How to Put on a Kimono Dress

Learn how to put on a traditional kimono

Kimonos have been part of Japanese culture since the eighth century. Originally, the word kimono referred to any clothing. Now, the term refers to the specific Japanese dress. The style of kimonos has changed over time. Kimonos are reserved for special occasions such as weddings, funerals and festivals. It is difficult to put on a kimono alone. Find someone to help and learn how to put on a kimono dress correctly.

Things You'll Need

• Juban (two piece slip)
• Eri-sugata (collar)
• Tabi socks
• Obi sash or koshi-himo and date-jime belts

Instructions

Putting on the Kimono

1. Put on the tabi socks. These are part of a traditional kimono outfit and once you have the kimono on, it will be difficult to bend over to put the socks on.

2. Choose to wear either the juban or eri-sugata. Many people today wear only the eri-sugata or a collar around the neck. The juban is the traditional undergarment.

3. Center the back seam of the kimono behind you and put it on.

4. Take the right side of the kimono and wrap it across your body, overlapping it with the left side.

5. Adjust the collar, if you put on an eri-sugata, so that it just shows under the neck of the kimono.

Tying the Obi Belts

1. Pull the kimono up, so that it rests just at your ankles. As you hold the extra material right above your waist, tie the first obi belt, called the koshi-himo, under the extra material. Wrap the belt around your back and tie it in the front.

2. Straighten out any extra material so that the kimono is smooth.

3. Fix the extra material so that it covers the koshi-himo belt.

4. Wrap the second obi belt or the date-jime belt around your waist, covering the koshi-himo belt.

5. Tie the date-jime belt in front, just above the bottom of the overlapping fabric.

Tips & Warnings

• It is easiest to have someone help you put the kimono on.

• Never wrap the kimono from the left to the right. This is only used when preparing deceased people for their funeral.

References

• Japanesekimono,com: How to Wear a Kimono
• Northendkaratedo.com: How to Wear a Kimono
• Kids Web Japan: History of Kimonos