A Furisode is typically worn by young unmarried women in Japan, it means (swinging sleeves) it is a particular style of Japanese Kimono distinguishable from other kimonos by its long sleeves. Contemporary versions of this kimono tend to be covered in bright colours and patterns.


How is a Furisode different from other Kimonos?

It is the most formal kimono worn by young Japanese women with long swinging sleeves, the sleeve length can vary in length between 85 cms for a kofurisode which means short swinging sleeve to 114 cms for an ōfurisode meaning large furisode.

 

The History of Furisode

A Furisode is a style of kimono typically worn by young Japanese women and often associated with formal events such as weddings, coming of age festivals, religious festivals, and other important events in Japanese culture.

The difference between a furisode and other kimonos is the long swinging sleeves, shorter-sleeved kimonos are called a Tomesode. There are different types of furisode kimonos that are distinguishable by the length of sleeves: Ofurisode - about 114cms, Chufurisode - about 100 - 95cms, kofurisode - about 85cms.

This kimono used to be popular with men and women and the designs and colour patterns were the same in both the men's and women's versions of the kimono.

 

In recent years it is now considered a women's kimono worn by unmarried women for special events, while married Japanese women wear a tomesode kimono for formal occasions.

The furisode all though not necessarily known by name is the most famous kimono outside of Japan, recognised from all the images of Maiko standing with their long swinging sleeves. 

 

Famously worn by the Maiko

Maiko is a geisha apprentice in Kyoto and across Western Japan. Maiko means “Dancing Child” and they are attained to dance and perform songs and play traditional Japanese instruments like the shamisen at parties and banquets, which are called ozashiki.