Introduction of Kimono for beginners.

About Tomesode, The Ranks, Formal Kimono, Best Way To Wear

Hello,

Do you know about Tomesode?

Probably you might have seen on the wedding ceremony.

Today, I’ll tell you about it.

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Tomesode is …

There are two types of Tomesode.

Those are “Kurotomesode” which is made of black dyed cloth and “Irotomesode” which is made of colored dyed cloth.

Tomesode has five family crest on the chest, sleeves and shoulder and it is the most formal dress for married women.

Irotomesode is worn by married and unmarried women.

 

The difference between kurotomesode and irotomesode is the rank.

The rank of irotomesode changes by the number of family crest.

Five family crests irotomesode is the most formal kimono just like kurotomesode.

Three and one family crests types are semi-formal.

Common Points of Tomesode

Both of kurotomesode and irotomesode has patterns only on the hem.

Those patterns are drawn from the front to back.

Plus, lining of hem part is used the same outer cloth which called “tomohakkake”.

Famous patterns are omen patterns, traditional yu-soku patterns (which is used by scholars in Heian Period) and  the Shosoin treasures patterns.

Tomesode needs family crests.

These days we can choose paulownia or plum blossoms family crests because it is suitable for every family.

The History of Tomesode

The history of tomesode is known since Edo period.

When women turned 18 or get married, they cut long sleeves of furisode.

This custom is called “Tomesode”.

Early in the Meiji period, tomesode also meant every kimono, not only black cloth.

Plus, Imperial family don’t wear black kimono, Irotomesode is the same class as Kurotomesode.

But people started to wear black kimono in the celebration scene or matchmaker scene.

 

About Kurotomesode

Kurotomesode is formal kimono for married women.

Mainly mother of groom and bride and matchmaker wears in wedding scene.

 

About Kimono

Tomesode has family crests and it had lining all over the kimono.

But these days, lining parts are only neck, sleeves and waist.

That way, it looks like we are wearing lining.

The cloth is Hitokosi Tirimen(crepe with fine wrinkles).

 

About Obi

Tomesode is mainly coordinate with Fukuro obi.

Fukuro obi ties waist double, so it also means the happiness last long.

We can choose gold, silver and white cloth and gorgeous weaved patterns.

Patterns are high-class traditional things and it is suitable for wedding scene.

 

About accessories

Under kurotomesode, we wear white nagajuban and white tabi.

Hanneri is also white and uses shioze cloth.

Obiage and obijime is classy color like white, silver and golden.

Other color is not suitable.

Patterns are traditional omens.

Fan is called “Suehiro” and put into left side of obi.

It’s only for display.

 

About Irotomesode

Irotomesode is made of colorful cloth.

Simple and modern patterns are very popular.

 

About Obi

Irotomesode is elegant and beautiful, so colorful obi is very suitable.

 

About accessories

Light-colored accessories are very useful for irotomesode.

Jewelry and makie(gold lacquer) types of obidome are very popular.

 

Summary

Did you learn well about tomesode?

If you have chance to see, please try one!

 

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