The Japanese kimono is a traditional costume that is worn for special occasions, such as weddings and other events. It is suitable for both men and women and can be worn in various ways, such as flowing kimonos, tie-dye print, floral print kimonos, and complementing your kimono.
To wear a kimono correctly, follow these rules:
1. Cross the left side over the right side to close the kimono correctly.
2. Wear white tabi socks.
3. Tie the obi knot on the backside.
4. Wear a nagajuban under your kimono.
5. Reserve the yukata for informal events.
When choosing a kimono, choose a size and length that falls below your knees or reaches just past your feet. The ideal length should be just above the ankle.
For formal occasions, consider pairing a formal kimono with a white half-collar, formal obi, a white obi-age, and an obi-jime.
Relatives should choose a formal kimono when wearing a hōmongi at a wedding, pairing it with a white half-collar, a formal obi, a white obi-age, and an obi-jime.
In addition to formal attire, wedding guests can wear kimonos at both western and Shinto-style weddings. Regular guests wear a type of formal kimono known as homon-gi, in auspicious colors or patterns.
Flowing kimonos are suitable for any age and marital status and can be paired with pants, skirts, tops, or blouses in any color. High heels can add a more night-time look to a kimono look.
In summary, the Japanese kimono is a versatile and appropriate attire for various occasions, including weddings, casual events, and formal events. By following these rules and following these guidelines, you can create a unique and memorable kimono look for your special day.
📹 【GRWM】How to wear Kimono
Today I’m going to show you how to wear Kimono. I hope this video becomes your trigger to interest in Japanese culture.
Is it okay for non Japanese to wear kimono?
It’s encouraged. It’s a way to show appreciation for Japanese culture. Many places in big cities like Tokyo and Kyoto rent kimonos to non-Japanese people. It’s a way to enjoy the culture more. When I visited Kyoto for the first time, I wanted to wear a kimono. With many kimono rental businesses in Kyoto, I thought it was a rare opportunity to finally wear one of those beautiful robes. But the question of cultural appropriation came up. I have great respect for Japan, its people, and its culture. I didn’t want to offend anyone by wearing their traditional clothing. Before booking my kimono appointment, I did some research. If you’re renting a kimono in Japan as a foreigner, here’s the info you need!
Do Japanese people wear kimonos at weddings?
Brides and grooms wear the most extravagant kimonos in their wedding ceremony. The grooms wear black “kuromonpuku,” which is similar to the yokozunas (sumo champions), and the brides wear white “shiromuku,” which were originally worn by samurai brides. White has been the wedding color for brides for about 1,200 years. It symbolizes the holiness of sunlight in Japanese mythology. The watabōshi is a bridal headpiece that covers the head and face. It came from the “kazuki,” a small, short-sleeved kimono-like bonnet worn by samurai wives to protect them from the sun and wind since 1500. In the 1600s, kazuki were replaced by watabōshi made of cotton. The brides face is hidden from guests but not from the groom. But after the ceremony, brides change into colorful kimonos for the wedding feast. Brides wear a six-piece headpiece with pearl hairgrip and hair comb. The brides’ hairstyle is called “bunkintakashimada.” Guests wear kimono at weddings. Young women wear long-sleeved kimono, and married women wear short-sleeved kimono. Men often wear Western-style suits. You can wear a Japanese kimono by yourself. Kimonos have many parts, including slippers and socks. The kimono belt, an obi, is long and can be tied in different ways. Men’s obi are thinner than women’s. There are many types of obi, including Maru obi, Fukuro obi, and Nagoya obi. This event was a success thanks to the help of kimono specialists and staff members. At the end of the show, people asked questions and took pictures with kimono models. This event was a great chance to show Japanese culture through kimono. Japanese people rarely get to see events like this. We hope to build understanding and relationships between the two countries through more activities and events.
Is it okay to wear black to a Japanese wedding?
STEP 3: What to Wear. Now, think about what to wear. A formal kimono is OK at a wedding, but only if you know how to wear it. Otherwise, don’t wear white. Black and other colors are fine. Women should wear low heels and avoid showing shoulders, knees, or toes. Men should wear a black suit and tie with black shoes.
STEP 4: Who to Bring. If the invitation says you can bring a partner, bring someone you know. Your partner will either pay the same amount or a total sum that is auspicious. The invitation will usually be for one person. This may be because the bride or groom only know you, or because it’s expensive to invite couples. You may meet friends, family, and coworkers without their partners. Japanese wedding banquets start on time. The wedding procedures are fairly standard. Friends give speeches, the couple gives speeches, the rings are exchanged, vows are exchanged, the cake is cut, and the bride changes costumes several times.
What not to wear to a Japanese wedding?
STEP 3: What to Wear. Now, think about what to wear. A formal kimono is OK at a wedding, but only if you know how to wear it. Otherwise, don’t wear white. Black and other colors are fine. Women should wear low heels and avoid showing shoulders, knees, or toes. Men should wear a black suit and tie with black shoes.
STEP 4: Who to Bring. If the invitation says you can bring a partner, bring someone you know. Your partner will either pay the same amount or a total sum that is auspicious. The invitation will usually be for one person. This may be because the bride or groom only know you, or because it’s expensive to invite couples. You may meet friends, family, and coworkers without their partners. Japanese wedding banquets start on time. The wedding procedures are fairly standard. Friends give speeches, the couple gives speeches, the rings are exchanged, vows are exchanged, the cake is cut, and the bride changes costumes several times.
What not to do when wearing a kimono?
Mario: Don’t bend over at the waist. It messes up the clean line of your kimono. If you don’t get used to wearing a kimono, you might fall and hurt yourself. To pick up something, stand next to it with one foot. Then take a half step with the other foot and bend at the knees to lower yourself. When you’re low enough, pick up the item. Watch out when you reach for something. If you’re wearing a long-sleeved kimono, don’t let the sleeves touch the ground. Watch out when reaching for something with sleeves.
Mario: “Wait a moment! When you get into a car, hold up the kimono sleeve pocket with your left hand to prevent wrinkles. Then, while lifting the kimono’s hem, get into the car and sit forward so the obi belt doesn’t touch the back of the seat.
Mario: “Wow! You two get used to wearing a kimono.” “Well, I think I can go now.” “Sensei, please tell me one last thing.” There are many things to know when wearing a kimono. What about us guys? “Are there things we need to know, too?” “Yes.” Men are expected to be hearty, not as graceful as women. Don’t stoop or slouch. Walk with dignity and pride.
Do you have to wear your hair up in a kimono?
Kimonos are known for their beautiful necklines. Show yours off! Wearing your hair up can make your outfit look better. A casual ponytail also looks great with a kimono. For more styling tips, check out the video above on 8 Helpful Yukata Styling Tips. These tips can all be applied to kimono too! A traditional kimono covers most of your body, so your favorite accessories won’t be visible. Add some color with bold earrings. They’ll stand out more if you’re wearing your hair up. If your kimono sleeves are short, wear bracelets to complement the space. Brooches pinned on the obijime are also a great way to add interest to your outfit.
Can you wear a kimono to a wedding?
Next, choose your wedding attire. If you don’t know what to wear, wear a formal kimono called a “hōmongi.” A hōmongi with auspicious or celebratory patterns is a great choice for a wedding outfit. This article will tell you what colors and patterns are suitable for a hōmongi at a wedding. 1.1 Relatives should wear formal kimonos. Dress more conservatively than relatives when attending as friends or acquaintances. Guest of honor should choose an elegant hōmongi.
Can you wear any shoes with a kimono?
Zori or Geta: Footwear. You wear tabi socks and zori shoes with a kimono. You can wear geta sandals without socks if you’re wearing a yukata. Some kimono wearers wear Western shoes with their traditional outfits. You can wear fishnet stockings. In winter, wear leggings or legwarmers.
How to put hair up for a kimono?
Divide the bangs into two slices. Backcomb the hair. Pull the second slice after backcombing the first. Then put the slice at the back in the same position as the other slice.
What color are Japanese wedding kimonos?
The white kimono is for the bride to wear during the ceremony. The red kimono is for the bride to wear during the reception. The groom can wear the black wedding kimono all day if he wants. Sometimes the groom wears a tuxedo or suit for the wedding reception.
How to dress with a kimono?
Top. Put the kimono on. Put your hands in the sleeves. Make sure the color mix is default.
📹 How to wear ladies kimono, comfortably.
This is a simple video of a comfortable way to wear Japanese kimono, in under 7 minutes. Ishikari Lore by Kevin MacLeod is …
Hi Kimono Mom! I absolutely love your kimono! I have always been fascinated with kimonos and so I would love to see a separate article of your collection of kimonos! How you keep them clean? How you store them? Which one is your favorite? Do some of your kimonos have a story behind them? Oh so many questions! 😊😊😊
This is so amazing and educational! I’m Japanese born in Japan but raised in the US from 5 years old. My mom is from Kyoto. She can put on her own Kimono but I have only wore a Kimono 2 times in my life. Even Japanese that are born and raised in Japan don’t have the knowledge and skill to put on their own Kimono these days. Many will hire someone like Moe to put it on them plus Kimonos are so expensive which is why In her moving article they were being very very gentle with it. Again most will rent a Kimono for an occasion. It is very hot in the summer so we wear a Yukata which is similar shape but much thinner. It’s easier to wear a Yukata since there is only 1 layer and these days they sell Yukata Kits that come with everything you need and some include wooden sandals too. Most of the cheap kits come with a faux obi (waist band) with a faux bow that is a fake bow that looks like it was made with the obi but it will have a metal piece on it so you can just stick it in your waist band in the back to make it look like you spent the time to put it on and tied it. Younger girls may have never worn a Kimono but Yukata is worn at summer festivals and firework shows. Moe does a beautiful job! I used to love seeing my mom’s Kimonos when I was growing up.
When I visited Tokyo I was able to experience being dressed in a kimono and walking around Asakusa for my friend’s birthday celebration! I was absolutely in love with it and the ladies that dressed me were amazing and so skilled. Seeing you dress yourself is amazing! And what a gorgeous kimono 😍 I hope next time I visit I’m able to experience it once again and find out more about the history of kimono! Love your website!
Moe, thank you so much for all your hard work. All your kimonos are always so beautiful. You have such a kind heart and beautiful soul. I would love for you to make a article about your time as a Geisha. Things like how you became interested in it, the training process, and just all round Geisha history. It would be very interesting! 💜
thank you so much, moe-san, for sharing this! the kimono silhouette is so beautiful and you look absolutely gorgeous in it. 💖 for your next grwm article, do you think you can do it without fast-forwarding or any loud music? the article might be long but i think it would be very nice to watch. :)) and maybe a article to show all your kimono collection? i also think your english is very cute! really enjoyed this! thank you for sharing!
I was already thinking it, but after perusal this article I’m absolutely sure: you’re THE Yamato Nadeshiko. I didn’t know it was possible to dress up by oneself, you’re amazing. I’m sure you’d be pretty with any dress, but nothing brings out your beauty like a kimono. I’d also like to see more hairstyles that go well with kimono (as separate articles, for sure I’m not expecting you wearing them while cooking)
That was a beautiful demonstration Moe. Kimono is such a beautiful and elegant form of dress. I don’t know how you can manage to wear so much fabric in the hot and humid Japanese summers though. That must be stifling !? I know asian people don’t sweat quite like we western women do. I know I wouldn’t last 5 minutes with that much fabric around me before I would have heat stroke. Kudos to you for sharing your beautiful traditional clothing!
im from the philippines. very fascinated with your culture, especially the food and the people. only been perusal your website for a couple of days and i immediately subscribed. keep posting, i really love your articles, especiallg when you cook with the cute, little sutan.. stay safe and best of luck.. 😊
Thank you for this article Moe! Japan is my favourite country since I was a child. I went to Japan 2 years ago and I bought a lot of kimono and Aori, but I don’t know how to wear them. Can you also show us the best places and stores where we can buy kimonos in Tokyo and Kyoto eventually? When I was in Tokyo I went to Asakusa to buy Kimono, because some people recommended me to go there.
Well, I’m glad I’m not the only one who has to fiddle around with the obiage to make it look nice, hahaha! I think that the obiage is the hardest part of kitsuke ;A; How long does it take for you to get ready from start to finish? Also, I’d love to see more dressing articles! I love kimono and collect them and I love seeing other people’s coordinates! <3
It’s a lovely costume. It causes one to wonder how long a kimono like this is worn throughout the day? Is it easy to make restroom breaks? Why is it double layered? The beautifully patterned flower material beneath the baby blue over layer was too pretty to hide. Perhaps different patterns as these are interchangeable? I’m always intrigued by the kimono kitchen apron you use when cooking. It’s clever and very useful. 👋😊👍
I have two Yucatan or summer kimonos, in Düsseldorf there is normally every year Japan Day, there’s culture, sports, food and activities to do. I loved it a lot sadly this year it probably won’t be. I have worn my summer kimono, and had for me fancy food in a real Japanese restaurant. My husband knew i would love it. Now once back home I bought a silk kimono in a store specializing in Japanese things for the home, and calligraphy but he couldn’t tell me what color it would be appropriate on the orange yellow and greens with white spots. I live in Belgium so wearing a summer kimono at home does give funny looks when opening the door for mail or delivery. I wished i could go to Japan and tour around. Thank you for sharing how to put on the beautiful kimono, would it indeed be possible to tell all the different steps and clothing?
I don’t know if I’m more impressed of your ability to do all of this by yourself or because all the little dettails I saw. How you tied that sash (obiage? maybe I’m wrong) and hide it righ over your breastbone so it would look like a flower peaking behind the obi. How you delicately pleated the upper part of the kimono so it would sit nicely under the obi. How you checked every knot so it would be simmetrical. It’s a beautiful kimono, a beautiful GRWM and a beautiful article. Thank you for sharing.
I love how the burgundy obi cord contrasts the color of the obi and the bright blue Iromuji. Recently, I developed interest on kumihimo so my eyes are always piqued towards the obijime and how it matches with the obi 😁. I am new to the world of wafuku and I am especially interested with the rules of coordinating kimono and obi and the social ettiquette that follows. It would be great if you could cover it someday!
I loved the music and would have loved some explaining words with the dressing. I love the kimono fabrics and patterns. I never really understood what the obi’s pillow shaped back is for. I don’t want to break any taboo on this or be rude, but I’ve always thought the shape of the kimono was unflattering for a woman’s body. Can somebody explain?
Nicely done! Actually this article is easier to learn how to dress a kimono compared to those Japanese speaking articles by some professional kimono dressers who talking about the details too much and taking a long time to wear. If someone who wants to slow down the article and see details, we can change the pace of article and learn individually.
Didn’t have to do this to give me interest in the Japanese culture, I’ve been exposed to it when I was little, about 4 years old with the colorful media called anime. Anime lead me to many other things and honors that the Japanese do, from how they treat one another, to how they eat and dress, and my main drive of interest in Japan, the shrines. That’s why I’m learning Japanese and in October (fall) of 2021, I’m moving from America to Kyoto, Japan for college, so I can finally live the dream I’ve always wanted
This really blew my mind. I’ve been eyeing a specific kimono I fell in love with & wondered what else I would need to wear it properly- wow. I honestly lost track of how many things were tied around the underwire/waist. Getting dressed in America is generally a very simple, lazy endeavor so this was very interesting to watch. Thank you for posting!
First day in Japan and I went to Asakusa in Tokyo! There was a shop renting really cheap kimonos and I went to try it out! The lady was very fast to help me put it on, and styled my hair beautifully too. The steps she used was the same as this article! If possible, I would definitely recommend trying out kimonons in Asakusa or Kyoto, but make sure to make reservations in advance!
Absolutely perfect Kitsuke. Not many people know that you can put a Nagajuban on top of a sosoyoke and hada juban in winter if it is particularly cold. Sure this is not going to be convenient to walk with it but you will be warm. And second, if you live in a rainy or snowy area you indeed raise the hem of the Kimono higher than usually to protect the kimono from dirt and to prevent it from getting wet and you wear a yukimichi over it to protect it. That’s a really smart december Kitsuke.
Just last week I bought two Kimono, two Obi and other stuff for it on a small market at Hanazono Shrine in Shinjuku. The Kimono were only ¥3.000 each and the Obi ¥1.000 each and everything in good condition, so I think (or hope) it was a good deal, regarding the prices in Kimono Stores. Sadly they are both Kurotomesode, so they are not really made for me (a teenager) and I will probably not be able to wear them in Japan or around people with Kimono knowledge, but I just had to buy them and I love black Kimono and am still very happy about them!
Very lovely thank you I particularly wanted to make sure left over right that has great significance i believe. I have two gorgeous antique kimonos but do not wear them traditionally since I am not japanese I adapted them to my own style and comfort and had them sewn together in the front like a kaftan and shortened since they were very long indeed…now I can wear them as caftans with or without belts made of the material cut from the bottom or with broader belts from fine silk shawls or just loose….i will wear one tomorrow with jade pins in my hair why not?
Thank you so much for this! I finally understand how wearing a kimono works because I was drawing my character wearing a kimono and I have no single Idea how can I draw them properly. Also thank you for including the ‘left over right’ thing because I just found out that only dead people can wear their kimono right over left 😁 I just want to ask if kimono can be paired with a hakama? Specifically the pants type hakama? I was planning to draw my character wearing kimono and then a hakama (similar to a Miko). And is it allowed to be paired with Geta Shoes footwear? Or only zori? Thank you again🙏🙇♀️
After thinking about it after perusal this and other articles I have one question. Why are the kinomo’s so long? Most Japanese women are rather petite and they were even much shorter in history. It seems to me that they would be much shorter and would not need to be adjusted so much. They do look beautiful
O my word. This is just too much clothes. Still want to wear it though. Someone gave me used one. But after perusal this article, I realized I am nowhere near the realm thing. Imagine after undressing at you r wedding or of this. My GOD truly is amazing. Would love to spend a few months in Japan – with a traditional family, dress and everything, unmolested.