“I want to go on a kimono date, but I’ve never worn a kimono or yukata…”
“If I’m going to wear a kimono or yukata, I want to look cool!”

A kimono date for couples is a classic way to enjoy summer. However, aren’t there many people who feel uneasy about playing around wearing clothes that are different from their usual clothes?

Men in particular have fewer opportunities to wear kimonos and yukatas than women, so they have fewer opportunities to learn manners.

However, by wearing a kimono on a date with good manners, you can fully enjoy the atmosphere, which is a little different from usual. Wearing kimono and yukata together, not only for women but also for men, will surely create special memories.

Here, we will tell you the etiquette for men to look cool in kimono and yukata.

We will also tell you about precautions and etiquette when renting kimono as a couple, so please refer to this if you are thinking of going on a kimono date.

Men’s kimono/yukata etiquette

When men wear a kimono or yukata, there are some points to keep in mind.

By keeping the following five points in mind, you will be able to wear a kimono without it falling apart, and you will be able to create a “feel that you are used to wearing it”.

In order to look cool in a kimono or yukata and enjoy a date with your partner, please follow the etiquette below.

Do not raise your hands too much when moving

Kimonos and yukata are secured with obi. Therefore, if you make too many movements, the kimono, which is held in place by the obi, may become twisted or come undone.

Therefore, when wearing a kimono or yukata, it is important not to raise your hands too high.

However, there may be situations where you need to raise your hand, such as when taking a photo or picking up something. In such cases, move as slowly as possible and be careful not to pull the kimono too much.

Also, by moving slowly like this, you will have a more relaxed demeanor, which can give off a more mature look. So please be aware of the etiquette of “When wearing a kimono or yukata, move your eyes slowly.”

Be careful how you walk

Be careful not to take long strides when wearing a kimono or yukata. If you take long strides, the hem of your kimono will come undone.

If the hem is exposed, your clothes will fall apart, revealing your ankles and ruining your outfit, giving the other person a sloppy impression.

Kimono rental shops will fit your kimono neatly, so try walking with your feet narrower than usual to keep it as neat as possible.

However, some people who have worn a kimono before may think, “I don’t really want to wear a kimono because it makes walking difficult.”

In such a case, please try “separating the legs” after putting on the kimono to make walking easier. Mutawari is the position that sumo wrestlers and sumo wrestlers take when they step on their legs, lowering their hips and spreading their legs to the side.

By simply splitting your legs, the range of motion of your legs becomes much wider, making it easier to walk. However, the kimono will be a little loose after the split, so be sure to gently pull the kimono under the obi to adjust the fit.

However, be careful not to walk so strenuously that you tug on your kimono, as it will eventually come undone. By walking slowly and with plenty of time to spare, rather than walking hurriedly, you will be able to maximize the coolness and calmness of your kimono.

Do not carry shoulder bags etc. over your shoulder

When going out in a kimono or yukata, please be careful when choosing a bag. Shoulder bags are especially not recommended for kimonos, as they can cause them to fall apart.

When wearing a kimono, we recommend using a bag that you can carry in your hand, or keeping at least the minimum amount of luggage in your pocket or under your arm.

When traveling to sightseeing spots such as Kyoto, we recommend that you leave your large luggage at your accommodation or in a coin locker at the station, then dress light and go sightseeing.

Sightseeing often involves long walks, so keeping your luggage light will help you enjoy sightseeing without getting too tired.

At Waplus Kyoto, we will store large luggage (other than valuables) such as removed clothes and carry cases free of charge.

Pay attention to the sleeves

The most distinctive part of a kimono is the sleeve. Kimonos and yukatas differ from Western clothes in that they have a “sleeve hem” (a bag-shaped part that hangs long from the sleeve).

Care must be taken when handling the hem of the sleeve, especially during meals. A common incident when renting a kimono is that the hem of the sleeve gets soaked in soup or drinks while eating.

If you are right-handed, when you are eating and want to pick something up with your right hand, hold the hem of your right sleeve with your left hand and then extend your right hand. This movement is recommended not only because it prevents the hem of the sleeve from getting soaked in food or drink, but also because it creates a beautiful movement that is very typical of a kimono.

You can show off the coolness that only comes with a kimono, so “hold the hem of your sleeves” while eating. Let’s keep this trick in mind.

Precautions when using the restroom

When you are wearing a kimono or yukata, you cannot use the restroom in the same way as you normally would. It is important to know in advance what to do when using the restroom.

Basically, you can do this by lifting the obi slightly upwards, opening the kimono’s lower obi to the left and right, and then opening the juban (in the case of a yukata, the undergarment may not be worn) to the left and right. When doing so, please support the hem of the kimono with your arm or attach it to your obi so that it does not fall off.

Also, when sitting on the toilet, open the bandage to the left and right, then flip it up and hold it firmly with your arm or insert it into the band so that the hem does not fall down.

When you’re finished, take down the obi, pull the front of the obi down slightly, and adjust the shape of the kimono. You may not get used to it at first, but once you get used to it, you will be able to use the restroom without much effort.

Since men wear fewer layers of clothing than women, they can wash their clothes a little more easily. Therefore, it is a good idea to assume that it takes women even more time than you do.

Notes and etiquette when renting as a couple

Many men who are considering renting a kimono have been invited by their partner to wear a kimono together.

Here, we will tell you about etiquette and things that men should be especially careful about when renting kimono as a couple.

Walk slowly

I told them, “When walking in a kimono, try not to take long strides.” Women tend to find it more difficult to walk than men because they wear more clothes than men and the obi is tighter than men.

Therefore, men should walk slowly and be considerate of women’s walking pace. By doing so, you will be able to enjoy your date comfortably even if you are dressed differently than usual.

Also, when you wear geta, zori, setta, etc. as footwear, the thongs of your feet tend to hit and cause pain between your toes. To avoid hurting your feet, it’s a good idea to walk with your feet perpendicular to the ground and not slide forward.

You may still end up hurting your feet. Just in case, we recommend that you have band-aids on hand.

Take frequent breaks

Just like men, women are more likely to get tired than usual because they are not used to wearing clothes and they also wear thicker clothes than men.

During your date, check the timing to make sure you’re not tired, and take frequent breaks. By doing so, the two of you can enjoy sightseeing together without having to push yourself too hard.

To avoid the situation of not being able to find a place to rest on the day of your trip, we recommend that you set up rest points such as cafes along your sightseeing route in advance.

Carry luggage

We have already mentioned that on a kimono date, the burden is a little heavier on women due to the differences in the characteristics of the attire.

Therefore, if the woman does not mind, we recommend that you bring large luggage with you. It is a good idea to keep luggage such as garbage generated during sightseeing and souvenirs from your trip.

This will give you the impression of being a gentleman. Your dependable appearance will surely make you look even more attractive.

Let’s show not only the outward coolness of a kimono or yukata, but also the inner coolness that allows us to care about others!

Summary｜Know the manners and enjoy rental kimonos!

We talked about etiquette for men’s kimono and yukata, as well as precautions and etiquette when renting kimonos for couples.

If you are going on a rental kimono date in Kyoto as a couple, we recommend Waplus Kyoto, which has a couple plan.

You can go out in your favorite kimono from a wide variety of kimonos, including original kimonos, lace kimonos, antique kimonos, and modern kimonos. We also have a yukata plan from June to September, so you can even go on a date in yukata in the summer.

Learn about kimono etiquette and precautions, and enjoy sightseeing in Kyoto as a couple!

Click here for reservations and inquiries about Waplus Kyoto

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