The Essentials of Dressing Up a Kimono: What You Need and Their Purpose

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, properly dressing in a kimono requires various items, each serving a specific function to maintain the garment’s shape, style, and cultural meaning.

 

If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to fully dress up a kimono, here’s a guide to the essentials and their purposes.

 

 

1. Kimono

• Purpose: The main garment itself. Kimonos come in various styles and materials depending on the occasion, season, and wearer’s status. They are often made from silk, cotton, or synthetic fabrics, with intricate patterns symbolizing nature, seasons, or traditional motifs.

• Occasions: Casual to formal. For example, yukata is a casual summer kimono, while a furisode is an elaborate, long-sleeved kimono for unmarried women, often worn at formal events like coming-of-age ceremonies.

 

 

2. Nagajuban (Undergarment)

• Purpose: The nagajuban is worn under the kimono to protect it from sweat and dirt. Since kimonos are delicate and often difficult to wash, the nagajuban acts as a barrier, absorbing moisture and keeping the outer garment clean.

• Occasions: Always worn under the kimono, regardless of formality or season.

 

 

3. Obi (Sash)

• Purpose: The obi is the wide, decorative sash that wraps around the waist and helps secure the kimono in place. It’s one of the most important accessories and often the most ornate, adding a sense of formality and visual impact to the outfit. Different types of obi are worn depending on the kimono’s formality, the wearer’s age, and the occasion.

• Occasions: Formal obis, like the fukuro obi, are worn for weddings or ceremonies, while simpler hanhaba obi are used with casual kimonos like yukata.

 

 

4. Obiage

• Purpose: The obiage is a long, thin piece of cloth tied around the top of the obi. Its primary function is to secure the obi makura (pillow used for obi support) and to help adjust the tightness of the obi knot. It also adds an extra decorative touch, often peeking out from under the obi.

• Occasions: Worn with more formal kimonos that require a structured obi knot, like the taiko knot.

 

 

5. Obijime

• Purpose: The obijime is a cord that is tied around the middle of the obi, helping to secure it in place and prevent it from loosening. It’s typically made of silk and adds a pop of color or contrast to the outfit, further enhancing the overall look.

• Occasions: Used with both casual and formal kimonos to stabilize the obi and complement its design.

 

6. Obi Makura (Obi Pillow)

• Purpose: The obi makura is a small pillow placed at the back of the waist under the obi to give it volume and structure, particularly for formal styles like the taiko musubi (drum knot). It ensures that the obi maintains its shape throughout the day.

• Occasions: Used with formal kimonos when structured obi knots are required.

 

7. Koshihimo (Waist Ties)

• Purpose: Koshihimo are simple cloth ties used to hold the kimono and nagajuban in place before securing the obi. They are hidden under the layers of the kimono and help adjust the garment’s length and fit.

• Occasions: Always used, regardless of formality.

 

 

8. Datejime

• Purpose: The datejime is a wide sash worn over the koshihimo to smooth out the lines of the kimono and provide a stable base for the obi. It ensures that the kimono sits flat against the body and prevents wrinkles.

• Occasions: Worn with every kimono to maintain a neat and smooth appearance.

 

 

9. Tabi (Socks)

• Purpose: Tabi are traditional split-toe socks worn with the kimono, usually made of white cotton. They’re essential because kimono outfits are always worn with zori (traditional sandals), and bare feet would be considered inappropriate for most occasions.

• Occasions: Worn with both casual and formal kimonos, especially when wearing sandals like zori.

 

 

10. Zori (Sandals)

• Purpose: Zori are traditional sandals worn with formal kimonos. They’re often made from leather, fabric, or straw and feature an elevated sole to keep the feet off the ground. Zori are typically paired with tabi socks for a complete look.

• Occasions: Zori are used with formal kimonos or for special occasions, such as weddings and tea ceremonies.

 

 

11. Hakama (Optional)

• Purpose: Hakama are pleated trousers or skirts worn over a kimono, typically by men or during specific formal occasions, such as graduation ceremonies or weddings. They provide a more formal, layered look and are often worn with a short kimono called a haori.

• Occasions: Used for special, formal occasions like weddings, martial arts events, and traditional ceremonies.

 

 

12. Haori (Jacket)

• Purpose: A haori is a short jacket worn over the kimono, especially in cooler weather or for more formal occasions. Haori adds an extra layer of sophistication and completes the look for both men and women, often featuring beautiful, subtle patterns.

• Occasions: Worn over formal and semi-formal kimonos or during colder weather.

 

 

Dressing up in a kimono involves much more than just slipping into the garment. Each piece has a specific purpose, whether it’s maintaining the kimono’s structure, adding layers of style, or signifying the occasion’s formality. Mastering the art of kimono dressing is a deep cultural practice that honors centuries of tradition. The beauty of the kimono lies not only in its visual appeal but in the careful consideration of every detail that goes into wearing it correctly.