Wearing A Kimono

How do I wear kimono?

There are many rules to wear kimono in a traditional way. For example, married women should wear shorter sleeve kimono, or some kimono should have obi with appropriate bows.

To wear a kimono in a completely traditional way, here are the list of what you will need(for women's kimono attire):

• Hadajuban---Undershirt
• Susoyoke--Half slip
• Nagajuban(Juban)--Full-length under kimono
• Han eri--Half collar
• Eri shin--Half-collar lining
• Datejime--Under sash
• Koshi himo--Sash
• Obi
• Obi ita--Obi stay
• Obi makura--Obi-pad
• Obiage--Bustle sash
• Obijime--Obi cord
• Tabi--Split-toed socks
• Zori--Sandals

This is the traditional way but may be 70% of Japanese women do not know what to do, even if these things are placed in front of them. Of course it is ideal to have all the items IF you would like to try the traditonal style. Actually there are kimono dressing classes and people have to learn how to wear kimono and tie obi in order to be able to wear kimono(formal) properly.

Brides needs to be dressed by a couple of professionals at the wedding and many cases the guests need them, too unless the relatives or the friends know how to do it.

However, recently there are many `convenient' products which makes us easy to wear kimono. For example, `easy collar' or `pre-tied obi'. Using these helpful things, we can wear kimono with much ease. Also, there are there are many people who enjoy kimono with their own way in Japan. Some people wear their grand mothers' kimono (or even older kimono) with their own style. They are revaluating the unique designs and high-quality textiles and inventing their own way to enjoy kimono in many occasions.

Rules exist but at the same time, it is very happy to see more people enjoy wearing kimono, especially `old' kimono today.

Would you like to enjoy kimono? The least thing you will need is kimono & obi! (If you have a nice sash belt, obi won't be needed, maybe). You can add other things if you like. To prevent the kimono from sweat, collar and juban are preferable.

To buy or browse for Kimonos, click here