How to Dress in a Kimono

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Purchase a kimono.

   You can go someplace like Japantown in San Francisco, or you can buy a kimono on an auction site like Ebay.
   
   There are also online stores that specialize in kimonos, like Ichiroya, but these may take longer to ship your kimono.
2. 2

   Step 2: In addition to the kimono itself

   As you're getting dressed, put on the white tabi socks first.
   
   It is difficult to bend down after dressing fully in a kimono, so you should get the socks out of the way while you can. , It consists of a white cotton top and skirt, which you can easily substitute with separate pieces if you can't find an actual juban.
   
   Today in Japan, an alternative is to wear only the white collar that goes around the neck called a "cri-sugata."
   
   For both men and women, you should wrap the right side of the kimono over your body to begin with, then bring the right side of the kimono towards the left side of your body, overlapping it with the left side as you do so.
   
   Adjust the white slip collar to show evenly around the neck, just under the kimono collar. , The length of the kimono is always adjusted, which is why there are only a few lengths made by the manufacturer. , Cross the belt in the back and tie it in the front.
   
   Straighten out the excess material and bring some down to cover the koshi himo belt. , Tie this belt in the front, leaving the overlapping kimono fabric visible below.
   
   The excess kimono fabric should hang out evenly below the belt so that the fabric is seen. , Tie both ends of the obi together, folding it in across your waist and tightening it at the center.
   
   Then slide it to your back, straighten yourself out a bit, and you should be all dressed up in your kimono!
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   Step 3: you must have a juban

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   Step 4: a koshi himo belt

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   Step 5: a datejime

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   Step 6: an obi makura belt

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   Step 7: and white tabi socks.

8. 8

   Step 8: Put on a slip called the "juban."

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   Step 9: Put on the kimono

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    Step 10: making sure the back seam is centered.

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    Step 11: After you have put on your kimono

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    Step 12: pull the kimono so the it ends at your ankle.

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    Step 13: As you hold the extra material about your waist

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    Step 14: tie the koshi himo belt below the excess material.

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    Step 15: Now take the datejime belt and wrap it around your waist over the koshi himo belt.

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    Step 16: Put the obi makura into place and wrap the obi.

Detailed Guide

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