Comments on: How to Fold a Kimono

on 8/8/2006 Newsprint is full of acidic wood pulp and is probably the worst material I can think of for protecting a kimono. Valuable textiles should only come in contact with archival, non-acidic materials.

on 12/23/2005 While folding a kimono is sometimes inevitable, the best way to store them is to purchase a dowel rod or a length of bamboo that is roughly four inches longer than the span of sleeve-tip to sleeve-tip on the kimono. Tye thin rope or hemp cord at the center of the rod, roughly four inches apart. Hang the kimono on the rod, taking care that the seam on the shoulders and fold of the sleeves run in a straight line along the rod. Then, simply hang in a dark, dry area. You can also cover the kimono in a homemade garment bag made of either thin butcher's paper, or from rolls of unused newsprint paper. Do not use newspapers! The ink will rub off onto the kimono, and it will cause a permanent stain!

Allowing your kimono fresh air every few months is also a good idea, since silks can easily rot and break away in the wrong conditions.