Accessories of kimono
Kimono(着物)
There are eleven main types of kimono; choose the type of kimono that best suits your TPO.
Uchikake, Kuromontsuki, Furisode, Kurotomesode, Irotomesode, Homongi, Tsukesage, Iromuji, Komon, Tumugi and Yukata.
Komon is recommended if you want to wear it as an alternative to a dress in everyday life in Japan, but if you want to wear it as an alternative to a dress in a foreign country, you can use a, Homongi Tsukesage or Iromuji in addition to komon.
All kimonos are essentially made to order. This is because the best kimono size depends on the body shape of the wearer.
Appropriate Mitake: the same length as your height.
Appropriate girth: Mae haba + (Ushiro haba x 2) + 13 is the same length as your hip or the largest part of your body.
Appropriate Yuki: shoulder width + arm length.
However, if it is too expensive to buy a custom-made kimono from the beginning, why not start by finding and buying a kimono in the size that fits you at a kimono recycle shop?
In that case, it is best if the Mitake, girth and Yuki all fit you perfectly, but a little error is not a problem.
(If the recycled kimono you like does not fit you, you can have it re-tailored.)
Obi(帯)
The obi is a wide belt that is tied around the waist to secure the kimono.
It is a crucial element in kimono styling and comes in various styles and designs.
The way the obi is tied can also indicate the formality of the occasion.
Maru obi for Furisode, Kurotomesode and Irotomedode.
Fukuro obi for formal kimonos such as Irotomedode, Homongi, Tsukesage and Iromuji.
Nagoya obi for casual kimonos such as Tsukesage, Iromuji, Komon and Tsumugi.
Han-haba obi for everyday wear kimono such as Komon, Tsumugi and Yukata.
Nagajyuban(長襦袢)
Underwear worn under a kimono.
Unlike hadajyuban worn directly on the bare skin, it is characterised by being glimpsed through the cuffs and collar.
Its role is to prevent the kimono from getting dirty, to prevent stickiness and to keep out the cold.
The appropriate length of a Nagajyuban is approximately height x 0.8. However, if the kimono is not a transparent summer kimono such as Ro or Sha, a little shorter is not a problem.
It is also best if the Sode Take and Sode haba fit the kimono.
Eri shin(衿芯)
A long, thin board inserted into the collar of a Nagajyuban.
Used to neatly shape the collar.
There is a wide range of types, including plastic, nylon and paper, with a choice of hardness and thickness.
It is best to roll them up for storage.
Han eri(半衿)
Collar attached to Nagajyuban.
Protects the collar of the kimono and Nagajyuban and prevents sweat and sebum stains from sticking to the collar.
It is best to remove and wash Han eri regularly, as it easily gets dirty.
The standard half collar is white, but it is also fun to think about co-ordinating colours and patterns.
Hadajyuban(肌襦袢)
Underwear worn under Nagajyuban. Worn directly on bare skin.
Absorbs perspiration, protects against cold and stains. Unlike Nagajyuban, it is not visible under a kimono.
In addition to the slip type shown in the photo, there are also separate upper and lower types.
Koshi himo(腰紐)
Koshi himo are long, narrow cords used to secure the nagajyuban and hold them in place.
They are also used to tie the kimono in place before adding the obi.
Datejime(伊達締め)
A wide cord used to stabilise the kimono.
Two Datejimes are basically used, one on the Nagajyuban and one on the kimono, but they do not have to be used if the kimono can be held in place by the koshi himo alone!
Obi ita(帯板)
A board used to prevent the obi from wrinkling and to shape it.
Wide and long obi itas are generally used for formal kimonos, while narrow and short obi itas are used for casual kimonos.
Obi makura(帯枕)
An obimakura is a cushion or pad that is often used to give support and shape to the obi.
It is placed beneath the obi to help maintain a neat and aesthetically pleasing appearance.
A large, thick obimakura is usually used if you want Otaiko obi to look glamorous, while a smaller, thinner obimakura is usually used if you want Otaiko obi to look more modest.
Obi jime(帯締め)
This is a decorative cord or band that is tied around the obi to enhance its appearance and keep it securely in place.
Obi age(帯揚げ)
A cloth that is tucked into the top part of the obi, adding a decorative touch.
It helps conceal the obi’s knot and creates a polished look.
Kimono Clips(着物クリップ)
Clips for aligning the centre of the kimono back.
The back centre is the seam on the back side of the kimono, located in the middle of the left and right fabric.
It can also be used in various situations when dressing.
It is important not to forget to remove it after the dressing is finished.
Can be substituted with clothespins, etc.
Tabi(足袋)
Traditional Japanese socks with a split-toe design, usually worn with zori (traditional sandals) or geta (wooden clogs).
The toes are split in two.
The standard tabi socks are white, but coloured or patterned tabi socks can also be selected for non-formal kimonos.
Zori(草履)
Flat, thonged sandals often worn with formal kimonos.
They come in various materials and designs to match the formality of the outfit.
Geta(下駄)
Geta are traditional Japanese wooden sandals with an elevated wooden base and a thong to hold the foot in place.
They are worn with traditional Japanese clothing, including kimonos.
The height of the geta can vary, and they are often chosen based on the formality of the occasion.
Usually worn with casual kimonos.
Geta are also often worn on rainy days instead of zori.
Haori(羽織)
Outerwear worn over a kimono.
It has the roles of protection from the cold, dirt and fashion.
Unlike Michiyuki, it is for everyday use.
Michiyuki(道行)
Michiyuki is for formal wear, so it is often worn over formal kimonos such as Tomesode and Homongi.
Obi dome(帯留め)
An accessory to be attached to the obijime.
As they are ornaments, they do not have to be used.