How should I take care for my kimono?

This is a very common question. The approach depends on how often you wear it and the extent of any stains. If you do stain your kimono, please do not attempt to remove it yourself. Instead, contact a professional kimono cleaner immediately. Avoid rubbing the fabric or using chemicals as this can cause further damage. Friction from rubbing can wear out the fabric, and the use of wrong chemicals may set the stain permanently. If the stain does not come off, there are techniques for spot cleaning or even cleaning the entire garment without disassembling it.

If the stain is severe or the fabric has shrunk, you may need to perform a thorough cleaning. If your item has been treated with a product like Pearl Tone, it is recommended to take it to the store where it was processed for assurance.

The processing fee may vary depending on each store. Additionally, the price may change depending on whether it is a kimono, obi, or undergarment, so we refrain from specifying the exact amount here. For regular maintenance, it is fine for those who wear the item frequently. However, for those who only wear it once every few years, please take the time to air it out during good weather. Silk is a living material. To ensure that your precious kimono lasts a long time, it is essential to air it in the shade. Above all, the best way to care for it is to wear it!

Can I attend a wedding in Komon Kimono?

It depends on the specific circumstances. If the wedding involves close family, it is preferable not to wear Komon. Married family members typically wear Tomesode, while unmarried relatives might choose Furisode, Houmongi, or Tsukesage. Solid colors are acceptable, but patterned garments are more celebratory. For weddings of distant relatives, Tomesode is acceptable, as are Irotomesode, Houmongi, Tsukesage, and patterned solid colors. Friends’ weddings are more flexible; wearing any kimono, including Komon, would be suitable. Kimonos are inherently elegant and won’t look out of place.

What is the difference between Fukuro obi and Nagoya obi?

Both Fukuro obi and Nagoya obi have formal and casual variations. The key consideration is their formality level. Even within Fukuro obi and Nagoya obi, the formality can vary based on the pattern and material. Although it’s rare, some may insist that only Fukuro obi is appropriate for certain settings, but high-quality Nagoya obi in damask or brocade can also be suitable for formal garments like Houmongi or Tsukesage. There are also high-formality dyed obis with patterns like palatial motifs or treasure motifs. Generally, Fukuro obis are worn with more formal kimono like Houmongi and decorated solid colors, whereas Nagoya obis are typically paired with more casual kimono like Komon and Tsumugi. However, a high-quality Nagoya obi can be appropriate for formal settings, and vice versa. Please contact us if you have any questions.

What is the difference between Houmongi and Tsukesage?

Briefly, Houmongi typically features a continuous pattern across seams and has more matching seams (Awase), whereas Tsukesage often has isolated patterns with fewer matching seams. The major distinction is that Houmongi is made by first sketching the pattern on white fabric and then dyeing, while Tsukesage is dyed directly on the fabric to ensure pattern alignment. Nowadays, some Houmongi may have minimal patterning, and some Tsukesage may have full patterning, making them hard to distinguish once made. Traditionally, Houmongi is considered more formal than Tsukesage, but the specific pattern can also influence formality.

What is the total cost of purchasing a kimono for the first time?

Costs vary depending on what you choose to purchase and customize. At our shop, prices start from around 50,000 yen for Komon and plain colored kimono, from 200,000 yen for Houmongi and Tsukesage, and from 500,000 yen for Furisode, Tomesode, and Irotomesode. Fukuro obis start at around 100,000 yen, and Nagoya obis can be found starting from 20,000 yen. For example, a complete set of Furisode (kimono, obi, and long Juban) is typically sold for between 1,000,000 to 1,500,000 yen, while a complete set for Komon might cost around 400,000 yen. We currently do not offer set packages. Given the variety of products available, including overseas-made or printed items, we encourage you to carefully select the one for you. We are confident you will find what you are looking for at Okazen!

Can anyone get to dye kimono in their preferred pattern?

Absolutely. You can customize your kimono with any fabric, color, or pattern, whether it’s adjusting a design from a magazine, drawing your own, or using a desired motif. At Okazen, we specialize in such custom orders. We Okazen have top artisans, they can dye not only kimonos but also obis to your liking. Please feel free to discuss your preferences with us!

What are the differences between a Maiko’s kimono and a regular kimono?

The most distinctive feature of a Maiko’s attire is that the kimono is about one shaku (approximately 30 cm or 12 inches) longer than regular kimono, allowing the hem to trail on the ground. Maiko’s kimono sleeves and shoulders are sewn in a particular way, and they wear the distinctive dangling obi. In autumn and winter, their attire includes padded hems. Please visit our “Maiko” page to view these costumes and learn more about their unique obis.