Kimono is a Japanese traditional dress that is globally known for its elegance. Kimono have mesmerized people with their beautiful patterns, designs, and colours. There are people throughout the world who wish to try kimono at least once in their life. But the key issue is many people don’t know how to style a kimono properly.

1. How To Style a Kimono?

There was a time when, apart from Japanese people, nobody knew what a kimono was. But things have changed now. People all over the world are fans of kimonos. It is not just a dress for fashion statements, but it is Japan’s pride. 

In recent times, kimono styling has shown a unique combination. It shows a blend of traditional and modern looks.

But styling kimonos can be pretty challenging. You have to style it gracefully and keep tradition in mind.

Let’s look at some styling tips on how to style a kimono.

2. Think About The Occasion

We all dress according to the occasion everywhere we go. In the same way, kimonos are also chosen based on events.

It is essential to match your kimono choice with that of the occasion. If it is a formal event, a casual gathering, or a wedding, one has to dress accordingly.

2.1. Casual Events

In casual events, yukata or komon kimono are the best choice. It works best for meetings with friends or family.

These kimonos don’t weigh much. That is why it gives a light feeling, allowing you to move freely. They have fun and cool prints on them. It is one of the youth’s favourites.

2.2. Formal Events

A detailed kimono is required for formal events like weddings, cultural events, and ceremonies. For such occasions, furisode or tomesode kimonos are the best pick.

These kimonos have long sleeves and elegant designs. It is worn to show respect and formality. Wearing any such kimonos shows your appreciation and respect for Japanese culture. 

To know which type of kimono to wear on which occasion is an important thing. It is the first step to mastering how to style it.

3. Choosing The Fabric Material

While selecting the fabric for your kimono and wanting to know how to style a kimono, you must keep some things in mind. You have to think beyond your personal preferences.

Think about the event you must attend and choose the fabric according to it. 

3.1. Silk

Silk fabrics have a very luxurious and elegant texture. It is usually worn for very formal types of important events.

It shows one’s elegance and respect towards the culture. But silk fabrics are usually quite expensive compared to other fabrics.

3.2. Cotton

Cotton is a very widely used and standard fabric for kimonos. It is usually worn for casual, relaxing types of events.

This allows a person to move and breathe freely. It is a perfect fit for summer picnics and festivals.

3.3. Polyester

Kimonos, with this fabric, comes somewhere in between silk and cotton.

They are not as costly as silk and also require less maintenance. It is a good substitute for silk fabrics. 

4. Colors and Designs

Kimonos are available in various colours and designs. Each pattern symbolizes some message in its own way.

Understanding these messages and dressing according to them gives the whole outfit a unique charm. 

Flowers or floral designs usually convey a message of youth and liveliness, as in Japanese culture, flowers are considered a sign of vitality.

On the other hand, designs like geometric figures show modernity and innovations. It represents modernity with a traditional touch. 

5. Proper Fitting

One simple rule for any clothing to be suitable on us is that it should fit perfectly. The same principle applies to kimonos as well. A kimono that fits well provides comfort to the wearer and looks aesthetic. 

Kimonos usually come in only one size. You have to adjust it according to your own body. You can play with the fabric to make it fit.

Tying the extra fabric to the waist knot or using the belt to narrow the waist. You can get help from professionals or locals as well. 

6. Tips On How To Style a Kimono

6.1. Drum Knot

The drum knot usually requires less complexity and is easy to do. It is usually worn for casual events and normal wear.

To achieve this bow, follow these steps. Wrap the belt around your waist, then tie it with a knot resembling a drum. The beauty of the drum knot lies in its simplicity.

7. Adding Haori to Your Kimono

If you want to know how to style a kimono, then know that wearing a layer of Haori over your kimono can add more beauty. Haori is a Japanese traditional jacket that is draped over a kimono.

It has two purposes. First, it provides more warmth during winter. The second is to enhance the overall look, making it more aesthetic. 

Haori comes in various colours and designs. You can pair it according to your kimono.

You can also add a bit of contrast with Haori. If your overall kimono has simple and soft patterns, you can go for the designed Haori.

If your kimono has various beautiful designs, you can select a rather simple Haori. It creates a striking contrast and makes the outfit well-balanced. 

8. Fun Pairing with Casual Draping

Usually, people nowadays find wearing kimono a very complex task. For them, a solution is there, which is casual draping. It is a combination of tradition with easy modernity. 

For this, you can drape a kimono over your casual clothes. It could be a jeans shirt or anything normal.

This style allows you to experience wearing a kimono without much hard work. It could be worn for any casual event. It shows your versatility and personality also.

9. Hairstyles and Accessories 

9.1. Tobi Socks  

These are the socks worn with the kimono. The distinctive part about these socks is their one-toe designs.

It makes it easier to wear with the traditional sandals. These socks come in white as well as various vibrant colours.

9.2. Geta (Traditional Sandals)

Geta are the traditional Japanese sandals worn with kimono. These are made of wood and are given height with two wooden blocks.

These are the go-to footwear that goes with kimono and completes the look properly. Also, the sound made by these sandals while walking creates nostalgia.

9.3. Kanzashi (Hairpins)

Kanzashi are pretty decorative hair pins for girls. These hairpins add more beauty to the hairstyle.

People usually wear these for events like weddings or any ceremonies related to it. They come in various styles and designs. It includes flower patterns, diamonds, and comb designs.

9.4. Hairstyles

Usually, there is no particular hairstyle to pair with a kimono. But there are some common and popular ones.

One of them is the low buns, which are the traditional ones. It usually goes best for any formal events. They make a person look elegant and sophisticated.

Some people also tie a sleek ponytail. This hairstyle is more hassle-free and easy. It is simple and effortless and can be styled easily. It is usually worn for any casual event.

10. Conclusion

Wearing a kimono and knowing how to style it properly is an art. It shows your respect for a culture and its tradition. This traditional Japanese dress is very flexible.

It can be worn for any event. But the trick is that you should know how to style a kimono. Kimono is a perfect blend of tradition and personal creativity.

It is more than just a piece of clothing. It represents the style and personality of the person wearing it. 

Last Updated on July 10, 2024 by Sathi Chakraborty