The originated in the mid-1500s as middle- and upper-class children's clothing, worn by both boys and girls; it was not worn by adults. Initially, the had relatively short sleeves, and was used as everyday wear by those who could afford it. Over time, as the sleeves lengthened and became more exaggerated, the became a style of kimono worn mostly to special occasions. According to one 17th century text, boys could wear until their 18th year, or until they went through their
coming-of-age ceremony, which usually occurred in late adolescence. Girls were supposed to cease wearing the upon marriage, or upon reaching their 20th year. Initially, did not differ noticeably between the sexes, but fabric designs started to become more gendered in the 19th century. In the 20th century, became restricted to women and girls only, as part of the increasing gender-specificity of children's clothing that developed in the wake of Western influence. As the became increasingly associated with young adult women, the term was removed from the shorter-sleeved children's garment, which acquired the more generic term ("open-sided"). == Gallery ==