What body type suits a kimono? Pay attention to these four points to wear it well
Some people may think, "I want to try wearing a kimono, but I don't know if it would suit me," or "I'm worried about whether I can pull it off."
There are body types that suit kimonos and those that don't, and the same kimono looks different depending on the person wearing it. However, even if you have a body type that doesn't suit a kimono, you can wear it beautifully if you incorporate some ingenuity. Also, if you practice the tips on how to wear a kimono well, you will be able to enjoy kimonos in a wider range of ways.
This time, we will explain the characteristics of body types that suit kimonos and those that do not, as well as tips on how to wear a kimono well. We also introduce points for each bone structure type, so please refer to this if you are thinking of wearing a kimono.
■Women's body types that look good in kimono
Kimono is a traditional garment that was made to suit the body type of the Japanese people of the past. Therefore, it tends to look better on people with a slender figure.
The following body types are generally considered to look good in kimono:
- Sloping shoulders
- The neck is thin and long
- The waist is low
- Fewer irregularities on the body
Let's take a closer look at each body type.
◇Sloping shoulders
In the past, many Japanese people had sloping shoulders, so kimonos were made to fit sloping shoulders. Therefore, kimono fabric fits the body well and looks good on people with sloping shoulders.
In addition, when someone with sloping shoulders wears a kimono, the edges are less pronounced than for someone with hunched shoulders, creating a rounded silhouette that gives a gentler impression.
◇ Neck is thin and long
Since a kimono exposes the neck, if you have a slender, long neck, the silhouette of your neck, nape, and collar will look even more beautiful.
When dressing for women, the back collar, called the emon, is opened by about the width of a fist. This makes the neck appear longer and the shoulders sloping, giving the whole body a well-balanced and delicate appearance.
◇Low waist position
Since the obi for a kimono is tied close to the waist, the pattern of the kimono is more visible if it is lower on the hips, making the whole body look more balanced.
On the other hand, if your waist is high, the obi-jime will also be positioned high, which will break up the pattern on the kimono and make your upper body feel a bit cramped.
In Western clothing, longer legs and a higher waist make you look more stylish, but in kimonos, legs that are not too long are designed to look more beautiful.
◇Few unevenness of the body
Kimono are considered to be beautiful when they have a cylindrical shape, and are made to look good on people with few curves in the bust, waist, or hips.
If the body is uneven, it can cause the kimono to become loose and wrinkled, and the pattern cannot be displayed beautifully. For this reason, when dressing the body, it is necessary to eliminate any contours and deliberately make the body appear more cylindrical.
■ Characteristics of people who are said not to look good in kimono
Kimono are made to fit the body shapes of traditional Japanese people, so in today's world where Western culture coexists, there may be many people who find it difficult to wear kimono.
Generally speaking, people who are said not to look good in kimono have the following characteristics:
- Broad shoulders and hunched shoulders
- Large breasts and buttocks
- Poor posture
- Tanned (dark skin)
If you fall into any of the above categories, it is said that you will not look good in a kimono, but with some ingenuity you can wear a kimono beautifully. Even if you are unsure about your body shape or skin color, knowing some tips will help you look beautiful in a kimono.
■ Tips for wearing kimono well | Even those who are told that it doesn't suit them can wear it beautifully with a little ingenuity
Even if you don't think a kimono suits you, you can wear it well with some ingenuity.
From here, we will explain the tips for wearing a kimono well.
Correct your body shape
If you have curves or curves in your body, you should adjust your body shape before putting on the kimono. The more cylindrical your body is, the more beautiful the kimono will look on you, so when putting on the kimono, try adjusting your body shape by doing the following:
＜People with large busts＞
You can place a towel or something similar under your breasts to fill in the gap between the top and bottom, or wear a traditional Japanese bra or a cloth.
＜People with small waists＞
Wrap a thin towel around your waist to eliminate any unevenness between your chest and hips.
＜People with large hips＞
Wear boxer shorts or other tight fitting clothing that will tighten your hips and provide shape.
◇Makeup and hairstyle that matches your kimono
It is also important to choose makeup and hair that matches the kimono you are wearing.
Choose a foundation that is slightly lighter than your actual skin tone, and avoid using dark shadows or highlighters.
When it comes to eye makeup, it's important to focus on making your eyes long and narrow rather than making them look bigger, and by drawing your eyebrows clearly, you can create a dignified impression.
We recommend that you use a matte lip color that is not too flashy. If you are using a natural color, use a lip pencil to outline your lips to avoid a blurred look.
If you style your hair up, it will show off your collar and nape beautifully, and give you a sophisticated look that makes you look like you are wearing a kimono well.
◇Choose a kimono that suits your body type
By choosing a kimono with a pattern and color that suits your body type, you can hide any areas of concern. For example, if you have a fuller figure, choosing a pattern with vertical stripes or a dark color such as black will make you look slimmer overall.
Also, if your skin looks white and the pattern doesn't stand out when you wear the kimono, then you can judge that the kimono suits you. On the other hand, if the kimono doesn't suit you, your complexion may look dull and the pattern may stand out.
If you find a kimono that catches your eye, try holding it close to your face to see if it suits you. If you're not sure what kind of kimono suits you, you can also ask the staff at the kimono shop for advice.
◇ Be aware of your behavior and posture
Being conscious of your posture and mannerisms will create an air of elegance and bring out the beauty of your kimono.
When putting on a kimono, you should basically stand with your back straight and your posture correct, making sure your body is in a straight line from your head to your waist.
Other keys to looking beautiful in a kimono include keeping your toes pointed inward and your feet close together, and keeping your elbows relaxed.
■Are the points to pay attention to different depending on your bone structure type?
In recent years, the bone structure type, which has been gaining attention, is essential in finding a kimono that suits you. There are three bone structure types: "straight," "wavy," and "natural," and each type suits different outfits.
In order to choose a kimono that suits your bone structure, it is important to know the points to pay attention to depending on your bone structure.
◇Points to remember for people with straight bone structure
For those with a three-dimensional body type, it is important that the obi belt is at the exact height of the waist and that the collar is not too tight. If the collar is too tight, it will make the neck look shorter, so be careful.
For people with straight bone structure, solid colors and stripes, as well as checkered patterns and large floral patterns, look good on them. If you coordinate with contrast to create a sharp look, you will have a clean impression.
For more information on yukata that suit people with straight bone structure, please also check out this article.
What kind of yukata suits a straight-boned person?
◇Points to remember for people with wave bone structure
For those with a curvaceous body type, if you are a wave type, showing off your collar and tying the obi at a slightly higher position will draw the eye to your upper body, which can have the effect of making you look slimmer.
People with a wave bone structure type look good with detailed all-over patterns or small patterns, and choosing colors and materials that give a soft and fluffy impression will bring out your femininity.
Please also check out this article for information on yukata that suit people with a wavy body type.
What kind of yukata suits people with wavy bone structure?
◇Points to remember for people with natural bone structure
For natural types, which tend to show off your bone structure, stand up your collar and leave some room around your shoulders. Tie the obi slightly lower to lower the center of gravity of your outfit and make you look more stylish.
People with a natural bone structure can look gorgeous in natural patterns, animal and plant patterns, and large patterns. They also go well with uneven materials, wool, leather, and linen.
For more information on yukata that suit people with a natural body type, please also check out this article.
What kind of yukata suits people with natural bone structure?
■ Summary
Kimono are made to fit the body shapes of traditional Japanese people, so in today's world where Western styles are mainstream, they look good on some people but not others.
Even if you have a body type that is not suited to kimonos, you can still wear a kimono beautifully if you take the time to adjust your body shape when dressing and choose the right kimono. First of all, why not start by finding a kimono that suits you?
At the kimono rental shop "VASARA," you can choose your favorite kimono from a wide variety of designs according to your plan. Our experienced staff will help you choose a kimono that suits you.
Even if you have insecurities about your height, weight, shoulder width, etc., a professional kimono dresser can dress you in a way that hides your insecurities. If you are thinking, "I want to find a kimono that suits me," please use VASARA Kimono Rental.
