Japanese Kimono
The word kimono simply means things to wear and is pronounced kee-mo-no. The plural of kimono is simply kimono. The kimono has had a long history in Japan and the kimono has changed over time to reflect the society and culture of that period.
Today, a Japanese woman usually owns only one kimono typically a furosode kimono which is worn for the coming of age ceremony on her 19th birthday. For weddings, the complete bridal kimono and kimono apparel is usually rented. Kimono are also very rarely worn as every day clothing anymore. Occasionally, if you go to a small rural town in Japan or one of small islands like Okinawa, you will see the traditional every day kimono worn by elders. To learn about the kimono history click the next button.
How to Wear a Kimono
Traditionally, the art of wearing a kimono is passed from mother to daughter. Today, there are also kimono schools that teach the proper techniques of how to wear a kimono. Below is a step by step basics of how to wear a kimono properly.
Kimono Under Garments
An under garment like a slip is worn under the kimono with the collar showing beneath the kimono. The two pieces full slip is called juban. Today, many women just wear the collar called eri-sugata because it is much cooler and still gives the formal appearance.
How to Wear a Kimono Instructions
1. Always, put on white tabi socks first. It is difficult to bend to put on socks after the full kimono and belt is on.
2. Put on the undergarment slips called juban consisting of a white cotton top and skirt. Today, an alternative is to wear only the white collar that goes around the neck called the eri-sugata.
3. Put on the kimono, making sure the back seam is centered.
4. For both men and women, wrap the right side of the kimono over the body, then overlap it with the left side. Right on top of the left is only used to dress a corpse for burial.
5. Adjust the white slip collar to show evenly around the neck just under the kimono collar as shown in the above pictures.
6. Don’t worry if the kimono is too long for it is supposed to be.
7. See our obi section to learn how to tie the different types of belts over the kimono and the next step to wearing a kimono.
