Men Must See!How to Choose a Kimono in Kyoto!

Among men considering kimono rental in Kyoto, there may be more resistance towards wearing kimono compared to women.

In Kyoto, there are many men and couples who rent kimono, so it’s not as embarrassing as you might think!

In this article, we will provide information on how to choose and wear kimono for men in Kyoto.

1. Men, Embrace Kimono

When it comes to kimono rentals, it seems that there is more resistance among men compared to women.

However, wearing men’s kimono is not as difficult as many men may think, and it’s actually much easier than for women.

If you plan to explore as a couple or with your spouse, the Kyoto Kimono Couple Plan is highly recommended.

Seeing yourself in a kimono, a sight rarely seen on men, can make both your partner and yourself fall in love with your appearance.

Kimono exudes masculinity and dignity, making it even more attractive, so why not raise your manliness to the next level on your next date with a kimono rental?

In this article, we will introduce tips on how to choose and wear kimono for men.

Material

Men’s kimono, compared to women’s, tend to have fewer variations in color and patterns.

That’s why you should focus on the material.

The material of the kimono can change its atmosphere, making it one of the charms of men’s kimono.

Here are some recommended representative materials for everyday wear:

・ Tsumugi (a type of silk textile): Represents casual kimono. It exudes a sense of luxury suitable for parties or practice.

・ Cotton: This material is also used for T-shirts, so it is comfortable to wear and easy on the skin.

・ Wool: Recommended for autumn and winter as it is warm. When combined with a turtleneck underneath, it looks advanced.

・ Hemp: Hemp material is perfect for summer, giving a refreshing impression.

・ Polyester: It’s easy to wash and store, making it easy to handle.

You can also choose materials based on the season or match the atmosphere of your partner’s kimono if you’re renting as a couple.

Length

Just like with Western clothing, the size is essential for a simple look.

Kimono sizes are sometimes labeled as S, M, etc., but if you’re not sure, you can refer to the “Mi-jak” (身丈), which is the vertical length from the shoulder to the hem.

Generally, a good rule of thumb is for the Mi-jak to be “30 centimeters less than your height.” Additionally, it should be long enough to hide your ankles when the obi is tied.

Since men wear kimono without adjusting the length like women, it’s crucial to choose the right size carefully.

Rikawafuku Kimono Kyoto also offers Kyoto Kimono Men’s Plan for men’s kimono rental.

Tips for Stylish Kimono Wearing (Collar, Obi Placement, etc.)

Obi Placement

I want to emphasize this to all men: please tie your obi (sash) as low as possible!

Collar

Collars are worn differently for men compared to women.

While women leave space for their nape and let the back show, men wear the collar along their neck like Western clothing.

When viewed from the side, women have curves in their collars and obi, while men have straight lines.

While it’s stylish for men to wear the upper part of the kimono a bit loose after tying the obi, having the collar sagging open at the back is unattractive, so be careful.

Posture

To look stylish in a kimono, there’s something important besides wearing your favorite kimono properly, and that’s your posture.

Regardless of how beautiful your kimono is, bad posture can ruin your appearance.

First and foremost, make sure to keep your back straight.

By doing that, even if you’re not used to wearing a kimono, you can exude an air of dignity.

When it comes to walking, imagine walking slowly as if you were wearing beach sandals instead of shoes, which can help reduce fatigue.

If you can’t picture the right posture or walking style, watching samurai characters from period dramas can be a helpful reference.

How to Deal with Kimono Displacement

Kimono

The area most prone to displacement when walking or using the restroom is the lower part, especially for men.

Men often have scenes where they spread their legs, making this area more susceptible to displacement than women.

Specifically, the kimono can spread open from the overlapping part, revealing the legs prominently on both sides.

In such cases, the obi tends to ride up, and the upper part of the kimono can become loose.

◆Solution◆

Starting from the chest, insert your right hand, grab the lower part (the part closer to your skin) of the collar, and pull it to the left. Extend your hand and pull the upper part (the part visible from the front) of the kimono to the right.

It’s tempting to pull upwards, but remember to pull horizontally.

For any adjustments, try to do them in a place where it won’t attract too much attention.

Obi

While I mentioned that “wearing the obi lower is stylish,” when you’re out sightseeing and walking around, the obi tends to ride up.

When the obi rides up, it not only looks unattractive but can also be the cause of kimono displacement, so remember to occasionally check its position.

◆Solution◆

If you feel like your obi is riding up, simply use both hands to pull it back down to its original position.

Insert your thumb on the inside of the obi and use the other hand to hold it in place to prevent it from losing its shape. This makes it easier to adjust.

With kimono rentals, if your obi comes undone or you encounter a situation you can’t handle on your own, don’t worry because the shop can assist you.

What Services Does Rikawafuku Kimono Couple Plan Offer for Men?

For couples renting kimonos from Rikawafuku Kimono, what services are available for men?

One notable difference is that there is no hairstyling service for men.

It’s important to mention that hairstyling services for men are generally not provided by most kimono rental shops, including Rikawafuku Kimono.

Furthermore, there are no optional hairstyling services available specifically for men, so it’s not possible to create elaborate hairstyles as part of the kimono experience.

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