How to Use the Bathroom in a Furisode or Kimono: A Gentle Guide to Managing Your Sleeves and Hem
Using the bathroom in a furisode or kimono isn't scary once you know the steps. Here's a gentle guide to sleeves, hem order, and avoiding kizukure.
Kimono Basics
What Is Kimono Tailoring? A Gentle Guide to How a Bolt of Cloth Becomes a Finished Kimono
A clear guide to kimono tailoring, from steaming and cutting to sewing, plus the basics of measurements, hand-sewing vs. machine, and re-tailoring.
How Long Can You Wear Hitoe? The Rules of Koromogae and the Role of Ishikiate in Year-Round Hitoe
Wondering how long you can wear hitoe kimono? A gentle guide to the traditional koromogae calendar, casual temperature-based dressing, and the role of ishikiate for year-round hitoe.
Why Do Washable Summer Kimono Look So Sheer? A Gentle Guide to Ro, Sha, and Yoryu
Ever wonder why a washable kimono looks see-through? The answer lies in weaves like ro, sha, and yoryu. Here's a gentle guide to sheerness, choosing fabric, and washing care.
How Do You Measure Kimono Size? A Gentle Guide to Mitake, Yuki, and Body Width
Kimono sizing comes down to three measurements: mitake, yuki, and body width. Learn easy self-measuring tips, size guidelines by body type, and fixes for a poor fit.
A Men’s Yukata Sizing Guide | From Length and Sleeve Size to Patterns, Colors, and Obi Knots
A clear, step-by-step guide to choosing a men's yukata (a light cotton summer kimono) — sizing, colors and patterns, tying the kai-no-kuchi obi knot, and footwear.
What’s the Difference Between Yukata and Kimono? A Gentle Guide from Origins to Telling Them Apart
What sets yukata apart from kimono? Yuiroha breaks down their origins, formality, fabrics, and occasions—handy tips for fireworks festivals and dinners.
How to Learn to Put On Kimono Yourself: Choosing a Kitsuke Class and What to Check in a Free Trial Lesson
New to kimono and want to dress yourself? Iroha walks you through self-study vs. kitsuke classes, what to check when choosing a school, and what to look for in a free trial lesson.
Pure Silk vs. Polyester: Which Should You Choose for a Kimono?
Torn between pure silk and polyester kimono? Here's a clear, fact-based look at care, price, and comfort to help you pick the right one for you.
When to Switch Kimono for the Season: An Easy Guide to Hitoe and Usumono
Confused about when to switch kimono for the season, or how hitoe differs from usumono? Here's a friendly guide from traditional rules to modern climate realities.
How to Fix the Kimono Coming Loose: A Scene-by-Scene Guide to Quick Fixes On the Go
A scene-by-scene guide to fixing kizukure on your own while out and about—collar, obi, and hem—plus what to check after using the restroom.
Do You Really Need a Wasou Bra? Can a Regular Bra Work Instead? Choosing Underwear That Helps Kimono Sit Right
Do you really need a wasou bra, and can a regular bra work instead? Since kimono are sewn in straight lines, flatter underwear helps the fabric sit smoothly—here's how to choose, by season.
Kimono Parts & Terminology: An Illustrated Guide
A friendly guide to kimono parts—eri, sode, migoro, okumi, suso, and more—with clear diagrams so you never get lost in a kitsuke conversation again.
Everything You Need to Wear a Kimono | A Beginner’s Prep Checklist
Everything you need to wear a kimono, organized into 4 categories of undergarments and accessories, with a handy printable checklist to make sure nothing is missing.
Kimono Types and Formality at a Glance: A Beginner’s Guide to Furisode, Tomesode, Houmongi, and More
What's the difference between furisode and houmongi? A gentle guide to kimono types and formality, with an at-a-glance chart by occasion and tips for choosing.