I have used thin sari as well like a heko obi- they work wonderfully well because they are naturally so long and have amazing patterns, I just fold them up to the right width, treat them like a fukuro obi, then let the bow at the back really poof out- it's like wearing a big fluffy flower on the back

Undoubtedly yukata is easiest to start with because there's almost no rules since it's the least formal and you'll probably have the most occasions to wear it! Plus since they're usually cotton and you can wash them. One issue I have noticed with buying vintage kimono is that it's fairly easy to find formal pieces, presumably because these aren't worn often so people don't want to keep something they never wear (especially if it's old and not designed for a special occasion of theirs and thus doesn't have as much sentimental meaning). Except then you also don't have anywhere to wear it to either, if you want to follow the rules about formality, which I think many people do want to because nobody wants to be disrespectful or culturally ignorant. Plus because they're usually silk, you obviously don't want to get your silk piece dirty. And then there's the issue of wearing them correctly. You need juban (which are surprisingly hard to find), all the ties to keep it in place, a suitable obi, shoes and socks. So many kimono sellers, yet so few people also selling the accessories to correctly wear them.

Thank you for discussing seasons and how the rules are not set in stone if you live in an area that does not experience four normal season. I live in south Florida our four season are humid hot rainy spring, balmy hotter summer, boiling hottest fall, and then 3 weeks of cool weather 70 degree "winter". For an example of modern rule-breaking, I have been given the okay to wear washable yukata to tea ceremony (gasp!) in summer and fall because I was sweat-ruining all my nice kimono! We all agreed it would be best to not let silk kimono get to the point of start smelling like armpits...eek!

Billy ! This is super helpful !! I had to learn all about this from a lot of books I bought on kimono but your video succinctly summarized it all!! I bought my first kimono ( Houmongi) for my wedding but it’s gonna be my first time wearing it ! Can you make a video on how to walk, sit and be graceful while wearing a kimono ? It’s been hard to find videos about this on the internet for English speaker.

I bought some antiques as a beginner, but I went for designs that I thought looked fancy first before realizing that the more formal it is, the more accessories or undergarments it requires. So I'll probably be keeping these items for display while I DIY some accessories. For beginners I'd suggest to start informal. Also it may be important to look at the measurements so that you get something you can actually wear instead of something that you'll just display.

I agree about wearing hitoe kimono year round in very hot climates. I was once at a major tea event -- it was late September in North America, so the students were dutifully wearing awase, but unfortunately the day was unseasonably hot. I remember one woman wearing a very fine silk iromuji. She was acting as host, and was sitting in seiza for an extended period. When she finally stood, a murmur of sympathetic shock went around the room -- she had perspired so much when kneeling that there was a pronounced stain on the back of her kimono at knee level. I have wondered since if she was able to get the stains removed. Honestly, anything we can "legally" do to stay cool in a hot situation seems justified to me! Still waiting for the day when we can get condensation-free ice packs that will fit under our obi... ;)

This is probably unrelated but I just ADORE the furisode you got on the mannequin in the back, it’s absolutely GORGEOUS 💖

FANTASTIC LIBRARY for kimono students, especially 'casual/private/informal' students. I think I've watched this video at least 5 times so far, maybe more, and I'm sure I'll be back again. Wonderful resource from a generous, kind, patient and very knowledgable teacher. I can't thank you enough 😊🙏🧡🏵👘 (looking forward to the time I am ready to book in a lesson with you) 💃🎉

Hi Billy, I am a lover of kimono and have collected many vintage ones which I just adore. I really enjoy your videos. I like how 'down to earth you' and how you give permission to people to maybe break some of the rules so that they can enjoy wearing kimono. Every time sometime arrives in the post for me from Japan and it has a small stain or two (that I was expecting) I hear your voice in my head. What I hear is you saying - as you have in other videos - about something you just bought just bought "it is perfect absolutely perfect - with only a few stains". This is the reality of vintage kimono, and I love that you acknowledge that a few small stains do not matter. We see beyond the small imperfections and love them because they have had a life before. We love them for the quality of the silk and appreciate the intensive effort that was made into producing these beautiful kimonos. We love them because the artisans who made them are rapidly disappearing. Thank you so much for the pleasure of watching your videos, regards Chris (in Australia)

I wish I had watch this when I started as you’ve given some really great tips. Another great video x

I've been trying to find a kimono i could buy for quite a while but i had no luck finding something that would fit me (i'm 170cm tall) and that i thought looked nice (most had really harsh, modern patterns and i prefer either solid colors or patterns that are barely visible from a distance). So now I've ended up deciding to sew everything i need by myself :"D I already have some experience as I sewed a yukata for my friend and now I made a haori to get back into the swing of things. Here's to hoping that it will turn out nice.

Hi there, thank you so much for the video. It's helped me out to understand the kimono and the culture. Wishing you all the best

Thanks for this video Billy

I bought a kimono..... it was cute and geometric and I waited two weeks and it was showing up in my dreams.

My first kimono is a silk furisode pink with cherry blossom pattern the obi is cream gold with crane embroidered pattern

Thank you good advice

Hi Billy! Can you make a video on different types of kimono and how to tell if it is lined or unlined?

Thank you for sharing these videos. They have really encouraged me to finally purchased my first kimono (a secondhand Tsukesage) and two yukata (one indoor/onsen type and one regular) only a few weeks ago. I wore the indoor/onsen one first so I could practice putting on a yukata and getting used to moving around in it. I absolutely love it and want to get more. I've gotten enough confidence to wear the regular yukata with obi and accessories for my wedding anniversary and will work my way up to wearing the Tsukesage. I have a few questions though: For my best friends that do no have experience wearing a kimono, I'm getting them the indoor/onsen yukata to practice with so they can get used to wearing a yukata. However, should I warn them that is an onsen/indoor yukata and not a regular yukata just in case they are tempted to wear their indoor/onsen yukata outside? I read somewhere that indoor/onsen yukata should never be worn outdoors but to my untrained eye the indoor/onsen yukata looks very similar to the regular/outdoor yukata I have except for a few slight differences. We live in the US so I'm not sure if it's still taboo or not. For my best friend that already owns yukata and has lived in Japan for a number of years with her family, would it be bad if I bought her a secondhand Kurotomesode? I found some online that are really pretty, in great condition, and are cheaper than buying her a new yukata. I also want one for myself but I'm torn since Kurotomesode are considered only for very formal occasions and we most likely would wear it when we hang out with each other. What are your thoughts on secondhand Kurotomesode for friends hanging out? Lastly, where can one find yukata or kimono in US XXL-XXXL sizes? One of my best friends is that size and I think she would need a yukata that would fit somewhere between 60-65 inches for her waist as I'm afraid anything within the 55-58 inches range would be too open. Or is it okay if the yukata lines are not exactly where they are suppose to be as long as she wears an undergarment for modesty's sake? Thank you ahead of time for reading this. And I again, thank you for posting your videos. I look forward to watching more of them!

It's big help. I'm Los Angeles.here almost warm or hot.so I'll just buy summer Kimono or Yukata.

I want to see some tips and fashions about kimono for men

What reasons do you not suggest antique/vintage kimono for beginners? Could you do a video on how to measure your kimono size and how it should fit, such as lenth of sleeve to wrist or hem to ankle?

Whoa, you are taking German lessons?!😲 Hallo from a German that’s in Japan right now👋😊

I have owned a Yukata for a few years, and I recently just purchased my first Kimono and undergarments. I got a Komon made of a modern synthetic fabric (I think it was mostly polyester) with a lining, as it was an affordable choice. I wanted this for the colder climate, since I wear my Yukata to Summer Festival or casually when it is hot. I'm still very new to all this, that's why I found your chanel. I'm not sure exactly what kind of Obi I purchased to match, but its a kind of crepe looking material with a pretty pre tied flower bow that can be attached. The Obi for my Yukata is just a nice big stiff pre tied bow in a colour that matches the flowers on the garment. The Obi for the Kimono should be fine since I am wearing it casually and for fun I assume?

I have a obi with my yukata and it has two strings on each end and I suppose you just tie them tougher? Edit: I think it’s a pri-tied obi

Hi Billy! Thank you for this great video! Is it strange for a foreigner to wear an iromuji with a family crest? Is a family crest something that each family has? Especially when it comes to second hand kimonos, it’s another family’s family crest. Does more family crests increases the formality of the kimono? Say ones with 3 or 5 crests? Thank you!

Hello! Could you make a video about what exactly you need to wear a Kimono or Yukata including all the underwear and ties and whatever? I find that most hard! Also, what is the name for the kind of shapewear a little bustier women have to wear? tia!

Billy where can you purchase a pre tied fukuro obi if possible.

Thank you for the info. The kimono I got my daughter came from the Wish site, so it is brand new & came with a simple obi. If I understand correctly after watching this video, it is likely a Natasumono with a Hanhaba obi. As we live State side & it's currently winter, it's probably not suitable for wearing other than around the house.

Any idea where I can find good plus size yukata? Like... 120cm bust+ plus size. It's very difficult to find things in that size, especially in a good price. Help?

its like impossile for me to find a fitting kimono because of my height (183)cm

Momo-machi...

I try to buy a kimono in a specific style. I’m not sure where to buy (it looks like a long skirt it almost doesn’t have a obi if it has it’s small. Oven the obi is included in the skirt. The skirt is separate. It’s not as stiff as your kimonos.

What do you wear on rainy days?

I stumbled upon this video and wanted ask a few things. First do you think it’s okay for foreigners outside of japan to wear kimono when it isn’t directly related to any sort of Japanese activity (like tea ceremonies)? Secondly is there any hope in finding kimono for tall women (close to 187cm)? I’m very tall for even where I live and I really doubt they make any my height.

I’m watching this while wearing a yukata cuz I’m broke ;-;

Billy Matsunga what was the name of the Email address to the Komodo shop that you used to buying your Komodos Billy I want to asked you what kind of Komodo should I get for me do I need a kids Komodo because I am little person a kids Komodo will fit me

mehr Winterkimono in deutschland? nein danke, die Erderwärmung in den letzten drei jahren ist unglaublich fortgeschritten *schwitz