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Learn How To Wear A Japanese Kimono 

Are you new to wearing Japanese kimono in a traditional style, and need some help?  There are many great resources online, and in print that will offer wonderful insight and instruction into how to wear kimono in a culturally respectful manner. Wearing kimono in Japan is considered an art form, which is known as kitsuke.  As with any art, practice makes perfect. Much to the surprise of many people new to wearing kimono, there are many accessories involved in putting together a traditional kimono look. There are also many misconceptions about a kimono. For example, an obi does not hold the kimono on a person, the kohishimo and other accessories such as a korin belt all are used to seat the kimono on a person. Additionally, it is possible and quite normal to dress in a kimono. without needing an assistant The videos below are all in English. There are many great youtube videos on how to wear kimono, and we highly recommend doing some of your own research into the art of kitsuke.

 

Yukata are considered the easiest kind of kimono for a beginner to wear and learn how to dress in. More formal kimono such as furisode and kurotomesode require layers of clothing, and a wide variety of accessories to complete the traditional look.

Quick Japanese Kimono Facts

  • Japanese Kimono have sizes, and genders.

  • Kimono have formalities.

  • Obis have genders and formalities.

  • Kimono should almost always be cross with the left atop.

  • The authenticity of a kimono is determined by the construction / seams.

  • For a traditional fit a kimono has to be 'too large' by western standards.

  • Yukata are informal of Japanese kimono for any gender.

  • Kimono require accessories such as koshihimo for being worn in a traditional manner.

  • Solid black kimono and obi for women are funeral attire known as mofuku and should not be worn for social events.

How To Wear Yukata (Informal)

How To Fold Kimono

Japanese Kimono Storage Tips

  • Japanese Kimono are best stored neatly folded, out of direct sunlight and moisture.

  • Kimono should be folded properly to extend the life of the garment.

  • Kimono should not be hung long term on western hangers.

  • Silk kimono should be stored with a cedar chip or moth ball to protect them from bug damage.

  • Kimono should be protected from smoke and pets.

Feminine Japanese Kimono Guide

  • Japanese Kimono require a variety of accessories. The general rule is the more formal the kimono, the more they require for a traditional Japanese kimono style.

  • Yukata: Informal kimono ideal for festivals and conventions in warmer weather. Worn by all genders and ages.

  • Komon: These kimono feature an over all pattern and are ideal for wearing around town. They are informal, but can be made semi formal with coordination.

  • Tsukesage: Semi formal visiting kimono.

  • Houmongi: More formal than a tsukesage.

  • Furisode: Formal kimono for an unmarried younger woman, features long hanging sleeves.

  • Tomesode: Formal kimono for a married woman. These come in a black and color format.

  • Juban / Nagajuban: Under kimono for your kimono. The collars are often wrapped in a decorative fabric known as a han eri.

How To Wear A Kimono (Formal)

How To Wear A Fukuro Obi

 Quick Guide To Feminine Obi Formality

Solutions For Ohashori Problems

 Quick Guide To Japanese Kimono Accessories

  • Koshihimo = Ties to put kimono on​.

  • Korin Belt = Kimono collar clip to keep collar in place.

  • Eri Shin = Kimono / Juban collar stiffener.

  • Obi-Ita = Obi stiffener worn behind obi by women.

  • Date-jime = Normally worn with juban to keep collar in place and juban closed. Not an external obi, not normally visible.

  • Makura = Pillow for obi, not normally visible.

  • Obi-age = Fabric wrap for makura.

  • Obijime = Decorative rope for securing obi.

  • Han Eri = Decoraitve fabric for the juban collar.

    There are many more accessories out there! This is just a quick sample of them.

Our thoughts on storing and cleaning of kimono

Japanese kimono are often made of organic materials and are commonly handsewn. Older kimono tend to be made of valuable fabric types such as silk, and feature complex if not lavish embroidery. The care and cleaning of kimono lie mostly in prevention. When wearing kimono take the time to cover your kimono with a napkin when eating, or lay one down where you are about to sit. Do not subject your kimono to smoke, or pets. Kimono other than a yukata have a juban worn under them to protect the kimono from the oils naturally present on our skin. Additionally, a interchangeable haneri is added to the collar of the juban to further protect the neckline from the oils on our skin and any makeup on our neck.

 

Kimono are best stored laying flat, with cedar chips to thwart bugs that would otherwise damage the kimono. Due to the kimono being commonly hand sewn, hanging them from American style slanted hangers is very hard on the seams and will cause long-term stress that will lead to seam failure.

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