Introducing the characteristics of people who look good in kimonos, divided by gender! We also explain how to choose and wear a kimono according to your body type and personal color.
Have you ever felt unsure about whether the kimono you chose suits you, thinking, “I picked it somewhat casually, but maybe it doesn’t look good on me…”?
Actually, there are kimonos that can accentuate your beauty based on your body characteristics like height and skin tone.
If you’re going to rent a kimono, you’d want to wear something that suits you and matches your preferences, right?
This time, we will introduce recommendations based on body type and personal color.
Feel free to take a look for reference.
For more articles related to body types, visit here!
＞When Wearing Kimono with a Large Bust – How to Adjust and Key Points for Dressing
＞Explaining 5 Steps of Kimono Dressing Tips for Different Body Types!
*This article was supervised and created by Kyoto Kimono Rental Rikawafuku Kimono, operating 7 stores nationwide.
Choosing a Kimono by Body Type
Body Shape Doesn’t Matter
Unlike Western clothing, kimonos come in one-size-fits-all as they are a single large piece of fabric that is adjusted to fit your body.
Many women may be conscious of their bust size and waist when wearing Western clothing, but kimonos are quite the opposite. Kimono dressing aims to flatten the chest and create a sleek figure without wrinkles in the obi sash.
Even if you have body image concerns, one of the privileges of wearing traditional Japanese clothing is the freedom to choose what you want.
Kimonos That Complement Your Height
While kimonos are available for everyone, there are endless patterns and colors to choose from, even when renting one. Many people express a preference for kimonos that suit them best.
Although anyone can wear a kimono, there are kimonos that “complement” certain individuals more effectively.
Among them, we’ll introduce kimonos recommended for different heights.
Taller Individuals
Kimonos that suit taller individuals are typically characterized by “bold patterns,” “overall patterns,” and “darker colors.”
・Bold Patterns
Tall individuals have the privilege of carrying off kimonos with large, bold patterns like floral designs. Their taller stature and elevated eye level make them perfect for bold patterns. However, be cautious as too much blank space may result in a somewhat lonely impression.
・Overall Patterns
Tall people can fully embrace vivid and intricate overall pattern designs. While wearing overall patterns can be challenging, tall individuals often effortlessly carry them off. We highly recommend you to try these kimonos.
・Clear Colors
With increased visibility of the kimono due to height, light-colored kimonos may give a blurred impression. On the contrary, dark colors like black, navy, deep green, or deep red are highly flattering for tall individuals. Vibrant red and blue also complement their look beautifully.
Shorter Individuals
Kimonos that suit shorter individuals can be broadly categorized into “smaller patterns,” “diagonal designs,” and “light colors.”
・ Smaller patterns
Petite individuals are adept at carrying off small, finely crafted patterns, such as small floral prints. Wearing large patterns may sometimes overpower your frame. However, if you choose patterns with ample white space, you can achieve a balanced look. Feel free to experiment with various options.
・ Diagonal designs
Many kimonos feature patterns designed diagonally, which creates a vertical elongating effect similar to the “I-line” in Western fashion. Even if you’re on the shorter side, you can create an overall slender impression with these designs. When you want a more mature appearance, considering kimonos with diagonal designs is a good idea.
・ Light colors
For petite individuals, light colors allow you to fully showcase your cuteness. Especially pastel pinks and yellows tend to look outstanding on many people. Of course, there are plenty of light-colored kimonos with a more mature style as well, so you don’t need to worry if you prefer something less cute.
If you want to see various kimono combinations, check out Rikawafuku’s Popular Rental Kimono Coordination Ranking.
Choosing a Kimono Based on Personal Color
What Is Personal Color?
Human beings have unique features such as skin tone, eye color, and hair color, even among people of the same nationality or race.
For instance, Japanese people are generally said to have a yellowish undertone to their skin, along with black hair, but there are variations within that as well.
Personal color refers to the shades that make an individual look more beautiful and healthy, taking these characteristics into account.
Methods for Determining Personal Color
Personal color can be quite complex, with numerous combinations, making it difficult to determine without the help of an expert.
So, here’s a simple explanation of the two primary categories that serve as the basis for personal color assessment: “Warm Undertone (Spring)” and “Cool Undertone (Summer/Winter).”
- Warm Undertone (Spring)
- ・ Veins on your wrist appear greenish.
- ・ Whites of your eyes have a soft ivory color.
- ・ Eye color is black or dark brown.
- ・ Minimal redness in your cheeks.
- Cool Undertones (Cool Winter)
- ・Veins visible on the skin have a bluish tint
- ・White of the eyes is pure white or has a bluish tint
- ・Iris color is brown or light brown
- ・Cheeks tend to have a rosy hue
If multiple characteristics apply to you, that’s your type.
Some people might find that both sets of characteristics apply to them. In that case, you can confidently wear both.
You can discover the recommended kimono based on your personal color!
＞Kimono Personal Color Diagnosis
Recommended Kimonos for Warm Undertones (Spring)
Put simply, colors with a strong yellow undertone suit you well.
You excel in warm colors like warm red, orange, and brown. In broader terms, you favor warm colors.
Since this type is quite common among Japanese people, you won’t have trouble choosing colors for your kimono.
Recommended Kimonos for Cool Undertones (Summer/Winter)
Cool undertones individuals, known as “Cool Winter,” look great in colors with a strong bluish undertone.
You excel in crisp, bluish-reds, pinks, and greens, primarily favoring cool color palettes.
Many of you can pull off vibrant colors, so don’t hesitate to elegantly wear bold, bluish shades like shocking pink and purple.
Conclusion
If you’re unsure about how to choose a kimono that suits you when renting one, consider the guidelines we’ve provided based on your height and personal color preferences.
However, these are just rough guidelines. One of the intriguing aspects of kimonos is that even designs that initially seem “not suitable for me” can be made to look wonderful through accessories and dressing techniques.
Start by finding your favorites and let’s discover how to wear them in a way that suits you even better!
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
