Do people actually wear kimono?
Yes! Although western-style clothing has long been worn in Japan, the traditional kimono is still an important part of Japan's culture. Weddings, graduations, tea ceremony, holidays and festivals are all important events where the kimono or yukata will be seen. Older Japanese women can still be seen wearing kimono and haori as they go about their daily lives. Many women and men of various ages wear yukata in the evening or at the bathhouse.
What else do I need to wear a kimono?
At the very least, you'll need a belt or sash. A strip of pretty fabric of any kind will work. We are in the process of photographing and making available a wide selection of shibori nylon sashes. To wear a kimono properly requires several other pieces: padding to make your curves straight, a flattening bra, a slip, a stiff white collar, at least two long narrow strips of fabric to secure the waist, a stiff band to keep the obi from bunching, an obi-age (just peeks out from top of obi), an obi, a "pillow" to help form obi bow, an obi-jime (cord on top of obi) . . . not to mention tabi socks and geta or zori and hair decorations. Even Japanese women need someone to help them arrange all this! There are even "kimono dressing classes." These extra items do not typically show up at second-hand markets and are quite expensive new, so we do not offer them at this time. We have some suggestions for alternatives if you'd like to wear the formal outfit--just email us.
How do I tie the obi?
The obi can be tied in at least 100 ways and we are not experts in any of them! The best way for us to answer this question is to direct you to other resources on kimono and obi. Please see our Recommendations page excellent books and resources.
How can I display my kimono?
The kimono is colorful, artistic and dramatic--everything needed to create a unique and beautiful display in your home. A large wedding kimono is perfect to fill an expansive wall or provide a focal point in a large room or hall. Children's kimono or haori give the same effect when less space is available.
Try using a children's kimono in a play room or nursery to complete a "children of the world" theme. Give accent and style to your guest room by hanging a kimono or haori on the wall in place of traditional framed prints.
We do not offer stands at this time. Traditional lacquard wood stands called ito employ top and middle rods for kimono display; however, they are difficult and expensive to transport. We are looking into having a local craftsman make similar stand. Hangers (usually a simple plastic rod with string and hook attached) are available on eBay or you can create your own hanger with a painted pole, bamboo rod or PVC pipe (about 1" in diameter) and ribbon, jute or drapery cord. Show the garment from the back with the the sides spead out like wings with small pins (so that the hem is straight across).
We'd love to see how you are using Japanese texiles in your home, office, store or restaurant. Email us your pictures at kimonoplace@kimonoplace.com --we may post them on this site!
How should I care for my kimono?
Kimono were traditionally taken apart, laundered and sewn back together. Because the fabric content is not always known, we do not suggest home washing for your kimono. You can use a dry cloth to brush off surface dirt or dust, but water may cause the colors to run and the fabric to shrink. We have some success with professional cleaners, but dry cleaning destroys metallic painting and sometimes embroidery. The chemicals may weaken silk. We have found that it's better to live with light spots and stains than to risk damage to an entire piece.
Your kimono will arrive folded in the traditional manner. This is the best way to store your kimono so that it retains its original shape and hangs well when worn or displayed. Keep it out of direct sunlight and maintain low humidity and room- or slightly lower temperature.
Why should I buy from Kimono Place?
Kimono Place is a family business, created out of sheer love of the kimono. We travel to Japan and hand-pick our kimono, haori, obi, dolls and accessories from the shops and markets of greater Tokyo. Our pieces are not bought in bulk or from unknown sources. Each piece is authentic and previously owned by someone who used and treasured it.
As a small business, we offer individual attention to your order and will respond to your special interests. We spend hundreds of hours making our selections, bringing them back to Tennessee and preparing them for sale on our website. Just as each kimono was created for a specific person and occasion, we select our items just for you!
Where do you get these kimono and other items?
We combine visits to family in Japan with our buying trips, arranging to visit markets and shops while there. We choose things from the vendors that catch our eye--things we would enjoy owning and using ourselves. Some accessory pieces are purchased from retail shops, as they are not available any other way. Our clothing items are all previously owned and were found in the greater Tokyo area.
Can you tell me what my old kimono is worth?
Sorry, no. Many of our customers have acquired vintage Japanese items from family or travel and ask us for more information or value. As much as we might like to assist, we are not certified appraisers. Our prices here are based on availability, condition and decorative appeal of each item.
Why do you use an iris in your logo?
Although some mon are still associated with particular families, regions or occupations, the crest form may also be used as an individual expression or trademark. The iris is the state flower of Tennesee, so we chose to incorporate it into our mon to honor our home state. For more mon examples, we recommend
Japanese Design Motifs compiled by The Matsuya Piece-Goods Store, available from Amazon.com.
Do you have a store location?
At this time we offer our products only on this website. We are a home-based, family business and do not have a showroom or conventional storefront shop.
Do you accept credit cards?
We accept credit card payments through PayPal as well as personal payment by check or money order. If you would like to pay by credit card and do not have a PayPal account, go to www.PayPal.com for instructions on using this free and safe method of online payment.
What if I want to pay by check or money order?
We gladly accept checks and money orders. The shopping cart now provides these options. If you would rather email us personally to order an item, feel free--kimonoplace@kimonoplace.com. We will notify you of your total, including shipping and an address for payment.
I live outside the US. How do I order from Kimono Place?
We welcome international buyers and enjoy knowing our items are finding appreciation all over the world. Our standard shipping costs are intended for the US only, so if you do not see an appropriate shipping option for your location, please contact us. Let us know what you are ordering and we will enter a shipping option just for you and your location. You will then be able to select this shipping option in the order process, just like our stateside customers. International buyers may pay by PayPal or by International Money Order. If you are mailing payment, please contact us first so that we can change the status or your item(s) to "unavailable".
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