We hear a lot of people say that if they go to the trouble of wearing a kimono, they want to take cute photos, take photos that they can use for their SNS profiles, and get compliments without over-editing with apps. However, when it comes to wearing a kimono, which is not something you normally wear, there are many things that it's beneficial to know, such as what is the correct pose to make yourself look thinner, what angle to take a photo from, whether you're unknowingly doing anything bad in terms of etiquette, and how to pose so that you look stylish when taking group photos.

In response to such customer requests, we would like to introduce some "modern poses that will get you compliments" recommended by VASARA.

The most important thing when taking a photo is not the pose, but the heart. This gives depth to the expression!

Following the tea ceremony's saying "sincere and careful," "mental preparation" is more important than posing or technique. Some people say that wearing a kimono makes them stand up straight and feel more serious, but it's not something that should be too tight, so you should wear it with a relaxed feeling without putting too much strain on your shoulders. As long as you don't do anything that would be taboo in Western clothes, you don't need to worry too much about etiquette. If you get distracted by manners and etiquette in an effort to look good, it will be obvious that you are being looked down upon. If you want to take the challenge of taking photos that will get you more compliments, it's a good idea to not just wear a kimono, but to take and study kimonos while being conscious of how to self-produce them.

No mistakes! Tips for taking beautiful photos that anyone can take

① Do not hide the obi with your hands. When you put your hands together in front of you, you often see women hiding their obi.

This is fine if you are taking a natural-looking photo, but if you want to take a better picture, when you clasp your hands, try clasping them somewhere below the obi.

②Kimono are the perfect outfit for a story!

Kimono is a traditional costume that restricts the movement of the body, so it exudes a sense of modesty and exudes the unique Japanese aesthetic sense known as "wabi-sabi," which has been passed down since ancient times in Japan. Use your hands to add depth to your expression and make the story stand out. For example, turn your left shoulder toward the camera and look down to the left. Using your left hand to tuck your bangs behind your right ear will make the wabi-sabi look more appealing.

3. When you want to use accessories, choose something that you are used to using regularly!

Umbrellas are often used when you want to stand out from the crowd, but just holding something that you don't normally use can make you feel confused about how to handle it, and if that confused expression shows up in the photo, it would be a shame to ruin your kimono.

If you can use a folding umbrella stylishly, you are already at an advanced level. If you are not used to it, you can take a picture of the moment you put on lip gloss, take a picture of you enjoying a conversation while holding a coffee cup, take a photo of you sharing food for the "#You can use it like this with your girlfriend now" hashtag, take a picture of your expression while putting on a hair accessory in front of the mirror, and add natural movements to the photo to add depth and make it look more "wabi-sabi" than story-worthy.

4. If you use a building as the background, keep in mind the depth of the background to make your story stand out!

The person taking the photo should stand at an angle that creates depth. Place your left hand on the bridge or handrail and place your weight on the front of your right foot. Bend your left knee inward and lower your left side diagonally downward. This pose will create a curve in your waist while wearing a kimono. If your mobile phone camera, such as an iPhone or Android, has a portrait function, you can take a great photo even if it is not a single-lens reflex camera by setting it to portrait.

5. The pose alone will make it stand out, even without a background or accessories!

Bend your left knee and stand so that your waistline is curved from your hips to your knee. Hold your right hand so that it shows your sleeve, and place your left hand on your thigh. Tilt your face slightly to the right to create a more poseable look.

 

A final check before taking photos!

① If the collar of your kimono is floating

Put your hands through the kimono opening (the opening in the kimono around the side), grab the lower collar (the collar closest to the body) and pull it down, tucking it into the chest string. Next, pull the upper collar (the collar on the front side) down, and tuck any looseness from the side downwards. Younger people or those with thin necks should sew the collar less tightly. Older people or those with thicker necks should sew it a little more tightly.

②If the kimono collar is covering your head

Hold the opening and pull it to both sides, then pull down the back seam (around the center of the back), pull down the whole back of the chopsticks, and finally tuck the loose part of the opening into the obi. For everyday wear, leave it slightly loose (about the width of the first joint of your index finger), and for formal wear, leave it between the first and second joints.

3. When the sleeve is loose

Hold the side seams on both sides of the chopsticks and pull them down. Tuck any loose parts of the chopsticks in from the underside of the obi to neatly arrange them.

④If the half-collar is sticking out from under the kimono

Gently lift the hem of the upper front part, and pull down the back seam of the underkimono (around the hips). When there is slack in the back, gently pull down the back edge.

⑤If the hem is wide

Hold the end of the lower front collar and pull the waist cord upwards, then pull the upper front collar over the waist cord.

⑥If the belt is hanging down

Lift the obi up and tuck it deeper underneath using a handkerchief, furoshiki, tabi case, or other items at hand, then re-tighten the obijime and obiage. Younger people should adjust it to be slightly higher (between the solar plexus and nipples). Older people should adjust it to be slightly lower (around the solar plexus).

⑦If the chopsticks are crumbling

Pull the whole obi down evenly, then put your hands between the obi and squeeze out the wrinkles evenly on both sides. For small patterns and yukata, adjust the length so that it is about 4-5cm below the obi. For formal wear such as Homongi and Furisode, adjust it so that it is about 7-8cm below the obi.

⑧ If the sleeves of your undergarment are sticking out

If the sleeves are dragging, loosen them to fix it. If the sleeves are attached too tightly, gently pull them upwards to fix it.