Stay Stylish in the Rain: Best Umbrellas to Match Your Kimono (For Working Women)

Many people may think, “I should avoid wearing a kimono on rainy days to prevent it from getting dirty.” However, there are stylish choices you can make specifically for rainy days, and that’s with umbrellas. While there are sun umbrellas, umbrellas are exclusively designed for rainy days, making them the epitome of “rainy day style.”

Let’s explore the world of “rainy day style” and discover recommended umbrellas that go perfectly with kimonos, along with some umbrella selection tips.

How to Choose an Umbrella that Matches a Kimono?

Before we introduce recommended umbrellas that go well with kimonos, let’s first explore how to choose the right umbrella. Finding an umbrella that suits you involves checking the following aspects: ‘Material,’ ‘Size,’ ‘Frame Structure,’ and ‘Design.’

First, Check the Material

When selecting an umbrella, the first thing to consider is the material. Each material has its own characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages, which can affect the umbrella’s performance.

For example, ‘Polyester’ offers excellent water repellency and color retention but is susceptible to color transfer. On the other hand, ‘Silk’ provides a luxurious appearance but requires more maintenance.

Understanding the pros and cons of each material will help you choose the one that suits your needs.

Next, Verify the Size

Umbrellas are meant to shield you from the rain, so it’s essential to choose one that completely covers your body. Ideally, the umbrella should be large enough to fully protect you from rain. If possible, open the umbrella and ensure it provides sufficient coverage for your body.

However, bigger isn’t always better when it comes to umbrellas. An excessively large umbrella can be heavy and cumbersome to carry, and it may obstruct others around you. Choose an umbrella size and weight that suits your comfort and practicality.

Frame Structure

The frame structure of an umbrella significantly impacts its durability. In general, umbrellas with more ribs tend to be sturdier and provide a better match with kimonos. If possible, opt for umbrellas with ’16 ribs’ or ’24 ribs’ for a seamless blend with your kimono.

For Western-style umbrellas, some are made with a ‘carbon’ frame structure, providing enhanced strength. If you prioritize durability, consider such umbrellas.

Design

While we’ve discussed various aspects of umbrella selection, the most crucial element when choosing an umbrella is undoubtedly its ‘design.’ If you don’t like the design, even the best umbrella may not feel quite right.

When pairing with a kimono, it’s advisable to choose plain patterns over intricate designs, darker shades over bright ones, and umbrellas with wooden or bamboo handles. This selection will make it easier to match your kimono.

Alternatively, you can opt for a retro look by combining it with Western-style or lace umbrellas, creating a Taisho-era romantic atmosphere.

Traditional Japanese Umbrellas: A Perfect Match for Kimonos

Now that you understand how to choose an umbrella, let’s move on to introducing recommended umbrellas. When it comes to umbrellas that complement kimonos, the first thing that comes to mind is ‘traditional Japanese umbrellas.’ Traditional Japanese umbrellas have been a cherished item in Japan alongside kimonos for centuries, so there’s no doubt they go well together.

While traditional Japanese umbrellas may be a bit more expensive compared to Western-style umbrellas, they are stylish and match perfectly with kimonos. Having one can be quite handy.

Below, we introduce some recommended traditional Japanese umbrellas. If you find one you like, be sure to pair it with your kimono.

Tsujikura’s Traditional Japanese Umbrellas

If you’re looking for a traditional Japanese umbrella with impeccable authenticity, we recommend Tsujikura, a long-established shop in Kyoto. Tsujikura is a well-known name in Kyoto, synonymous with traditional Japanese umbrellas. Their umbrellas feature over 300 years of tradition, offering exceptional quality and pure Japanese traditional beauty.

While these traditional umbrellas come at a price, they are within reach for working professionals. If you desire a genuine traditional Japanese umbrella, Tsujikura is the way to go.

Hokusai Graphic Paper Umbrellas

Hokusai Graphic specializes in Japanese-style umbrellas and rain gear, combining traditional Japanese elements with modern designs. They offer a range of innovative designs, from traditional Japanese umbrellas to those incorporating Western-style patterns or flamboyant motifs inspired by kabuki.

If you’re looking for something different from the traditional, something unique that you won’t find elsewhere, Hokusai Graphic’s umbrellas are perfect for you.

Design and Functionality in Harmony: Western-Style Umbrellas that Complement Kimonos

For those who feel that pairing kimonos with traditional Japanese umbrellas is too conventional, consider matching your kimono with a ‘Western-style umbrella.’ You might wonder, “Do kimonos go well with Western-style umbrellas?” Surprisingly, they do.

Western-style umbrellas are lightweight, easy to handle, and offer excellent water resistance. They are also low-maintenance, making them suitable for everyday use.

Below, we introduce some recommended Western-style umbrellas. Feel free to use them as a reference.

Santos’ 24-Rib Umbrella

When it comes to Western-style umbrellas that pair well with kimonos, the first recommendation is Santos’ checkerboard-patterned umbrella. While the name may not be familiar, a glance at the product images will likely make many people exclaim, “Ah, I know that one!”

This umbrella’s distinctive features include its ’24 ribs,’ replicating the characteristics of traditional Japanese umbrellas, and a combination of black and dark colors that exudes a Japanese-style ambiance.

As a result, it seamlessly matches kimonos, and its structural strength, thanks to the numerous ribs, ensures durability. The price is also reasonable, making it a highly recommended choice for an everyday umbrella.

Kyomisaki’s ‘Pattern Emerges When Wet’ Umbrella

Next, we recommend the “Kyomisaki” brand’s snake-eye pattern umbrella from All K. In terms of appearance, it shares similar characteristics with the “Santos umbrella” mentioned above, such as having “24 ribs,” “black and dark color scheme,” and a “wooden handle,” capturing a traditional Japanese design. However, the standout feature of this umbrella is its ability to reveal a pattern when it gets wet.

This umbrella has a special water-repellent treatment, causing cherry blossom patterns to appear all over when it comes into contact with water. It’s not only stylish but also incredibly sophisticated.

The price is reasonable, and based on reviews, it appears to be durable, satisfying many customers. If you want to add a touch of elegance and stand out from the crowd, this umbrella is highly recommended.

Hokusai Graphic Japanese-Style Umbrellas

At “Hokusai Graphic,” they not only offer Japanese-style umbrellas but also Western-style ones. As a specialized store for Japanese-style rain gear, they have a wide range of umbrellas that complement kimonos perfectly.

For example, even among umbrellas with “24 ribs,” you’ll find innovative designs here that incorporate large-scale traditional patterns, maintaining a Japanese aesthetic while adding a fresh, modern touch. They also offer regular Western-style umbrellas adorned with retro or Japanese-style illustrations, evoking a Taisho-era romantic atmosphere.

Perhaps there are very few stores that offer umbrellas that complement kimonos as comprehensively as this one does. If you’re in search of an umbrella that complements your kimono, we highly recommend checking them out.

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
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