Welcome to our tutorial on how to wear a Kimono or Yukata!  We have a few of our video tutorials embedded at the bottom of this page. But, we also have written I structions with still photos in a web-readable format to ensure that all types of learners can access this awesome information! So scroll on my friend, and learn about how to wear kimono and tie obi in the learning method that best suits your needs!

Kimono and Yukata are traditional Japanese garments, worn by both men and women throughout Japan for various occasions.  While the level of formality of an event will help dictate which type of garment is most appropriate to wear, the general process of properly putting one on is generally the same.

To properly put on a kimono or yukata, please follow these steps:

1) Put the kimono / yukata on like a robe, and let it hang loosely on your body.

 

2) Hold the ends of the kimono/yukata collars, and pick up the garment until the back hem rests just above the floor, and the front hem rests just above your feet.

 

3) Wrap the right-hand panel of fabric around your body.  (Don’t put the left-hand side down first, otherwise you’ll be dressed like the corpse at a funeral!)

 

4) Wrap the left-hand panel of fabric over the right-side panel of fabric.

 

5) Tie a simple sash (known as a “koshihomo” or just “himo“) around your waist with a simple bow.  Your garment’s front may look disheveled – but don’t worry!  We’ll fix that next!

 

6) If there is material bunching above where you have tied your himo, blouse the excess over it (just like you would a polo shirt over pants).  Pull the collar neatly into place as you blouse the kimono/yukata.  Then, smooth out the blousing, which will cover the himo.  (Depending on your height, there may not be much blousing.)

7) If you’re wearing your kimono/yukata in the traditional way (as opposed to the Harajuku or Steampunk styles), then it should look something like this when you’re done!

Please note:  if you are wearing a kimono and plan to wear a juban underneath, please follow steps 1, 3, 4, and 5 with your juban before putting on your kimono.  If you are wearing a yukata, then wearing a juban underneath is unnecessary.

And now, for the video!

 

 

Now that you have properly put on your kimono/yukata, you are now ready to complete your look by learning how to tie an obi!  Please check out our other tutorials on our web page.

And, as an added bonus, if you want to learn some modern ways of wearing kimono, yukata, and other wafuku, check out our video below!