[Kyoto] It’s okay to rent a kimono! Tips on how to wear a kimono

Have you ever thought about trying on a rental kimono after seeing it often featured in travel magazines and on television when introducing Kyoto? However, wearing a kimono is not something one does regularly, so there may be many things you don’t know about it.

In this article, we will provide you with basic information about kimonos and tips on how to wear them, making it possible for first-time renters to look cute in them. Let’s get started!

1. Types and Features of Rental Kimonos

First, there are various colors and patterns of kimonos. There are colorful and vibrant designs, including traditional classical patterns and modern colorful ones. On the other hand, retro-style kimonos often have simple designs and more subdued color combinations.

While they may initially seem plain, kimonos can become incredibly cute with the right styling and accessories.

Although there is a wide variety of kimono colors and patterns, some people may have the impression that it’s challenging to wear one alone, especially if you’ve never learned how. Unlike Western clothing, kimonos primarily consist of the kimono itself and the obi (sash) combination, so coordinating may appear straightforward. However, it can be quite intricate.

It’s essential to wear it skillfully to look beautiful. Recently, many women have been adding their unique touches and wearing kimonos in cute and fashionable ways.

Tips for Wearing Kimono

Wearing traditional Japanese clothing like kimono can seem complicated due to customs and etiquette, but with just a few simple tips, you can look adorable, especially when renting kimonos in Kyoto. Here, we’ll introduce three basic tips that anyone can use to effortlessly master the art of kimono wearing.

First and foremost, let’s forget about the complexities and enjoy fashion with the ease of Western clothing.

Coordinate with Similar or Complementary Colors

When choosing a rental kimono, you can generally pick one in your favorite color or pattern. However, it’s useful to understand similar and complementary colors.

Starting with similar colors, this means coordinating the kimono, obi (sash), and accessories with colors that are in the same family. Matching the color of the kimono pattern with the obi creates a harmonious look. To add depth, you can introduce contrasting colors as accents through the obi sash or accessories.

On the other hand, complementary color coordination involves pairing contrasting colors between the kimono and the obi or accessories. For example, combining a warm-colored kimono with a cool-colored obi. This creates a unique and eye-catching style!

Follow the Trends

While traditional Japanese attire like kimonos may not seem subject to fashion trends, they actually are.

When kimono rental became popular in Kyoto, colorful and modern designs were all the rage. However, recently, more subdued retro patterns have also gained popularity.

Although retro patterns may initially seem plain, they can look adorable when worn by young women. With the right styling, you can even make them appear glamorous.

By staying on-trend, you can easily enhance your style and look cute, so it’s highly recommended!

Accessorize for a Unique Look

As for the key to successfully wearing a rental kimono, accessories play a crucial role. You can differentiate yourself by adding unique touches through accessories. When it comes to Japanese-style accessories, floral hair ornaments are quite popular.

While flower hairpieces that match your kimono are common, adding hair accessories similar to what you use in your daily hairstyles can also look charming. Additionally, wearing berets or cancan hats as headwear is recommended.

Matching your bag with the hat or replacing traditional geta sandals with boots or pumps can add a fashionable twist to your outfit.

Lace items go well with trendy retro patterns, so lace collars, obi decorations, and inner garments can make your coordination incredibly cute!

Since berets, boots, and lace accessories are easy for beginners to incorporate, be sure to try accessorizing with your favorite items!

Is It Possible to Wear Boots with Furisode? Tips

Wearing a furisode (long-sleeved kimono) is slightly different from regular kimono dressing.

One specific point is wearing boots with furisode.

In conclusion, it’s not entirely impossible.

Most people tend to confuse “hakama and boots” with “furisode and boots.”

While wearing boots with hakama is acceptable, it’s often said that wearing boots with furisode is “unthinkable.”

However, fashion is a matter of personal style, so in the author’s opinion, wearing boots with furisode is not entirely out of the question.

Recommended Points for Kimono Rental

Kimono Rental in Kyoto offers a complete set, so you can easily wear it even if you come empty-handed, which is one of its attractions.

Furthermore, the prices are reasonable, so you can definitely change the perception that “it seems expensive” or “the threshold is high.” There are also other recommended points for kimono rental, so let’s take a closer look!

Price Range for Kimono Rental in Kyoto: Starting from ¥1,980 | Details on Pricing for Each Plan

A Wide Range of Trendy Kimonos

Matching trends is essential to wear kimono well, but if you try to buy everything yourself, it can add up to a considerable amount of money.

Moreover, it’s a shame if you’ve bought something and then realize “it’s no longer in style and I can’t wear it anymore…”

In this regard, with kimono rental, the store handles everything, so you don’t have to worry about storage space. They continuously offer designs that incorporate the latest trends, allowing you to wear popular designs early!

Rikawafuku Kimono Rental in Kyoto has over 300 different kimonos available, including popular retro patterns. You’re guaranteed to find your favorite. With such a wide selection, you might feel overwhelmed, but don’t worry; obi belts that match the kimono are prepared in advance, and stylists will provide advice to ensure a worry-free experience!

Professional Assistance with Challenging Dressing and Hairstyling

Wearing kimono by yourself can be challenging, so there’s rarely an opportunity to wear it at home. However, with rental, professional kimono dressers will beautifully dress you, so you don’t need to worry about not being able to wear it on your own.

Furthermore, if you choose a plan with hairstyling included, you can have your hair styled to match the kimono. You can even have complicated updos or braids that you might find difficult to do yourself, beautifully arranged for you!

Rikawafuku Kimono Rental has obtained the necessary licenses for beauty services, so you can enjoy an environment on par with a hair salon. The kimono is comfortable to wear for a long time without causing discomfort or disarray, making it perfect for those who want to explore Kyoto on foot.♪

Rikawafuku Kimono Rental Offers a Wide Range of Accessories

Accessories play a crucial role in setting you apart and expressing your individuality. At Rikawafuku Kimono Rental, they have a wide range of accessory options, so you don’t have to bring your own.

They offer the essential items needed to enhance your look, including the classic hair ornaments, obi accessories, tulle, lace items, bags, and han’eri (decorative collar pieces). If you choose a plan with hairstyling included, you’ll also get complimentary hair ornaments, which is a nice bonus.

While Rikawafuku Kimono Rental provides a variety of accessories, you’re also welcome to bring your own if you have some personal favorites. This allows you to create a unique and personalized outfit. You can find photos of customers who have rented kimonos on Rikawafuku Kimono Rental’s blog, providing inspiration for accessorizing your kimono!

Wear Rental Kimono and Look Cute!

Kimono is generally seen as something with a high barrier to entry, but with rental options, anyone can easily enjoy the cute kimono style. Even if you feel like “I don’t know how to coordinate,” once you learn the basics, it’s simple to pull off.

Furthermore, if you worry about “it’s challenging to put on by myself,” there’s no need to worry with kimono rental. Professional kimono dressers will assist you, and if you opt for the hairstyling plan, they will quickly create the perfect hairstyle to match your kimono. All you have to do is relax and wait!

Rikawafuku Kimono Rental in Kyoto has carefully selected over 300 different kimonos at each of its locations, ensuring that you’ll find your favorite one. Even if you’re unsure about how to wear it, the staff will gladly assist and provide guidance, so you can feel at ease.

Stroll through Kyoto in a kimono design you adore, and your mood will soar. Approach your first rental experience with a relaxed and carefree attitude, and create wonderful memories of Kyoto tourism. Let’s aim to be the cutest and make the most of your Kyoto sightseeing adventures!