How to Choose a Kimono That Suits You: Tips to Consider When Renting a Kimono in Kyoto!
Choosing the Perfect Kimono
Welcome
If you’re planning to rent a kimono in Kyoto, you’ll want to choose the one that suits you best.
However, if you’re new to kimono rental, you might have many questions like, “I don’t know much about traditional Japanese clothing,” or “Aren’t all kimonos the same?” In this article, we will introduce you to how to select patterns, colors, and styles based on your basic personal color, while incorporating the essence of Kyoto. First, let’s briefly introduce the differences between Kanto and Kansai when it comes to kimono and obi (sash). In Kanto, there has always been a preference for “stylish and sharp” designs, with Edo komon being a popular pattern. On the other hand, Kansai has favored “elegant and graceful” designs. As seen in traditional Kyoto yuzen, they often choose colorful and vibrant patterns. Furthermore, there are differences in how obi are tied, with the terms “Kanto-maki” and “Kansai-maki” indicating the differences. In Kanto, the obi is wrapped from right to left (counterclockwise) around the body, whereas in Kansai, it’s wrapped from left to right (clockwise). However, it’s not always determined by one’s region, as in modern times, both Kanto-maki and Kansai-maki are used regardless of location. It depends on the design you want to showcase, so you don’t have to worry too much about it when you rent a kimono in Kyoto. While renting a kimono in Kyoto, it can be fun to watch how the obi is tied and wonder, “Which way are they going to wrap it?” Once you understand the differences between Kanto and Kansai kimono and obi, you’ll likely want to create a Kyoto-style outfit if you’re renting in Kyoto. By focusing on elegance, vibrant colors, and Kansai-maki, you can choose a kimono that captures the essence of Kyoto.Understanding Kimono Selection
Differences Between Kanto and Kansai
What to Consider When Renting a Kimono in Kyoto
Recommended Kimono and Obi for Spring Types
If you have a warm-toned Spring complexion, we recommend kimono with a cute and youthful spring-like vibe. This type looks great in bright, cheerful colors such as red, orange, yellow, and green.
For example, pairing a coral pink kimono with a yellow obi and using a complementary yellow-green accent on accessories like the obi-age (obi scarf) can create a cute and flowery impression, just like the blossoms of spring! Other recommended colors for Spring types include “rapeseed yellow, turquoise blue, vermillion, fresh green, and beige.”
Even if these colors aren’t usually your go-to choices, they’ll perfectly complement your complexion, so take this opportunity to try something new and create a fresh look!
Recommended Kimono and Obi for Summer Types
If you have a cool-toned Summer complexion, we recommend kimono that exudes elegance and softness. Pastel colors are particularly flattering for Summer types.
Although summer is associated with vibrant and energetic vibes, this type suits a more “refined and demure” style of outfit.
For your outfit, you can go for a baby pink kimono with an off-white obi featuring a matching pattern. Coordinating your accessories, such as obi ties, in the same color scheme will create an elegant and cute impression. If you want to add a bit more flair, consider using a silver obi or one with a design that includes glitter. Adding accent colors with accessories can also create a more polished look.
Other recommended colors for Summer types include “off-white, rose pink, vermillion, sky blue, light blue-gray, mint, aqua, lavender, and bright navy.”
Recommended Kimono and Obi for Autumn Types
If you have a warm-toned Autumn complexion, we recommend kimono that exude maturity and sophistication with a touch of elegance. Rich, deep colors reminiscent of autumn foliage suit you perfectly.
Colors like yamabuki (Japanese rose), khaki, brown, and other Autumn colors are elegant, calming, and bring out the warmth in your complexion. You might think, “Won’t these autumn colors make me look plain?” However, by choosing a Kyoto-style colorful kimono with bold, colorful patterns against a backdrop of autumn-inspired colors, you can instantly add vibrancy to your outfit. Try adding complementary colors to your obi and accessories to create a unique look!
Other recommended colors for Autumn types include “tomato red, mustard, carrot orange, kasuri (brownish red), brown, brick, olive, matcha green, and moss green.”
Recommended Kimono and Obi for Winter Types
If you have a cool-toned Winter complexion, we recommend bold and sharp kimono with deep and clear colors. You can also opt for modern Japanese-style or unique and cool kimono designs.
Winter types have the ability to carry off bold and vibrant kimono or obi with ease. When choosing the color of your kimono, go for vivid and clear shades.
Monochrome colors like white and black also suit Winter types very well. If you come across a retro-modern kimono, don’t hesitate to try it out. You might be concerned that going monochrome will make the outfit look plain, but you can maintain the Kyoto-style colorful pattern and make your outfit bold and impactful.
For example, even with a monochrome striped pattern, choosing one with colorful and large patterns can instantly add vibrancy to your look. You can also enhance your individuality by selecting obi with patterns. So don’t hesitate to experiment!
Other recommended colors for Winter types include “shocking pink, red, turquoise, navy, burgundy, royal blue, lemon yellow, lapis lazuli, dark navy, and tsutsuji (azalea) pink.”
How to Choose Kimono and Obi for Black Hair
Next, let’s discuss how to choose kimono and obi based on your hair color. Japanese people are known for their black hair, and the advantage is that almost any color suits them.
While you may initially think that wearing bright red or white can create a heavy impression, these bold colors will make your black hair stand out beautifully!
Furthermore, using a deep red hair accessory can enhance your natural Japanese beauty. Even for students with untreated, healthy black hair, wearing a kimono is a wonderful choice when celebrating special occasions such as graduation.
How to Choose Kimono and Obi for Dark Hair
Similar to black hair, dark hair that has been dyed with colors like Illumina or shades of dark brown can complement various kimono and obi.
If you have brown hair, you can still create a cute and retro look with Autumn colors, which may initially seem understated. Dark hair pairs well with red tones, and if you have a dark ash brown, lighter shades of yellow or green work particularly well. Coordinating your hair accessories with similar colors will result in a beautiful overall look.
Even among those with dark hair, dark brown is a versatile color. If you want to try different looks like those of other personal color types, consider changing your hair color. With makeup, you can also adjust your skin tone, making it an ideal choice for those who want to select their preferred colors!
How to Choose Kimono for Light-Colored Hair
Some people may think, “Light hair doesn’t go well with traditional Japanese clothing,” but that’s not true at all. In recent years, many people, including foreign visitors to Kyoto, have been renting kimonos and looking adorable even with blonde hair.
In Japan, foreign-inspired hair colors are trendy, and many people opt for high-tone hair. Hair colors like grayish beige or milk tea brown, which brighten the hair, work well with bold and intense colors found in modern Japanese-style kimonos and obis. Even with kimono and obi styles that tend to be heavy, having bright hair can create a balanced look!
If you have pink-beige hair, selecting kimono and obi in the same color scheme can create a very cute outfit. With patterns and accessories, you can make it elegant or incredibly cute. So, have fun selecting various options with your friends or staff assistance!
Are Kimono Rental Shops in Kyoto Outdated?
Wondering if kimono rental shops in Kyoto are outdated despite learning about kimono colors and styles?
The answer is no, they are not outdated.
While there may not be kimonos that cost hundreds of thousands or millions of yen, as mentioned in this article, there is a wide variety of colors and styles available. You can certainly create a wonderful and stylish outfit!
Author of this article
Kyoto Kimono Rental Rika Wafuku operates four kimono rental shops in Kyoto city, including locations in Arashiyama, Gion, Kiyomizu Temple, and in front of Kyoto Station. In 2023, they served over 230,000 customers in the Kyoto area!
They offer affordable plans, with a kimono dressing plan starting from 3,500 yen, and a hair setting plan from 5,500 yen.
Close to popular tourist spots such as Togetsukyo Bridge, Kiyomizu Temple, Yasaka Koshindo, and Yasaka Shrine!
Kyoto Kimono Rental Rika Wafuku
Kimono Rental Rika Wafuku Gion Store
Kimono Rental Rika Wafuku Arashiyama Store
Kimono Rental Rika Wafuku Kiyomizu Temple Store
Kimono Rental Rika Wafuku Kyoto Station Front Store
