Kimonos are a particularly elegant piece of traditional Japanese culture. The act of wearing one is steeped in tradition. Subtle aspects of the way the robe is worn are telling of the wearer. There are several methods for tying a kimono, but meet these basics and you'll wear it appropriately.
Instructions
- Put on the juban. This is the slip the goes underneath the kimono. The white collar of the slip is supposed to show underneath the collar of the kimono. You can buy just a collar instead of a full slip. This is cooler in hot weather and still looks the same.
- Put on the kimono like you are putting on a bathrobe. The seam needs to be centered on your the back. The sleeve length traditionally reflects your age. The sleeves get shorter as you get older. It is inappropriate for married women to wear long sleeves.
- Wrap the right side of the kimono over your front and then overlap it with the left side. This is an important point to avoid looking like the walking dead. The only time the kimono is wrapped the opposite way is for traditional funeral dress.
- Pull up the excess fabric at the waist so the kimono comes evenly to your ankles. Tie your first belt bellow this excess fabric. This belt is called koshi-himo and serves to hold up the excess cloth, making the kimono the correct length.
- Fold the excess fabric back down over this belt and straighten it out evenly. Pull any excess to the sides of the kimono so the fabric is smooth against the front and back. The line must be neat and even where the fabric folds down over the belt. Check that the kimono is still even around your ankles.
- Take your second belt, the date-jime, and wrap it over your middle region so that it can be tied in back. Place it over the first belt on the outside of the fabric. The folded fabric needs to be visible for a couple inches below the second belt.
- Tie the date-jimi once in the back. Bring the ends around to the front. Tie it once again. Tuck the ends securely under the belt to hold it in place. Wear your kimono with white socks.
