Lesson 8: How to put on a kimono
Photographed instructions that I hope can act as a complement to others online:
There are three pages of instructions in all, not counting the collar preparation that I posted earlier. Please note that I’ve done my best to make clear instructions that are as thorough as possible, but by the very nature of kitsuke, they are not exhaustive or authoritative; there are different ways to proceed (the devil is in the details, as the saying goes). They do give as proper a look as I am capable of!
February 24th, 2005 at 17:28:32
First, a great site, an I admire your collection !
Then, a thing that I would like to know. It’s about obi materials. How stiff material are they ? I would like to sew one, but I never had possibility to touch any =) Actually, what kind are the structures of your own obis ? What kind of material is the inside lining ? And such things….
(I really apologize my poor language ! I’m fron finland.)
February 25th, 2005 at 16:30:41
Hyvää päivää :) Obi materials are very stiff, although even “normal” weight materials can be used if you have a strong lining. The lining material is very stiff cotton. I think you can buy such lining material from Ichiroya if you ask them. I’ve seen it sold online before, but it was a long time ago so I don’t remember specifics…
April 18th, 2005 at 18:56:10
Thank you very much ! =)
July 26th, 2005 at 13:26:03
I have (again) questions about sewing the kimono.
1. What is standard length of shoulder seam (sodetsuke) ?
2. What is the ribbon in the end of some obis ? (is obi made in one, narrow cloth and the ends of material is joined like that or … ?)
October 26th, 2005 at 01:05:50
Thank you! I had a Japanese student stay with me for 10 months and she gave my daughter a kimono, complete with obi and bow and I plan on dressing up in this for Halloween, but I had no idea how to start, since it is so long. I assume you must wear something underneath this, like a slip or pants, as the legs do show.
October 26th, 2005 at 16:59:32
Glad it could be of help! Your legs don’t show if you walk as required by kimono, with small steps.
February 17th, 2007 at 23:50:13
Arigato! This site was a lot of help. Wearing a kimono is so complicated, escpecially when you are putting it on by yourself.