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How to Wear a Kimono with Some Rules to Respect

Most of the Japanese people wear kimonos as tier traditional clothing. Nowadays people adopt the Western style of Japanese clothing, Japanese kimono is still worn by many on special occasions such as weddings, official ceremonies, and festivals.

Do you know how to wear a kimono and what are the rules to follow?

Kimono is worn by the Japanese with full respect and it requires a lot of practice and learning too. But don’t worry - wearing a kimono is not a difficult task.  Kitsuke is a special term which Japanese people use to describe art of wearing a kimono.

The choice of kimono and its accessories should be done right because Kitsuke is an art that describes how to wear a kimono with accessories in a way that enhances the look of both the kimono and the person who wears it. For example, women choose their kimono according to their marital status, age, and event.

In this article, we will look at some basic rules to follow if you want to wear a kimono probably.

Cross the left side over the right side

In order to tie your kimono (or yukata) in a correct way, make sure to wrap the left side over the right one. Remember, not to cross your kimono round, because it is done in Japan for those who have passed away, if the kimono is closed with its right side over the left it symbolizes death which is a big mistake.

Additional Tip to remember which side is right:  Always double check your kimono before going outside.

Wear White Tabi Socks

Kimono is a traditional formal garment and therefore you should always pair it with white tabi socks, we do not recommend that you go barefoot or wear funky socks when wearing a Kimono. In addition, if you are going to get dressed in a kimono: put on your white tabi socks before wearing a kimono.

Once you are wrapped in Kimono (a straight garment) it would be difficult or uneasy for you to reach your feet to wear socks. On the other hand, if you want to wear a yukata, either wear colorful socks or stay barefoot in your Japanese sandals.

Enhance your look by adding an obi knot on the backside of your Kimono

Since the 1700s, an obi is attached at the back of the kimono. In the early Edo period (1600-1868), the obi knot was a trend that you can wear either in the front, back, or even on any side, according to the wearer’s mood and desire. Wearing an obi knot in the front is considered fashionable at that time.

At the end of the Edo period, the knot's position becomes an indicator of the woman’s social status. Married women used to wear knots at the back, while single ladies, widows, and courtesans wore knots in the front.

Nowadays, it is common practice to wear obi at formal events, it’s preferable to do a simple and elegant knot for a classic look.

In Conclusion: - Now you know the basic rules to follow while wearing a kimono, you will look great if it is done according to kitsuke art. You can browse our collection of Japanese 

Kimono, we offer vintage haori for both men and women, tabi’s socks, and funky socks as well at our NOVMTL online store.

If wearing a traditional kimono seems too difficult for you, you can always choose to wear it in a modern way! Japanese haori jacket is one of the best fashionable clothes people wear all over the world.

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