How to wear a women's kimono?

wear the kimono for women

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The women's kimono, a timeless symbol of Japanese fashion, has transcended eras and borders to establish itself as a choice piece in the female wardrobe. Both elegant and versatile, it reinvents itself according to trends while retaining its ancestral charm. Discover in this review how to wear a women's kimono.

Women's kimono: definition

The women's kimono is a traditional Japanese garment , known for its wide sleeves and straight cut. Originally designed to symbolize social status, it has evolved over the centuries to become a A key piece of fashion . Beyond its ritual use, it is now open to a multitude of modern styles and interpretations. The women's kimono is distinguished by its fluidity and elegance, easily adapting to a casual style depending on the occasion. This timeless garment embodies both Japanese culture and the art of mixing genres.

Steps to putting on a women's kimono

Wearing a women's kimono can seem complicated at first, but by following a few key steps, it becomes easy to wear it elegantly. Discover the steps to follow to wear a women's kimono well to highlight this iconic piece .

Put on tabi socks before the kimono

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The order in which one dresses in a kimono is crucial to avoid any difficulties while dressing. An often overlooked step is wearing tabi socks , which should be put on before putting on the kimono. Wearing socks after the kimono is already on can cause unwanted adjustments, including moving parts of the garment. Therefore, it is recommended to follow this step to ensure that the kimono stays in place and the overall look is perfect.

Put on traditional underwear

To properly prepare for dressing in a women's kimono, it is important to start with traditional underwear . First, you must put on the susoyoke . Then, the hadajuban must be placed so that it is centered on the torso. Once the hadajuban is in place, pull the back hem down to free the neck. It is essential not to pass the hadajuban inside the susoyoke , to ensure optimal comfort and avoid any discomfort while wearing the kimono.

Adjust the nagajuban precisely

To properly fit the nagajuban , start by inserting an erishin behind the collar so that it remains rigid and does not wrinkle. If you do not have an erishin, a roll of washi paper , flattened and inserted inside the collar, can do the trick. Adjust the nagajuban so that it is centered on your body, maintaining a space of about the width of a fist between your neck and the collar. To ensure the nagajuban stays in place, a koshi-himo can be tied firmly under the bust. Finally, adjust the sides by gently pulling the side seams to remove excess fabric.

Center and position the kimono correctly

To properly position a women's kimono , start by centering it on your body by aligning the inside seams of the collar at the front. If one seam is higher than the other, it means the kimono is not properly centered . Do not overtighten the kimono collar, but align it with the nagajuban collar. Both collars should be aligned at the same level at the back of the neck. The nagajuban collar should subtly appear at chest level, revealing a one to two centimeter strip of fabric. It is possible to use a suitable clip or even a simple clothespin to secure the kimono collar and prevent it from moving.

Secure the kimono with the koshi-himo belt

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Once the kimono is securely in place, it is time to secure the whole thing with the koshi-himo belt. This should be tied just above the navel , as it plays a vital role in keeping the kimono securely in place. It is crucial to tighten this belt firmly, as it is primarily responsible for the stability of the whole . The excess of the belt must be carefully hidden by folding it under the part already tied to prevent it from sticking out.

The rest of the kimono fabric, meanwhile, sits above the koshi-himo and can be folded back to create a neat, clean look. This is perfectly normal and will be largely hidden beneath the obi. During this stage, it may be necessary to readjust the collar to ensure that there is a gap the size of your fist between the collar and the nape of your neck.

Where to wear a women's kimono?

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A traditional piece of Japanese culture, the women's kimono is a garment that adapts to many occasions, depending on its cut and materials. While it was once reserved for ceremonies and formal events, it now finds its place in a more diverse context. It is ideal for prestigious events such as:

  • weddings;

  • the galas; or

  • other prestigious events.

However, the kimono isn't limited to formal occasions. Today, it's also worn more casually. In a shorter or lighter version, it can easily be incorporated into everyday wear. It pairs perfectly with:

  • a jersey;

  • jeans; or

  • a dress.

For a bohemian touch or a more contemporary look, the kimono can also be an excellent alternative to a jacket or coat, allowing you to combine comfort and elegance on a daily basis. In addition, there are more modern models, with lighter fabrics and revisited cuts, which are perfectly suited to a casual yet refined style.

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