Useful Things to Know about Kimono (for women)

The article and photos by Fumiko Koike

Contents:

(1) Items you need to wear kimono

(2) What is difficult for me when wearing kimono by myself?

(3) What do Japanese people usually do when having to wear kimono?

(4) Message from Fumiko Koike

I myself have learned how to wear kimono before, by taking some lessons in Kyoto.

The below picture shows basic items I need when putting on kimono by myself.

Basically, one needs to know the proper order and ways to use each item, so that you can wear it neatly, without too many creases.  

There are 19 items in the above picture, however you might need more strings if you want to wear a different kind of Obi sash (there are several kinds of obi sashes and numerous ways to tie them), or you may need a jacket (called "Michiyuki coat" or "Haori")   or a shawl when cold. 

If you wear a Yukata (simplified version of kimono), you certainly do not need many items like this.

For me, learning the proper order of using each item has become okay after practicing it countless times, but wearing kimono neatly without unnecessary creases is still difficult - I’m still struggling working on it.

Besides, there are several kinds of obi sashes with different length and width. You need to know how to tie each of them.

Another thing is that you need to choose proper design, materials, colors and patterns of kimono as well as obi sash, in accordance with TPO, season, your age group and whether married or not.

Choosing and wearing kimono in Japan as a Japanese person can be very complicated with all these things considered, but after all, I enjoy practicing while knowing still having a long way to go. 

As you have realized by now, wearing kimono by oneself can be very difficult even for a Japanese people.

It takes a lot of practice as wearing kimono is no longer part of our everyday life, and you need numerous items.

As a result, going to a kimono rental shop has become a norm in today's Japan when it comes to attending a formal occasions such as weddings, funerals and ceremonies, because rental shops usually have professional people who know how to put on kimono beautifully.

There are numerous kimono rental shops in Japan, and especially in Kyoto, more and more shops are opening in recent years as its popularity has grown. I hope you can find a shop you like and enjoy your experience, if you are planning to rent kimono or yukata.

Many kimono rental shops have good websites with English translation and offer thorough explanations about things you need to know before visiting the shops. Prices can be vary depending on which kimono you choose, how long you would like to rent it, whether including your hairdo or not, etc.

The article and photos by Fumiko Koike