Winter in Kyoto is filled with beautiful scenery, making strolling around in a kimono even more appealing. However, if you neglect to take precautions against the cold, you won’t be able to enjoy sightseeing comfortably. When renting a kimono in winter in Kyoto, one thing you’ll want to consider is how to protect yourself from the cold.
 
In this article, the author, who works at a rental shop in Kyoto, will explain in detail how to choose the best underwear for winter kimono rentals and how to protect yourself from the cold.

How to choose underwear suitable for winter kimono rental

Choosing the right underwear is important to protect yourself from the cold in winter.
 
Basically, you will wear the following items underneath your kimono:

Long sleeve Heattech or Heatfact

Long sleeve undershirts are great for keeping you warm, so choose Uniqlo’s Heattech or other thermal undershirts.
 
In particular, choosing a jacket that covers your neck and cuffs well can help keep you warm.

Silk underwear

Silk underwear is recommended as it feels good on the skin and has excellent heat retention.
 
Silk also has the ability to wick away moisture, making it comfortable to wear. If you choose a design that fits your kimono, it will not ruin your silhouette.

Layered tights or leggings

To protect your lower body from the cold, it is effective to wear tights or leggings in layers. On very cold days, it is a good idea to choose tights with a fleece lining or made of heat tech material.
 
You can also wear them under tabi socks to prevent your feet from getting cold.

Tips for good layering

Dressing well in layers will help you look beautiful and keep you warm.
 
Please pay attention to the following points.

Don’t ruin your silhouette

Layering clothes can often ruin your silhouette, but by choosing thin, warm materials you can maintain a neat line.
 
Try to avoid adding bulk especially around your waist and chest.

Pay attention to the position of the waist cord and obi

When wearing layers, the waist string and obi tend to slip out of place. It is important to properly tighten the waist string and obi after adjusting your innerwear.
 
If the position is not correct, it may cause the kimono to come undone, so be sure to check in the mirror while putting it on.

Use cold weather items

If it’s particularly cold, it’s a good idea to add cold weather items to your outerwear in addition to your innerwear. For example, wearing a haori or coat will provide even more protection from the cold.
 
You can also protect yourself from the cold wind by wrapping a scarf or shawl around your neck.

A useful item for protection against the cold

The key to walking around Kyoto in winter comfortably is to make use of cold weather gear. Here we will introduce some useful items.

Cairo

Keeping a pocket heater in your pocket can help keep you warm. Choose a type that suits your needs, such as a disposable heater or a rechargeable one that can be used repeatedly.
 
We also recommend heat packs that can be attached to the lower back or back.

gloves

Gloves not only keep you warm, but also keep your hands from drying out. If you choose gloves with a design that matches your kimono, they will look stylish too.
 
Gloves can be a great way to stay comfortable, especially on windy days.

Tabi cover

It is a good idea to use tabi covers to prevent your feet from getting cold. By choosing tabi covers made of waterproof material, you can walk safely even on rainy or snowy days.
 
Tabi covers are also easy to put on and take off, so you can use them as needed.

summary

To enjoy wearing a kimono in Kyoto in winter, it is important to choose the right underwear and cold weather items. Use long-sleeved heat tech, silk innerwear, layered tights, etc. to protect yourself from the cold.
 
In addition, by learning how to layer your clothes and using handy cold weather items, you can enjoy wearing a beautiful kimono comfortably. Stay warm even in the cold winter and enjoy the atmosphere of Kyoto to the fullest.