The kimono is one of Japan’s most iconic and elegant garments, rich in tradition and cultural significance. While it may look simple at first glance, dressing in a kimono involves several carefully chosen pieces, each serving a specific purpose.
If you have ever wondered what you need to wear a kimono, this guide explains the essential layers, accessories and their functions.
1. Kimono
Purpose: The kimono is the main garment. Styles and materials vary according to the occasion, season and wearer. Kimonos may be made from silk, cotton, wool or synthetic fabrics, with patterns that reflect nature, the seasons and traditional motifs.
Occasions: Kimono range from casual to formal. A yukata is a lightweight summer garment, while a furisode is an elaborate long-sleeved kimono traditionally worn by unmarried women for formal occasions.
2. Nagajuban or kimono undergarment
Purpose: The nagajuban is worn beneath the kimono to protect it from perspiration and dirt. Since many kimonos are delicate and difficult to wash, the under-robe acts as a practical barrier while creating the visible collar line.
Occasions: It is worn under the kimono for both casual and formal dressing, with layers chosen according to the season and garment.
3. Obi or sash
Purpose: The obi is the wide, decorative sash that wraps around the waist and helps secure the kimono. It is one of the most important accessories and often adds the strongest visual contrast to the outfit. Different obi suit different kimono, levels of formality and occasions.
Occasions: Formal obi are worn for ceremonies, while simpler hanhaba obi are often paired with casual kimono such as yukata.
4. Obiage
Purpose: The obiage is a long, thin piece of cloth worn around the top of the obi. It helps secure the obi makura and adds a decorative finishing touch, often appearing just above the obi.
Occasions: It is commonly worn with structured obi knots and more formal kimono coordination.
5. Obijime
Purpose: The obijime is a cord tied around the middle of the obi. It helps secure the obi and adds colour, texture and contrast to the finished look.
Occasions: Obijime can be used with both casual and formal kimono. You can explore coordinating pieces in our Women’s Accessories collection.
6. Obiita or obi stiffener
Purpose: The obiita is a thin, stiff board placed between the kimono and the obi at the front. It helps prevent the obi from wrinkling or folding inward, creating a smooth and polished appearance.
Occasions: It can be worn with both formal and casual kimono whenever a clean, structured front is desired.
7. Obi makura or obi pillow
Purpose: The obi makura is a small pillow placed at the back of the waist under the obi. It gives volume and structure to certain knots, especially the formal otaiko musubi.
Occasions: It is used when a raised, structured obi arrangement is required.
8. Koshihimo or waist ties
Purpose: Koshihimo are simple cloth ties used to hold the kimono and nagajuban in place before the obi is secured. They are hidden under the layers and help adjust the garment’s length and fit.
Occasions: They are used for both casual and formal kimono dressing.
9. Datejime
Purpose: The datejime is a wider sash worn over the koshihimo. It smooths the lines of the kimono and provides a stable base for the obi, helping the garment sit neatly against the body.
Occasions: Datejime are used whenever a smooth, secure foundation is needed beneath the obi.
10. Tabi
Purpose: Tabi are traditional split-toe socks or footwear worn with kimono. They are designed to be worn with Japanese sandals such as zōri.
Occasions: Tabi can be worn with both casual and formal kimono. For a contemporary option, explore our FUJIN Air Tabi Shoes.
11. Zōri and Geta
Purpose: Zōri are traditional Japanese sandals worn with kimono. Geta are wooden sandals often associated with yukata and more casual kimono dressing. Both can complete a beautiful traditional look when paired with tabi or worn in the appropriate casual setting.
Occasions: Choose footwear according to the formality of the kimono and the occasion. Explore our Machi-Aruki EVA Zori in white, brown, and Women’s Ashida Geta.
12. Hakama or pleated trousers
Purpose: Hakama are pleated trousers or skirt-like garments worn over a kimono. They create a more formal, layered silhouette and are often associated with graduation ceremonies, martial arts and traditional events.
Occasions: Hakama are chosen for specific formal occasions and styles of dressing rather than everyday kimono wear.
13. Haori or jacket
Purpose: A haori is a short jacket worn over the kimono. It adds warmth, a layer of sophistication and another opportunity to introduce colour or pattern.
Occasions: Haori can be worn over formal and semi-formal kimono, during cooler weather or as a contemporary layer with modern clothing.
Putting It All Together
Dressing in kimono involves much more than slipping into the outer garment. Each piece has a purpose, whether it is maintaining the kimono’s structure, creating a smooth silhouette, adding visual detail or reflecting the formality of the occasion.
You do not need to buy everything at once. Begin with the kimono, undergarment, obi and essential ties, then add accessories as your skills and confidence grow. For a convenient starting point, explore our Complete Kitsuke Essentials Set.
Mastering the art of kimono dressing is a practice that honours centuries of tradition. The beauty of the kimono lies not only in its visual appeal, but also in the careful consideration of every detail that goes into wearing it.