3 tips for coordinating your kimono when renting a kimono in Kyoto
If you want to wear a kimono and explore the traditional Japanese culture in Kyoto, kimono rental is highly recommended.
However, when you decide to rent a kimono, many people may feel overwhelmed about which kimono and obi (kimono belt) combination to choose and how to coordinate the entire kimono outfit.
It can be challenging to make a decision since all rental kimonos are cute, and the rules of wearing a kimono might not be familiar to everyone.
In this article, we will provide you with tips on coordinating your kimono outfit when renting one.
For information on coordinating accessories, you can check out this link: 10 Cute Accessories Perfect for Kyoto Kimono Rental
For other techniques like choosing obi (kimono belt) and makeup, you can refer to this link: 10 Tips to Look Cute When Renting a Kimono in Kyoto
Tips for Coordinating a Kimono Rental Outfit
Consider the Harmony with Kyoto’s Tourist Spots
Similar to considering the appropriateness of your kimono for the occasion, you should also think about the overall atmosphere.
Choosing a vibrant and casual kimono with a lively pattern for a serene location might make you stand out in a way that doesn’t fit the surroundings.
While your chosen kimono coordination may be cute, selecting a kimono that matches the ambiance of your destination can help you blend in beautifully like a piece of art.
Try Searching for Kimono Rental Inspiration on Instagram
If you have no idea where to start, consider searching for kimono rental inspiration on Instagram. As mentioned in point 2, you’ll find fantastic kimono coordinations that seamlessly blend in with various settings.
Pay attention to accessories and hairstyles while browsing. Having an overall idea of your coordination can make it easier to choose a kimono.
During your kimono rental, try to find similar kimonos and accessories to recreate the look.
Starting with Your Favorite Kimono Color
Consider starting by choosing your favorite color and looking at kimonos in that color. Since there are many rental kimonos available, narrowing down by color may help you find patterns that suit your preferences.
Create an overall image using that color and then search for obi (kimono belt) and accessories to complement your coordination. This approach can make the coordination process easier.
Decide on a Theme for Your Kimono Coordination
Now, let’s move on to something a bit more advanced. Try deciding on a theme for your coordination.
For example, “a gracefully dressed kimono beauty strolling through Gion” or “channeling a retro girl or a madam at an old-established cafe.”
Choosing a theme and coordinating with friends for a twin look or with your partner for a couple’s look can be a fun experience.
Above All, Choose a Kimono You Love!
While I’ve shared various tips, the most important thing is to choose what resonates with you and what you love. There’s no need to hesitate.
Unlike Western clothing, kimono clearly indicates whether it suits you or not.
However, if you wear what you love with enthusiasm, you’ll surely create a coordination that suits you perfectly.
How was it?
Kimono offers a wide range of styling possibilities, but with a few tips and the passion to wear what you love, you’ll be just fine.
Now, let’s move on to “Modern Instagrammable Coordination” for a city stroll, which is easy to imagine, and the highly popular “Antique Taisho Romance Coordination.”
Enjoy Kimono Freely with a Modern Instagrammable Coordination
First, let me introduce how to create a modern Instagrammable coordination. Since it’s for a casual city stroll, you can approach it just like coordinating Western clothing.
Half-width Obi Perfect for City Strolls
Since it’s all about being Instagrammable, consider selecting a few locations where you want to take photos. You can think of “Instagrammable” as “Insta-worthy,” too.
Now, keep in mind tips 2, “Consider the Harmony with Kyoto’s Tourist Spots,” and 3, “Try Searching for Kimono Rental Inspiration on Instagram,” while planning your kimono rental coordination.
Kyoto offers numerous photogenic locations. Gion is probably the first that comes to mind, followed by the Bamboo Forest Path, Kiyomizu Temple, and more.
Kyoto also has many atmospheric cafes, cute takeout shops with lovely items, and so many options that you might end up feeling overwhelmed with joy.
With so many places to visit and so much food to try, even if you’re renting a kimono, you’ll want to move freely, right?
For that, using a half-width obi is recommended.
A half-width obi is a belt that is only half the width of the obi commonly associated with kimono and is often used for tying an otaiko knot.
It’s easier to handle compared to an otaiko knot, offers plenty of styling options, and is especially suitable for casual occasions.
When renting a kimono, feel free to consult with the staff about wanting to move comfortably with a half-width obi.
How to Choose a Kimono
So, what kind of kimono should you rent?
Since you’ll be pairing it with a half-width obi, opt for something casual, of course.
When it comes to casual kimonos, komon is a representative choice. Komon comes in various patterns, including classic, modern, retro, and pop, so you can surely find one that suits your taste.
Starting with Your Favorite Color Is Also a Good Approach
Choosing based on your favorite color is, of course, a good idea, but also consider the items you’d like to have with you during your city stroll and rent a kimono in a color that complements those items for even better photos.
For example, “JERMY & JEMIMAH” cotton candy is a perfect companion for exploring Kyoto. Pairing a soft-colored kimono with pastel cotton candy will create a fluffy and cute atmosphere in your photos.
On the other hand, a vibrant kimono can also enhance the appeal of both cotton candy and kimono. It’s fun to think about what kind of photos you want to capture.
Matching Your Kimono Rental with Hairstyle and Hair Color
While this is subjective and depends on your preference, if you’re renting a kimono, an updo is recommended, especially if you have long or medium-length hair.
Since it’s a city stroll, an updo allows you to move freely without worrying about your hair being blown around on windy days.
However, it’s best to keep the updo relatively simple rather than elaborate. This is to enhance the rented kimono.
By keeping it simple, you can accentuate both the kimono and hair accessories, as well as cute items you may have with you during your city stroll.
Some people with bright hair colors occasionally worry, “Does this hair color not go well with a kimono?” But there’s no need to worry.
As I mentioned in “Just wear what you like!” section, kimonos have a clear sense of what suits or doesn’t suit you.
As long as the balance is right, you don’t need to be concerned about your hair color.
Regardless of your hair color, there are plenty of kimonos that will suit you, so please give kimono rental a try.
Now, I’ve been writing about modern and photogenic kimono coordination so far, how did you find it?
In the modern age of the internet, it’s very easy to find and share wonderful outfit ideas, which also expands the possibilities for kimono coordination.
Try renting a kimono with a focus on photogenic looks and enjoy a stroll filled with cuteness.
The Most Popular Retro Kimono is Definitely Antique Taisho Roman
Taisho Roman. Have you heard this term before?
This term refers to the culture and arts of the Taisho era, which exude the atmosphere of that time.
It’s characterized by a sophisticated urban glamour with a hint of decadence, and it represents the fusion of Western culture, which had crossed the ocean, with Japanese traditional culture – in other words, a blend of Western and Japanese styles.
Although I described it a bit complicatedly, Taisho Roman kimonos are simply cute! That’s the essence of it.
One of the representative kimono types of Taisho Roman is Meisen (銘仙).
Influenced by foreign Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles, Meisen kimonos feature bold and vivid colors and patterns that are not commonly seen today. They became extremely popular as fashionable everyday wear during that era.
One of the signature patterns for Meisen kimonos is “Yagasuri (矢絣),” which features rows of arrow feathers. When you think of a Taisho-era schoolgirl, you might imagine them wearing “Yagasuri Meisen” and a dark brown hakama (traditional pleated skirt). This outfit was considered the height of fashion among schoolgirls back then.
However, Meisen kimonos are now rarely produced. Over time, Meisen kimonos were replaced by wool and other materials, and even wool kimonos have decreased in popularity due to changes in fashion trends.
But today, antique Meisen kimonos are extremely popular among kimono enthusiasts! This is also true for kimono rentals. Thanks to this trend, there are now many polyester kimonos with Meisen-like patterns available.
The desire to wear cute kimonos, then and now, remains unchanged.
As mentioned in Tip #5, let’s set the theme for this as “Taisho Roman.”
And by considering what you want to do with your Taisho Roman coordinate for kimono rental, it will be easier to finalize your coordination.
Now, how can you achieve an antique Taisho Roman coordinate? Let’s take a closer look.
Start with Bold Patterns on Kimono and Obi!
Go for bold colors and patterns with your kimono. Opt for classic Yagasuri, large floral patterns, or polka dots—choose patterns and colors that captivate you.
Now, what about the obi? Since we’re accustomed to coordinating Western-style outfits, we tend to choose plain obi to balance out a flashy kimono.
However, resist that temptation. Both your obi and kimono can have patterns. If you decide to rent a haori (kimono jacket), go for a patterned one without hesitation. Even your haneri (decorative collar) should be bold, with dyed or embroidered patterns rather than plain ones.
You might be concerned that layering patterns on top of patterns could be too overwhelming, but rest assured, it’s not the case.
Layering patterns on patterns is the essence of Taisho Roman, and oddly enough, it makes kimonos look cute and stylish. Enjoy coordinating in ways you can’t with your regular Western clothes!
Matching Kimono Accessories
The Taisho era saw a growing influence of Western styles in Japanese fashion, as I explained earlier. The fashion trend for schoolgirls, wearing kimono with hakama pants and lace-up boots, exemplified this influence.
So, you might find it surprising, but try pairing boots with your kimono. It adds a schoolgirl charm and is comfortable to walk in. For traditional zori sandals or geta shoes, opt for ones with thicker thongs to enhance the girlish look.
When it comes to bags, consider chain-strap enamel bags or beaded clasp bags. These will enhance the atmosphere. Drawstring pouches are also fine, but patterned ones are recommended in that case too.
For obiage (sash), small ones are cute, but larger, plump ones will give a more authentic look. In other words, for accessories, it’s recommended to mix Japanese and Western elements, and don’t be too subtle with them.
There are plenty of accessories to choose from, so make sure to rent ones you like.
Taisho Roman-Inspired Kimono Hairstyles
While I’ve been emphasizing boldness in many aspects, the hairstyle should be a bit different.
Rather than voluminous curls and updos, a sleek, flattened hairstyle is recommended.
In particular, consider the “Mimi-Kakushi” style, where you wave your hair and cover your ears, preventing them from being visible from the front, and gather the ends at the back of your head in a bob-like fashion. Adding a large ribbon or hairpin can quickly give you the Taisho Roman look.
Alternatively, you can tie up braided hair and wear a beret or add camellia flower accessories for a period-appropriate atmosphere. A retro half-up style with a large ribbon is also cute.
In summary, keep the hairstyle modest and enhance it with eye-catching hair accessories to strike the right balance for the Taisho Roman look.
How was it? I’ve provided tips on choosing rental kimonos and creating modern, photo-ready coordinates, as well as antique Taisho Roman coordinates. I hope you’ve been able to imagine it to some extent.
Remember that kimonos can be coordinated in various ways, not just in modern or Taisho Roman styles. Feel free to create your unique kimono coordinates with Rikawafuku Kimono Rental.
