How to choose a kimono | Choose a kimono in the color and size that suits you
Wearing kimono involves various customs, and for beginners, it can seem a bit challenging. Many people worry about getting the basic rules and selection right, thinking, “What if I make a mistake and feel embarrassed?”
So, in this article, we will introduce you to the basic rules and selection criteria for those of you who are planning to try kimono rental during your trip to Kyoto!
We have compiled guidelines for selecting colors that match your personal color and body type, so you can choose smoothly without any confusion!
Remember the Basic Kimono “Kaku” Rules
First, it’s helpful to remember the concept of “Kaku” or formality when it comes to kimono. Just as Western clothing has formal and casual attire for different occasions, the same applies to kimono.
Kimono can be categorized into three levels: “Iromuji” (plain-colored kimono), “Komon” (fine-patterned kimono), and “Furisode” (formal long-sleeved kimono), with “Iromuji” being the most casual and “Furisode” the most formal.
To put it simply, the formality of kimono is determined by both the type of kimono fabric and the obi (sash) you wear with it. Dyeing is considered more formal than weaving for kimono fabric, while for obi, woven obi are more formal than dyed obi.
When you bring your kimono to a rental kimono shop to have it dressed for you, it’s helpful to keep these points in mind:
- Kimono Formality (Dyed > Woven): Formal > Semi-formal > Informal > Stylish > Casual
- Obi Formality (Woven > Dyed): Maru Obi > Fukuro Obi > Nagoya Obi > Hanhaba Obi
As the saying goes, “dyed kimono with woven obi, woven kimono with dyed obi,” matching the formality of your kimono with your obi is crucial. Rikawafuku Kimono takes care of this for beginners, so you don’t have to worry!
If you’d like to learn more about obi types, please read here: Types of Kimono Obi: Choosing for Different Occasions
For more information on kimono types, please check here: What to Be Careful About When Renting a Kimono: Types of Kimono!?
Kimono Rental in Kyoto! Tips to Avoid Looking Cheap
As more people are opting for kimono rental in Kyoto, many shops have sprung up. One common concern is, “How can I avoid looking cheap?”
It’s true that because rental kimonos are not as expensive as those costing millions of yen, they can sometimes appear less luxurious. However, there’s a tip that can help:
Don’t skimp on the options!
Kimono rental shops often offer various options, such as including a hairstyling set or a stylish bag. These options are usually quite affordable, so adding several of them can elevate your overall look and prevent it from looking cheap and unimpressive!
Give it a try!
What Colors Are Ideal for Kimono Rental in Kyoto?
In Kyoto, you’ll see people renting kimonos in various colors. Recently, retro patterns have become popular, so there’s a broader range of subdued colors available. However, don’t simply follow the trend, as it might lead to situations like “It doesn’t suit me at all…” or “It’s different from what I expected!”
What becomes crucial here is knowing your personal color palette. You can find out your personal colors online, as it’s a simple process of answering questions. Give it a try!
Choosing Colors for Spring Types
For those with a Spring color palette, vibrant and diverse colors like orange, red, yellow, and green tones work well. These fresh and colorful shades create a lively and bright impression, making them suitable for Spring types.
Specifically, colors like “rapeseed yellow, beige, turquoise blue, deep scarlet, fresh green, and salmon pink” are recommended. Even if these colors are not your usual choices, they can be surprisingly flattering, so take this opportunity to try something new!
Choosing Colors for Summer Types
Summer types look best in elegant and soft colors that create a pure and gentle impression. Pastel shades complement their appearance beautifully. Specific colors for Summer types include “rose pink, light crimson, mint green, pale blue with a hint of gray, lavender, cream white, and bright navy.” Matching small accessories like obi decorations and collar linings in similar colors can create a harmonious and gentle impression. However, if you prefer a more polished look, you can use contrasting colors in your accessories to add a refreshing touch.
Choosing Colors for Autumn Types
Specific examples of suitable colors for this type include “carrot orange, burnt sienna, wine red, matcha green, moss green, olive, ochre, mustard yellow, brick red, and dark brown.” These colors are a great match for those who suit the retro patterns currently popular in Kyoto.
Choosing Colors for Winter Types
Winter types look fantastic in deep and vivid colors. They can effortlessly pull off bold and bright hues, making them a perfect fit for the modern patterns commonly offered for kimono rentals in Kyoto.
Whether it’s classic black and white or a colorful Kyoto yuzen design, they can create a striking and unique look. Other recommended colors include “strawberry, red, burgundy, royal blue, turquoise, navy, lemon yellow, deep navy, indigo blue, and camellia.”
Flattering Colors for Slim Figures
In addition to personal color preferences, selecting colors that flatter your body shape is essential. Slim figures look great in expanding colors, such as white, red, orange, and yellow warm tones.
Besides the hue, brightness plays a crucial role. For example, pink kimonos have higher brightness compared to red ones, resulting in a softer overall impression, making them a good choice!
Recommended Colors for Fuller Figures
On the other hand, fuller figures are best complemented by cool colors such as blue, purple, navy, and green. These contracting colors create a more streamlined and polished look. Like slim figures, brightness matters, so opting for darker shades like navy can be a great choice.
Additionally, classic black, with its low brightness, is a staple among contracting colors. It pairs well with other colors for accessories and is a safe choice if you’re unsure.
What Kind of Design is Best for Kimono Rental in Kyoto?
- Design: Modern and Traditional Patterns
- Key Point: Choose a pattern size that matches your height
When selecting a rental kimono, the “design” is just as important as the color.
In broad terms, there are two categories: modern patterns and traditional patterns. However, you can choose any pattern that you personally like. Currently, retro patterns are in style, so you can consider those as well.
If you want a design that suits you better, pay attention to the “size of the pattern” that matches your height.
For the average-height woman, any pattern will work, which is an advantage. However, shorter or taller women can choose the perfect design by being aware of a few key points. Let’s take a closer look.
For Those Who Want to Rent Modern Kimono in Kyoto｜Modern Kimono Coordination Examples and Tips
Designs for Short Women
Short women look great in smaller patterns. Designs with small flowers, for example, can enhance a petite and cute image, so they are highly recommended.
If you prefer larger patterns, opt for a kimono with a lower overall pattern density.
Choosing a design where the base color is partially visible can also help shorter women look neat and elegant!
Additionally, kimono with diagonal patterns can be a great choice. Patterns flowing diagonally create a sense of elongation, even for shorter women, giving them a beautiful and slender appearance!
Designs for Tall Women
Next, what suits tall women are larger patterns. Tall women have the advantage of being able to stylishly carry off sharp and mature-looking rental kimonos.
Conversely, small or sparsely patterned rental kimonos can create an overall somewhat empty impression for tall women, so we recommend richly designed patterns that cover the kimono.
The trendy retro patterns adorned with large flowers are sure to be a perfect fit as well!
Rent the Perfect Kimono for Yourself in Kyoto!
At Kimono Rental Kyoto, various colors and designs are available, so it can be overwhelming to decide which one to choose at first.
However, by knowing your personal color preferences, you can select the perfect design for you.
Additionally, by choosing the pattern size that matches your height, you can enhance your overall look even further.
With over 200 kimono options available at Rikawafuku Kimono Rental Kyoto, you’ll definitely find a design that suits you!
Exploring the streets of Kyoto, with its preserved traditional atmosphere, in a kimono you’ve chosen yourself is sure to be an enjoyable experience. Check out Rikawafuku Kimono’s blog for recommended spots in Kyoto to make the most of your visit.
Author of this article
Kyoto Kimono Rental Rikawafuku 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 Rikawafuku
Kimono Rental Rikawafuku Gion Store
Kimono Rental Rikawafuku Arashiyama Store
Kimono Rental Rikawafuku Kiyomizu Temple Store
Kimono Rental Rikawafuku Kyoto Station Front Store
