There are many types of kimono, and it’s not always easy to understand the differences between them. This article offers a clear overview of the main kimono styles, explaining their levels of formality and appropriate occasions with an easy-to-read comparison chart. You’ll also find guidance on choosing the right fabric and basic obi-tying styles.
If you’re unsure which kimono is suitable for an important event, or want to make sure you’re dressing appropriately for the occasion, this guide will help you choose the style that best fits your needs.
Index:
What Types of Kimono Are There? | Formality & Occasions
How to Choose the Right Kimono Fabric
What types of obi are there?（Basic Obi Styles）
Summary
What Types of Kimono Are There? | Formality & Occasions
| Kimono Type | Formality Level | Typical Occasions | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kurotomesode | Very formal (married women) | Weddings, formal ceremonies | Black base, designs below the waist, family crests |
| Irotomesode | Formal | Weddings, celebrations | Single-color base, patterns below waist, 1–5 crests |
| Furisode | Very formal (unmarried women) | Coming-of-age, weddings, formal events | Long sleeves, colorful and elaborate patterns |
| Hōmongi | Semi-formal | Parties, weddings (guest), tea gatherings | Flowing patterns across shoulders and hem |
| Tsukesage | Semi-formal | Social events, ceremonies | Modest upward patterns, not fully continuous |
| Iromuji | Varies (with crest = formal) | Tea ceremony, graduations | Solid color, elegant simplicity |
| Komon | Casual | Daily wear, casual outings | Repeating small patterns all over |
| Edo Komon | Semi-formal | Ceremonies, refined casual events | Very fine repeating patterns that appear solid from afar |
| Tsumugi | Casual | Everyday wear, casual gatherings | Handwoven silk, rustic texture |
| Yukata | Very casual | Summer festivals, hot springs | Unlined cotton, worn with simple obi |
| Montsuki Haori Hakama (Men) | Very formal (men) | Weddings, official ceremonies | Black kimono with crests, haori jacket, hakama trousers |
| Kimono Hakama (Women) | Very formal (Women) | Graduation ceremonies, formal celebrations | Long flowing sleeves with vibrant, colorful patterns |
Types of Kimono: A Guide to Formality and Appropriate Occasions
Below is an overview of 12 major kimono types, organized by formality—from the most formal to more casual styles. Each includes typical occasions and key characteristics.
1. Kurotomesode (黒留袖)
Formality: Highest level for married women
Typical occasions: Weddings (mother of bride/groom), formal ceremonies
Features: Black base with elaborate designs only below the waist; five family crests
Kurotomesode is the highest formal kimono worn by married women. It is traditionally worn by the mothers of the bride and groom, as well as by matchmakers, at weddings and wedding receptions.
This kimono features a black base with five family crests. The upper half is plain, while the lower section is decorated with ebamoyō—an elegant, continuous pattern that flows seamlessly across the hem.
2. Irotomesode (色留袖)
Formality: Very formal
Typical occasions: Weddings, formal celebrations
Features: Single-color base with patterns below the waist; one to five crests
Irotomesode is a formal kimono that can be worn by both married and unmarried women on a wide range of occasions. It is made from fabric in colors other than black and features patterns only along the hem. Its level of formality is determined by the number of family crests (mon) on the garment.
With five crests, it becomes the highest-level formal attire and is typically worn by close relatives at weddings and wedding receptions.
When a single crest is used, the kimono is considered slightly less formal and may be worn not only for family weddings but also for events such as school entrance and graduation ceremonies.
3. Furisode (振袖)
Formality: Highest level for unmarried women
Typical occasions: Coming-of-age ceremonies, weddings (as a guest), formal events
Features: Long swinging sleeves, vibrant colors and patterns
Furisode is the most formal kimono worn by unmarried women. It is characterized by its long, flowing sleeves, and the sleeve length determines the three main types: ō-furisode (long), chū-furisode (medium), and ko-furisode (short).
Each type is suited for different occasions—ō-furisode is typically worn at weddings and wedding receptions, chū-furisode at coming-of-age ceremonies, and ko-furisode at parties or semi-formal events.
4. Hōmongi (訪問着)
Formality: Semi-formal
Typical occasions: Parties, weddings (guest), tea gatherings
Features: Patterns flow seamlessly across the shoulders, sleeves, and hem
Hōmongi is a formal kimono ranked just below furisode and tomesode in terms of formality. It features elegant, continuous patterns that flow across the collar, sleeves, and hem. Hōmongi can be worn for a wide range of occasions—from formal events to more semi-formal or refined casual gatherings. Because of its relatively high formality, it is typically paired with a fukuro obi, a formal obi that complements the kimono’s refined design.
5. Tsukesage (付け下げ)
Formality: Semi-formal
Typical occasions: Social gatherings, ceremonies, parties
Features: More modest version of hōmongi; patterns placed upward but not fully continuous
Tsukesage is considered slightly less formal than hōmongi, yet still a refined kimono style. It features more understated patterns compared to hōmongi, often with a single decorative motif placed on the shoulder.
The formality of a tsukesage varies depending on the type of obi paired with it. With a more formal obi, it can be worn for occasions such as graduation ceremonies or Shichi-Go-San celebrations. When matched with a simpler obi, it is also suitable for casual outings, including theater performances or social gatherings.
6. Iromuji (色無地)
Formality: Varies with or without crest
Typical occasions: Tea ceremony, graduations, formal gatherings
Features: Solid-colored kimono; elegant simplicity
A Iromuji is a solid-colored kimono dyed in a single color other than black, with no patterns. The level of formality of an iromuji varies depending on the number of family crests (mon) and the type of obi worn with it.
Iromuji with five crests or three crests are typically worn for formal occasions, while those with a single crest can be worn in a wide range of settings—from formal to casual.
Even without any crests, an iromuji can still be appropriate for semi-formal events when paired with a high-formality obi.
7. Komon (小紋)
Formality: Casual
Typical occasions: Everyday wear, shopping, casual outings
Features: Repeating small patterns throughout the fabric
A komon is a casual kimono decorated with repeating patterns across the entire fabric.
Because of its lower level of formality, it is typically worn for everyday outings, dining, or casual social events.
With many designs and styles available, komon offers versatility and allows the wearer to enjoy patterns freely.
8. Edo Komon (江戸小紋))
Formality: Semi-formal
Typical occasions: Ceremonies, refined casual events
Features: Extremely fine repeating patterns that look solid from a distance
Edo komon is a type of komon distinguished by its exceptionally fine, delicate patterns that appear almost solid from a distance.
Originally worn as formal attire during the Edo period, it carries a refined and understated elegance.
When paired with an appropriate obi, Edo komon can be suitable for semi-formal occasions as well as refined everyday wear.
9. Tsumugi (紬)
Formality: Casual
Typical occasions: Daily wear, casual gatherings
Features: Handwoven silk with rustic texture; valued for craftsmanship
Tsumugi is a type of kimono made from hand-spun silk, giving the fabric a natural, textured, and slightly rustic appearance.
Traditionally woven in various regions of Japan, it is valued for its warmth, durability, and artisanal character.
Because of its casual nature, tsumugi is mainly worn for everyday outings rather than formal events.
10. Yukata (浴衣)
Formality: Very casual
Typical occasions: Summer festivals, relaxing at home, hot springs
Features: Unlined cotton kimono, worn with a simple hanhaba obi
A yukata is a casual, unlined cotton kimono typically worn in summer. Lightweight and breathable, it is commonly seen at festivals, fireworks events, and ryokan inns. Because of its relaxed style and easy wear, the yukata is ideal for casual occasions rather than formal settings.
11. Tomesode for Men / Montsuki Haori Hakama (紋付羽織袴)
Formality: Highest level for men
Typical occasions: Weddings, official ceremonies
Features: Black kimono with family crests, formal haori jacket, and hakama trousers
A montsuki haori hakama is a formal men's ensemble consisting of a crested kimono, a long haori jacket, and hakama trousers. Featuring one to five family crests (mon), it represents the highest level of traditional Japanese male attire. Commonly worn for weddings, ceremonies, and other highly formal occasions, it embodies elegance, dignity, and cultural tradition.
12. Kimono Hakama (着物袴)
Formality: Very formal
Typical occasions: Graduation ceremonies, formal celebrations, Cultural events
Features: Long flowing sleeves with vibrant, colorful patterns.
A women’s kimono hakama is a traditional outfit combining a kimono with wide, pleated trousers worn at the waist. Often seen at graduation ceremonies, cultural events, and formal celebrations, it blends elegance with a dignified, modern look. Depending on the kimono and accessories paired with it, the hakama can range from semi-formal to formal attire.
How to Choose the Right Kimono Fabric
When selecting a kimono, consider your purpose, season, and comfort.
-
Silk: Most traditional and formal; elegant drape
-
Polyester: Durable, washable, ideal for beginners
-
Cotton: Light and breathable; mainly for yukata
-
Wool: Warm and practical for casual winter wear
What types of obi are there?（Basic Obi Styles）
Different obi knots match different kimono types and occasions:
1. Fukuro Obi (袋帯)
Formal, used for furisode, hōmongi, irotomesode
2. Nagoya Obi (名古屋帯)
Semi-formal or casual, easy to tie
3. Hanhaba Obi (半幅帯)
Casual, mainly for yukata
4. Common Knots Obi (作り帯)
Otaiko musubi, Bunko musubi, Furisode decorative knots
Summary
In this article, we introduced the different types and levels of formality in traditional Japanese clothing. Just like Western clothing, kimono also has various styles and appropriate occasions for each.
The TPO of kimono may seem complicated at first, but once you realize that it’s organized much like Western attire, it may start to feel a bit more approachable.
When coordinating kimono, the key is to understand the types of kimono and obi and simply try combining them to see what works.
We hope this article inspires you to enjoy wearing different kinds of kimono.