For Those Who Want to Start Wearing Kimono Affordably and Easily

“I’m interested in kimono, but it seems expensive and difficult.”
Does that sound familiar? You wouldn’t be alone in thinking that.

Kimono has long been known as traditional Japanese attire.
When you hear that, it's natural to think, "It seems formal and complicated."  

However, it's not as difficult as it seems.
By combining traditional methods with some new items, you can enjoy wearing kimono in about the same time it takes to dress in regular clothes.

Up until just a few decades ago, kimono was considered everyday wear.
During the Meiji and Taisho periods, Western fashion started to influence Japan, and many people enjoyed mixing Western and Japanese styles.  

Today, many old kimono that were once worn as everyday clothing are available as affordable recycled pieces.
By incorporating a mix of Japanese and Western styles, all you really need is a kimono, an obi, and two simple ties to enjoy wearing one.
You can get started with just 10,000 to 15,000 yen!

In this article, I’ll summarize the essential items and ideas for starting with kimono on a budget.
Let's take a peek into the world of casual kimono.

Start by Getting the Essential Items

The must-haves are, of course, the kimono and obi, which you can find at stores that sell recycled kimono.  
Search for terms like "Recycled Kimono [your location]" online, and you’ll likely find some shops nearby.  

Visiting a physical store can be helpful since you can try things on and get a better sense of what suits you, but there are also plenty of options available online.
The price range and selection can vary by store, so I recommend using Instagram to search for "recycled kimono" and comparing the styles and prices to find what suits you best.

1. Choose a Kimono Based on Pattern, Not Fabric

【Types of Kimono】
Kimono are categorized by season into lined (awase), unlined (hitoe), and thin, transparent (usumono) types.  

- Awase: Lined kimono  
- Hitoe: Unlined kimono  
- Usumono: Semi-transparent unlined kimono

The season when you plan to wear your kimono matters, but since the weather is often warmer these days and most indoor spaces are air-conditioned, unlined kimono are becoming more common.

Kimono patterns also determine their formality, ranging from formal styles like *houmongi* and *tsukesage* to more casual *komon*.  
For casual wear, *komon* is your go-to.
You’ll see it labeled as such in shops and online. If you’re not sure, just ask the shop for guidance.

【Fabric】
Cotton, linen, and polyester kimono are easy to care for since they can be washed at home, but I’ve found they aren’t as commonly available in recycled kimono shops.
Silk kimono, on the other hand, are much more frequent.  

For your first kimono, I suggest choosing based on a pattern you love rather than focusing on the material.
Although silk can’t easily be washed at home, you don’t need to wash it after every wear unless there’s a major stain or mud.

【Sizing】
When selecting a kimono, the most important measurement is the length (*mitake*), which refers to the vertical length of the kimono.
As a general rule, choose one that’s ±5cm of your height.  

The *yuki*, or sleeve length, is also important but not essential.
If you’re wearing a Western-style blouse or shirt underneath, you can easily cover any discrepancies in sleeve length.  

So when you’re looking for a kimono, I recommend choosing a *komon* with a pattern you like, an unlined kimono (*hitoe*), and one that’s the right length for you.
With recycled kimono, you can often find one for a few thousand yen.

2. Replace the Undergarment (*juban*) with a Blouse or Shirt

Normally, you’d wear a *juban* under your kimono, but let’s skip that this time and use a Western blouse or shirt instead.
I recommend something with a collar.  

The other part of the collar on the inside of the kimono collar is the undergarment part.

While a t-shirt with a round collar can work, it might look like your underwear is peeking out, so it’s better to avoid that.
A stand-collar blouse works well since it gives a clean look around the neck, and sheer turtlenecks can add a stylish touch.

Tying a ribbon from your blouse and letting it peek through the kimono’s neckline can be quite cute.  

Aside from replacing the *juban*, another benefit of using a blouse is that you don’t need to worry about creating the back collar gap (*emon*).
Traditionally, kimono is worn with the collar pulled back slightly to show the nape of the neck, but when wearing Western clothes underneath, you don’t need to worry about this unless you want to.

For the bottom half, wear a slip or *steteko* (loose pants) to avoid any potential see-through issues depending on the kimono’s fabric.

3. Use a Half-Width Obi for Simplicity

Though there are other types like *fukuro* and *nagoya* obi, a half-width obi is the simplest option.
You might associate it with what you wear with a yukata, but it’s perfectly fine to use for casual outings in any season.

Half-width obi don’t require additional items like an obi-age, obi-jime, or obi-makura, making them easy to wear.

If comfort is your priority, polyester obi are a great choice, while silk obi offer a firmer, more traditional feel.

Polyester obi are typically very affordable, often costing just a few thousand yen, even new.
Silk obi, particularly Hakata-weave ones, can be pricey if bought new, but you can find them for less at recycled kimono shops.

4. You Only Need Two Ties

You’ll need at least two ties to hold your kimono in place: one for adjusting the hem length (*koshihimo*), and the other to secure the collar (*munehimo*).
The same type of tie can be used for both.
You can find them for about 600 yen for a pack of three online.

How to Wear a Kimono

Once you have all the necessary items, it's time to actually try wearing a kimono.  
I'll introduce a few easy-to-follow videos for kimono dressing.