1) Haneri- Fancy separate collars that are typically sewn on top of the existing collar of the juban (under-kimono). They come in a variety of colors, patterns, and even in lace and are purely for aesthetic purposes.
2) Dateeri- Another fake collar made to make it seem as if the wearer is wearing an additional layer of kimono. It is typically sewn to the follar of the kimono itself and is normally not embroidered.
3) Eri- The collar of a kimono or juban (under-kimono). Sometimes used to refer to both at the same time as in “Your eri looks really good today!”
4) Eriawase- The area where the collar of the kimono or juban (under-kimono) overlap. The distance from the throat to the eriawase depends on the age of wearer and the formality of the kimono/occasion.
5) Shitamae- The part of the kimono that is wrapped closest to the skin. In almost all circumstances* this is the RIGHT side of the kimono.
6) Uwamae- The part of the kimono that is wrapped furthest from the skin. In almost all circumstances this is the LEFT side of the kimono.
7) Miyatsukuchi- Small opening in the side of the kimono where the sleeve meets the bodice of the garment below the armpit. This is only present in kimono worn by women and children.
8) Obiage- A cloth that covers the makura (obi pillow) under the obi. It comes in a variety of colors, fabrics, and textures. The quality of the obiage depends on the formality of the kimono.
9) Obi- The uppermost sash/belt that keeps the kimono together. Obi can be very simple or ornate, half-width or full width. In contemporary kimono wear the obi has become mostly decorative no longer being used as the sole means of keeping the kimono closed.
10) Obijime- A decorative rope or cord worn on top of the obi that keeps the obi together.
11) Ohashori- A fold in the kimono used to adjust it to the height of the wearer and held in place by koshihimo (soft ties). All kimono are designed with extra length for this purpose. The edge of the fold should ideally hit right at the wearer’s hip joint where the hip meets with the femur.
12) Sode- The sleeve of the kimono. Kimono sleeves come in a variety of lengths depending on formality.
13) Sodeguchi- The “mouth” of the sleeve/opening for the wrist.
14) Tamoto- The hanging part or pocket of the sleeve. Fun fact: 袂糞 (tamotokuso) is the name for the dirt that gathers in the crease of sleeves!
15) Tsuma- The edge of the kimono.
16) Okumisen- The gusset in the front panels of a kimono.
17) Suso- The hem of the kimono (in a general sense).
18) Susosen- The very edge of the hem of the kimono where the contrast lining can be seen ever so slightly.
19) Tsumasaki- The very tip of the kimono hem.
20) Tabi- Split-toe ankle socks with a hook closure. White ones are typically worn with kimono but black also exist.
21) Zouri- Platform sandals that are typically coordinated with the colors of the kimono. They’re a “one size fits most” sort of thing.
*The only time when this is not the case is when a body is wrapped for burial. So, unless you’re a kimono zombie it’s left over right.
Image from:
「着物のきほん着つけと帯結び ワイド版―この1冊で、家族の着物まわりが全部わかる!」
Published by (主婦の友新きほんBOOKS FASHION)
2008 edition
Translation by mei-bell