振袖(ふりそで)

Composed of 振(ふ)る (to swing, wave) + 袖(そで) (sleeve). The name refers to the long, swinging sleeves that can reach 100-115 cm in length. The most formal type of kimono for young unmarried women.

Types by sleeve length

• 大振袖(おおふりそで): the longest sleeves (~115 cm), most formal
• 中振袖(ちゅうふりそで): medium-length sleeves (~100 cm)
• 小振袖(こふりそで): shorter sleeves (~75 cm), less formal

Common collocations

• 振袖(ふりそで)を着(き)る: to wear a furisode
• 振袖(ふりそで)のレンタル: furisode rental
• 振袖(ふりそで)姿(すがた): the appearance of someone in a furisode

Cultural note

Most commonly worn at 成人式(せいじんしき) (Coming of Age Day, January), where twenty-year-old women celebrate adulthood. Also worn by young women attending weddings as guests. After marriage, women traditionally switch to 留袖(とめそで) (short-sleeved formal kimono). Many families rent rather than purchase 振袖(ふりそで) due to the high cost.