style wedding dress for their marriage ceremony, and then make a furious episode for their wedding reception. The brides choose to use the furisode one last time to mark the end of their individual lives.
A similar wedding kimono to the furisode is the hikifurisode, which is a kimono with long, flowing sleeves and a long, padded train. Hikifurisodes are the most popular type of kimonos in the early 21st century, with black being the most popular and most common color for the garment. The hikifurisodium material is embroidered in gold and silver thread and is often worn with non-traditional and elaborate hairstyles.
Another update to the kimono style is making wedding kimonos from organdy fabric, which allows the robes to have a softer, more flowing look. This more contemporary look separates these newer robes from traditional styles and often incorporates Western nuances such as pastel colors. This has allowed both Japanese brides and brides around the world to customize the look of classic wedding kimonos.
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