Shiromuku and Uchikake
     
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Shiromuku and Uchikake

Kimonos Strike Back

  

Shiromuku(白無垢) and Uchikake(色打掛)


For alot of PPL who have some knowledge of kimonos, "shiromuku" is a huge, heavy robe that is sometimes described as a white uchikake by some sellers.  That's what a specific kind of shiromuku is.  This type of kimono is a Shiromuku-Uchikake.  there's also the Iro-Uchikake.  Any time you see the "iro" prefix on a kimono, that indicates that it's a colorful kimono.  "Shiromuku" indicates that the kimono is white.  So, the moral of the story is, "Shiromuku" is a prefix that has become the name for a specific type of kimono (the white uchikake). 

Any type of kimono can be a shiromuku.  I could wear a shiromuku-Montsuki.  I've seen them.  They are very cool and hard to find online. 

The shiromuku is one of my favorates!

Shiromuku means "White Purity".  It s a white bridal kimono that is very heavy and large.  It has to be the most beautiful thing outside of heaven.  You can use it as a coat for winter parties and turn heads.  It also makes a good wizard robe.  I'm a 5'10" man and any normal shiromuku will touch the floor if I put it on and stand on a chair.  Imaging being 5'4" or so and wearing it!

Iro-Uchikake

The word "Uchikake means "long overgarment".  The word "Iro" means "color".  The typical Iro-Uchikake has a red background with vibrant and colorful embroidery of birds, flowers, pine trees, and other symbols that are significant to Japanese culture. 

This kimono I have depicted is a more artsy Uchikake.  First off, it is "Yaegasane" style.  That means that the kimono has multiple folds that are different colors at the collar, hem, and the sleeves.  This gives the kimono a layered look.  The word "yaegasane" means " eight layers" and refers back to the old court days when noble men and women wore layers and layers of beautiful kimonos.

Secondly, this kimono is pink.  there are plenty of Iro-Uchikake that are not red, but the red has become the poster image that PPL think of when you say "Uchikake"

P.S.  I'm in no way bad-mouthing the red Iro-Uchikake.