Many years ago, when she started attending Japanese bazaars and shrine sales, Sharon began to notice the seemingly endless types of kimono. Varying lengths, colors and fabrics told her that these kimonos must be more than just beautiful pieces of clothing, they must have meaning.

Here’s a quick primer on the types of kimono seen in modern Japan.

Furisode

Brightly colored, with long flowing sleeves and the most recognizable of the kimono, furisode are worn by unmarried women. Their bright colors are meant to declare the women’s availability for marriage.

Shiromuku

The pure white kimono of the Japanese bride. This white kimono symbolizes the bride’s willingness to the “dyed” to the ways of her new husband’s family. During the ceremony, brides wear a white tsuno kakushi (horn concealer) or white wedding hood, symbolizing her humility and obedience. At the reception, brides typically wear and ornate, brocade kimono called an uchikake.

Tomesode

The modest kimono of the married woman, is characterized by shorter sleeves,  more subdued fabrics and less pattern. Though tomesode are made in a variety of colors, black is perhaps the most popular.