How to Find a Kimono for a Japanese Wedding

The traditional Japanese kimono is a very elaborate and elegant gown, which today is worn mainly for weddings and special occasions.

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Wedding Kimonos

1. Look in the yellow pages under "clothing stores" to see if there are any Japanese specialty shops listed.

2. Ask for referrals at Japanese-run businesses in your area.

3. Do a keyword search online for "kimono."

4. Remember that traditional wedding kimonos are unsized. They should fit women who wear up to a Western size 14. You can adjust the garment to fit your body shape and size.

5. Learn the proper way to wear a kimono. Study pictures, ask friends and read books for the correct etiquette.

6. Consider attending a kimono-wearing school if one exists in your area. This is a special class to teach young girls the proper way to wear a kimono before marriage.

7. Look inside garments for size tags. A tag indicates a machine-made, mass-produced item, rather than the traditional handmade kimono.

8. Select a Uchikake kimono, which is a beautifully designed wedding overgarment that is embroidered with silver and gold flowers and birds. It usually comes in vibrant colors to make the bride stand out.

9. Shop for a white wedding kimono to wear underneath the more elaborate one.

10. Consider making your own kimono if you have trouble finding one. Look for patterns in a fabric store. Or hire an experienced seamstress to make the garment for you.

11. Be prepared to pay a lot for a high-quality wedding kimono. They can cost thousands of dollars.

Tips & Warnings

• Find a high-quality dry cleaner when it comes time to clean your kimono.
• Be sure to fold the kimono properly and store it away from dry heat or direct sunlight.

[arbonj]

on 3/7/2008 Lots of vintage wedding kimonos are for sale on the web. Most if not all are former rental gowns, hardly ever used. My company, Kyoto Kimono (www.kyotokimono.com and www.bridalkimono.com) offers the wedding kimonos as well as apparel, gifts and accessories made from kimono fabrics for couples whether they want to add a Japanese touch to their ceremony and reception or a full Japanese theme.

on 9/16/2006 Perhaps an easier-to-find source for a pattern (which is a great suggestion!) is the "Folkwear" brand pattern #113 and/or the John Marshall book called, Make Your Own Kimono. Good Luck!

on 11/22/2005 Simplicity pattern 5830 is the closest thing to an actual Kimono in fabric store patterns. It will need to be made longer, to obtain the proper fold below the obi, and the sleeves are Tomesode length (much too short for an Uchikake).