How Should You Move in a Kimono? Just Knowing These Tips Will Make You Feel at Ease!

Unlike Western clothing, which is cut three-dimensionally to fit the body, kimono are made from straight-cut fabric and tied with sashes.
If you move as you normally would in Western clothes, your kimono might lose its proper shape.
In this article, we’ll introduce simple kimono etiquette and graceful movements to help you stay beautiful and comfortable throughout your day!

Exploring Kyoto in Kimono?
You might be wondering: “I want to explore, eat, and enjoy all I can—but what should I do during meals? What if it rains? How about using the restroom?”
Don’t worry! Here are answers to your concerns and tips to keep you comfortable.

Wearing a kimono naturally straightens your back and lifts your spirits.
With just a small change in pose, the beauty of the kimono becomes even more pronounced.
Practice these standing tips and become a stunning kimono beauty!

Keep your spine straight, as if being gently pulled upward.
Place both hands together just below your obi (belt).
Step one foot slightly behind the other, and angle both toes slightly inward.
Just these three steps will make your photos look great!

Of course, you want to look graceful even while walking.
Walk a little slower than usual and maintain good posture by keeping your back straight.
Add strength to your toes and try not to drag the heels of your zōri (traditional footwear).

・Point your toes slightly inward.
・ Avoid taking large strides, which can reveal too much of your legs.

Stairs are a part of everyday life, even when wearing a kimono.
Like when wearing a long skirt, lift the hem gently to avoid stepping on it.
However, don’t lift it too high or grab both the front and back fabric tightly, as that may expose your underlayers.

・Be careful not to step on the hem.
・Use one hand to gently lift the overlap (front panel) of the kimono.
・When going up or down, shift your weight to your toes to maintain balance.
・ Avoid lifting too high, which may reveal your ankles.
With these tips, even stairs can be navigated smoothly and elegantly, enhancing your feminine charm.

You often need to raise your arms—like when using your phone or holding on to a strap in a train.
Letting your sleeve fall down and expose your upper arm doesn’t look very elegant.

・Hold the sleeve with your opposite hand to prevent it from falling.
・Avoid raising your elbows too high. Instead, keep your arms close to your body.
When riding public transportation, it's more comfortable to hold the handrail than the overhead strap.
Being mindful of these small actions gives off a confident and refined impression.

Worried about squatting in kimono? Don’t be!
You may need to bend down to pick something up or check the ground.

・Lift the front panel slightly, then lower yourself while stepping one foot slightly back.

Unlike modern shoes, zōri require a bit of practice to slip on and off smoothly.

・Slide one foot in at a time.
・When removing them, slide one foot out backward at a time.
・Avoid stepping on the entryway floor while removing them.
・Once inside, turn and align them neatly facing outward.
Your heels should slightly extend from the back of the zōri—this makes walking easier.

If you're using a car or taxi, there’s a simple trick to getting in gracefully.

・Sit down bottom first—don’t step in foot first.
・After sitting, adjust the hem and front panel of your kimono.
・Swing both legs into the car together.
・・Avoid sitting too deep, as it can crush your obi.
With long-sleeved kimono (furisode), gather the sleeves in front of you before entering.

Worried about spills or stains? Real silk can stain easily, and while washable polyester kimonos are more common these days, prevention is always best.
Elegant manners while dining are also beautiful to those around you.

・Sit shallowly on the chair to avoid flattening your obi.
・You may place a small bag behind your back in the chair space.
・Keep your knees together and toes aligned to prevent the hem from opening.
・When receiving plates or glasses, hold your sleeve to prevent it from dipping or exposing your arm.
・If using a large napkin or handkerchief, fold it with the crease (wa) facing your obi, place it on your lap, or tuck it under your collar or obi.
・ Wipe any condensation from glasses before moving them.
Just carrying a handkerchief makes food tours and café hopping worry-free!
In stylish restaurants, good table manners will enhance your kimono look even more.

You don’t have to cancel plans just because it’s raining!
There are plenty of ways to enjoy rainy Kyoto in kimono.

・Walk slower to avoid slipping.
・Be especially careful of your hem on stairs.
・A slightly larger umbrella can protect your shoulders and obi better.
・For a cute and stylish look, try wearing short rain boots with a slightly shortened kimono.
Even in sunny weather, short boots or sandals can be charming additions!

Worried about using the restroom in kimono? Don’t worry!
There are easy techniques that make it simple.

・Lift the layers of your kimono one by one and tuck them into your obi.
・If lifting everything at once, use your left hand for the left panel and right for the right, lifting both the kimono and underlayers.
・Tuck the fabric firmly into the obi to avoid slippage.
・For furisode, gather both sleeves in front before lifting.
Don’t hold it in—just go early to avoid rushing!

Afterward, re-layer your garments in this order: underwear, under-kimono, then kimono.
Lastly, check that the ohashori (folded waist section) under your obi is lying flat.

Kimono are part of Japan’s treasured cultural heritage.
While they were once daily attire, today they’re typically worn on special occasions like shrine visits, coming-of-age ceremonies, and weddings.
Your natural elegance while wearing a kimono may come from childhood memories of seeing or wearing them.
As times change, kimono styles evolve too. From traditional designs to modern, lace-inspired looks, there’s a kimono for everyone.
Don’t overthink it—just enjoy kimono fashion to the fullest!
At Okamoto, we support your kimono journey—from timeless classics to the latest styles and trends.

Written by:
Rental Kimono Okamoto – Kiyomizu Higashiyama Store
110-9 Tatsumi-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0855
TEL: 075-533-8900
Website: www.okamoto-kimono.com
Instagram: @rentalkimonookamoto
TikTok: @rentalkimono_okamoto
Facebook: Rental Kimono Okamoto
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