Do you want to learn how to correctly wear and tie a Kimono robe?
The Kimono is a traditional Japanese garment that is worn by men, women, and children all throughout Japan in order to honor, mark and celebrate a variety of different occasions.
Even though there are a variety of different types of Kimono and Yukata robes that are suitable for different events, as well as how formal the attire should be – the process for putting on the Kimono is more or less the same for every kind.
With that being said, if you are required to wear a Kimono but you’re not sure how to correctly wear it, rest assured that you’re in the right place.
Below, we are going to be sharing some step-by-step instructions that will show you how to tie your own Kimono.
Read on!
What Is A Kimono?
Before we get any further, we first think that it would be a good idea to explain to you what a kimono is. Essentially, a kimono is a long traditional Japanese robe that consists of wide sleeves and is fastened with an obi belt.
They’re also not the easiest of garments to put on (especially at first) which is why many people attend kimono school for dressing courses.
So much so, that after studying for a few years, you can actually earn your very own license in Kimono!
However, to help you learn how to do it from the comfort of your own home, we’re going to be showing you how you can do it in just a few steps. This brings us to our next point.
How To Tie A Kimono Robe: Step-By-Step Instructions
As we have already briefly touched upon above, a Kimono is a traditional Japanese garment that can be worn by men, women, and even children for a variety of different events such as weddings and more.
Due to this, even though there are a variety of different types of Kimonos (particularly due to different events and levels of formality) the good news is that tying a Kimono is more or less exactly the same for every kind of KImono style that there is.
So, with that being said, keep reading for simple step-by-step instructions that you can follow to correctly put on your Kimono robe and tie it.
Step One: Drape The Kimono Over Your Body
First things first, all you are going to need to do is to simply take the kimono robe and drape it over your body.
Once you have placed it over your body and it is hanging loosely, we recommend walking over to a mirror so that you will be able to easily make any adjustments if needed.
To make things easier, we recommend placing your obi nearby so that you can reach for it easily a little later on.
Step Two: Grab The Collars
After you have draped the Kimono over your body, you can then go ahead and hold the Kimono at the collars and carefully pick up the garment.
After doing this and ensuring that the front hem is gently resting above the ground, take the right-hand part of the Kimono and wrap it snugly around your body.
While you are doing this, make sure that the left side of the Kimono is held taught directly away from your body.
Step Three: Wrap The Left Panel Over The Right Panel
After you have gotten to this point and you have the left side of the Kimono firmly pulled away from your body, you can then go ahead and firmly wrap it over the top of the right side which you will have already wrapped around your body.
Once you have gotten to this point, all you are then going to need to do is tie a quick bow to make sure that the two panels of the Kimono stay in place, and you will be able to use both of your hands.
Step Four: Fold Over Your Himo Tie
Once you have tied a quick bow/himo around your Kimono, you will then be ready to properly tie it so that it is held firmly in place and looks presentable for the event that you are going to be attending.
Before you go ahead and finish tying your kimono,you are going to need to first take a moment to check whether or not there is any fabric bunching up around the himo tie.
If there is excess fabric, smooth it out and then gently fold it over the himo, so that it will be concealed. Once you have done this, the Kimono will be correctly tied and ready for you to wear!
As a side note, if you are planning on wearing your Kimono with a traditional Juban underneath, please keep in mind that you will need to make sure that you have correctly put on and tied your Juban before you follow the instructions that we have provided you with above for tying your Kimono.
If you are unsure of how to tie your Juban and you are going to be wearing one, the instructions for putting one on are more or less the same as they are for putting on a Kimono, so you can use the instructions that we have shared above for both types of garment.
In addition to that, please keep in mind that the instructions that we have provided you with above should be taken as general guidelines for tying a standard kimono.
If you are still struggling to tie your Kimono correctly, we recommend that you ask a friend for assistance, or reach out to the manufacturer of your particular Kimono for specific guidance.
Wrapping Up
There we have it! Now that you have taken the time to read through our guide to tying a kimono obi, you are now ready to go ahead and properly wear your Kimono or Yukata.
Remember, the step-by-step instructions that we have shared with you above should only be used as general guidelines for how to tie a Kimono.
With that being said, if you are finding that you are struggling to correctly tie your Kimono, you should be sure to ask someone for assistance, or even reach out to the manufacturer of the Kimono that you have, as we are sure that they will be happy to help you.
Nevertheless, before you click off this guide, why don’t you consider giving it a bookmark?
That way, if you ever need to come back and refresh your knowledge on how to tie a kimono, you are going to know exactly where you can find this article.
Thank you for reading this article, we hope that it has been helpful!
I hope that, by exploring this website, you all will develop a much deeper appreciation for Japan, and that it may even influence you to pay it a visit yourself eventually! It is definitely a trip of a lifetime, and whether you experience it firsthand, or through my own website, I’m sure you will become just as passionate as I always have been!
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