History Furisode

a girl wearing 19th-century furisode, mother (yōshū chikanobu, circa 1896)

the furisode originated in mid-1500s middle- , upper-class children s clothing both sexes; not worn adults. furisode had relatively short sleeves , used everyday wear afford so; on time sleeves became more exaggerated became elegant form of dress worn on special occasions. according 17th-century text, boys wear furisode until 18th year or until went through coming-of-age ceremony (which occurred in late adolescence), while girls supposed cease wearing upon marriage or reaching 20th year. furisode did not differ noticeably between sexes, fabric designs started become more gendered in 19th century. in 20th century furisode became restricted women , girls only, part of increasing gender-specificity of children s clothing developed in wake of western influence. furisode became increasingly associated young adult women, term removed shorter-sleeved children s garment, acquired more generic term wakiake (open-sided).