How to Wear a Kimono?

Are you looking for inspiration to create a stylish outfit with a kimono? Need tips on how to choose a kimono that flatters you and how to incorporate it into your wardrobe?

You’ve come to the right place.

As a fan of bohemian fashion, I see kimonos as iconic pieces in my wardrobe. They can instantly personalise an outfit and add a touch of style!

Today, I am sharing everything I know about this lightweight and practical jacket, so that it holds no secrets for you!

Trendy and feminine, the kimono is a lightweight jacket that can be worn every day to enhance any outfit. It pairs perfectly with a plain top, skinny jeans, and heels. You can elevate your kimono by accessorising with bohemian-style items. Be sure to carefully choose your clothing to create colour coordination and select tones that complement your complexion. Finally, if you want to wear a kimono with a smart outfit, you can do so by opting for a lovely solid-coloured jumpsuit or an elegant black dress.

Would you like to learn more? Keep reading to discover:

• Where the kimono originates from and what it actually is,
• Tips for choosing a jacket that suits your taste and body shape,
• What type of top and trousers to wear on a daily basis with a kimono,
• How to style a kimono to create a smart and unique outfit,
• And plenty of examples of outfits featuring this essential fashion piece!

What is a Kimono Jacket?

Having made a comeback in recent years on the runways, the kimono is a garment whose definition isn't necessarily straightforward. To clarify what we mean, I would like to give you a brief overview of what a kimono can be.

Which country has a kimono as its traditional attire?

The word Kimono comes from Japanese. It is a contraction of the words:

• Kiru, which means "to wear, to be dressed in",
• Mono, which means "object, thing".

A Kimono is literally “an item of clothing that one wears”. However, this term does not refer to all Japanese clothing, but specifically to a traditional garment worn since the 14th century.

This is a very long jacket that covers the body from shoulders to ankles and can be adorned with beautiful, colourful patterns. In medieval Japan, exceptional kimonos were worn by geishas, who were companions trained in the arts and conversation.

Even today, the Japanese wear kimonos, especially for traditional festivals, New Year celebrations, or significant anniversaries. It is a treasured garment that is passed down through families and is carefully cared for.

What is the trendy kimono jacket?

Although it is directly inspired by the traditional garment, the kimono seen in today’s fashion is not the same as the traditional Japanese kimono. It is simply a lightweight jacket, typically falling to mid-thigh, which is worn open. It tends to feature beautiful prints.

It's a very versatile piece that can be worn in spring and summer as a lightweight jacket. Depending on the chosen pattern and how you style it, it can add a lot of flair to a simple outfit, giving it a haute couture touch.

👉 Japanese kimonos have also inspired renowned designers to create original patterns. For instance, Christian Louboutin designed shoes based on the prints of a kimono. Other prestigious fashion houses have also been known to reinvent the kimono in recent years, including Balenciaga, Yves Saint Laurent, and Alexander McQueen.

How to Choose the Right Kimono?

Are you looking to embrace the kimono trend? Whether it's to elevate your everyday outfits or for a special occasion, here are some tips to help you choose a kimono that flatters your figure.

Depending on Your Body Shape

As it is a long jacket, the kimono naturally accentuates women of medium to tall height. If you are petite, you can certainly wear one, but opt for a style that is not too long. It can also be shorter at the front and longer at the back, creating a lovely asymmetry that will enhance your figure.

Finally, if you’re looking to soften a few curves, a kimono can be a great option for you as it conceals the upper thighs and bottom while remaining open at the front, thus accentuating your décolletage.

Depending on your skin tone and eye colour

To create a lovely harmony in your outfit, you might choose a kimono that features details that reflect the colour of your eyes.

Additionally, if you have a medium complexion, feel free to wear a light kimono for contrast. If you have fair skin and are prone to redness, I recommend steering clear of warm colours and favouring pastel shades such as pale blue or celadon green instead.

Depending on Your Wardrobe

Who hasn’t regretted buying a piece of clothing because they couldn’t match it with their wardrobe? To avoid this kind of mishap, here’s a simple tip: when you shop for a new item, ensure that it can be paired with at least three outfits that you wear regularly. This advice certainly applies to a kimono: this way, you can be sure to wear it often and make the most of it!

Trust Yourself!

Finally, and this is essential, trust your instincts when purchasing a kimono. Since it is a unique piece of clothing that adds character to your outfit, you shouldn't settle for one by default. Take your time to choose and be patient: wait until you have a genuine passion for a particular kimono design!

How to Properly Match Your Kimono?

With its cut and wide variety of patterns, this type of jacket naturally complements a classic outfit, whether you're heading to work, going out with friends, or even for a special occasion. Here are a few tips on how to incorporate it into your wardrobe!

Choose a plain top in a coordinating colour

This particularly relates to printed kimonos featuring various designs. To showcase them effectively, choose a simple top in a colour that matches one of the hues in your kimono's pattern. To avoid a monotone look, I recommend selecting the most subtle colour from your kimono.

👉 Most t-shirts pair very well with kimonos. If you're after a slightly more elegant outfit, a lovely blouse could also do the trick. Fancy a trendy look? Go for a crop top!

Choose a Pair of Jeans!

Narrow, slim, and skinny jeans pair very well with kimonos. In fact, they contrast nicely with the loose fit of this jacket: it helps to elongate and refine your silhouette!

In summer, for a relaxed bohemian chic style, you can also wear a lovely denim shorts!

👉 You can also pair your kimono with a simple plain dress (like an A-line dress) for a look that is both chic and feminine, and a bit more dressed up! 😉

Wear it with high-heeled shoes

Just like skinny jeans, high-heeled shoes help to elongate your legs while enhancing their appearance. In summer, you can wear your kimono with wedge sandals, which will give your look a boho vibe. In winter, you can team it with lovely ankle boots.

Embrace Boho Accessories!

Whatever your style, accessories enhance your clothing and showcase your personality. They are a subtle and stylish way to express your tastes and what makes you unique.

Kimonos pair beautifully with a relaxed, ethnic style inspired by boho chic. Here are a few examples of accessories that fit this trend and will elevate your outfit:

• golden bracelets, worn mismatched in small groups of at least 3 to 5,
• a long necklace, like a sautoir, with a pendant,
• a fringed bag,
• a bohemian-inspired satchel made from natural leather,

➡️ Looking for that unique gem? Take a look at our range of bohemian bags!

• a hat,
• a flower crown…

➡️ Flower crowns are perfect to wear on a lovely summer day or for a special event. Discover them in our online store!

How to Wear a Chic Outfit with a Kimono?

So far, the advice given in this guide has focused mainly on outfits worn on a daily basis, whether they are smart or more casual. However, you can absolutely wear a kimono for a wedding, a christening, or any other festive occasion.

To create an exceptional look, I recommend wearing your kimono with a sleek satin jumpsuit. Choose one that is elegant and perfectly fitted to your size. Pair it with high heels in a colour different from your jumpsuit, but one that is also featured in your kimono. This way, you'll truly achieve a star-worthy look!

👉 If this isn't quite your style, you can swap the jumpsuit for a pair of flowing trousers (like cigarette trousers) or a simple black dress.

Finally, to complete your outfit, opt for elegant make-up and accessories that match each other as well as the rest of your clothing.

I hope this article has inspired you to embrace the kimono in your wardrobe, to create unique and original outfits that reflect your personal style!

And to complete your look, don't hesitate to take a look at our online store dedicated to the bohemian universe right now! You'll find a variety of dress, skirt, and blouse styles that would pair perfectly with a kimono.

You can even purchase some of the kimonos featured in the illustrations of this article! 😉

Tunic and Blouse