We answer your questions about rental kimonos! A manual to solve your “Rental Kimono” anxiety!

In this column, we will introduce recommended items for first-time kimono renters in an easy-to-understand manner. 👘
Those who rent a kimono for the first time may have some worries.
This time, we are going to provide you with useful information that will help you to overcome that anxiety!
「What should I bring?」
「What should I do in such a case?」
「Will they take care of this kind of problem?」
We will answer all of your questions. 🙂
 
This article also answers all the delicate questions from women that are difficult to ask the staff directly.
You can also learn about what to keep in mind when wearing a men's kimono 🙂.
In the latter half of the article, we answer all the frequently asked questions at once! Please read to the end☺.

Choosing a right underwear is also an important point to enjoy a beautiful kimono!
However, visiting Okamoto in your usual underwear will be no problem. We want our customers to enjoy kimono easily and casually.
Our dressing staff will make sure that you are properly dressed anyway.
 
You will look beautiful with usual undergarments inside. Although, if you seek comfort, please take a look at this page♪.
 
It is said you would look better in kimono to have cylindrical body shape. Therefore, towels and gauze are used as paddings to eliminate unevenness of the original body.
 
Also, if you have large breasts, we recommend a non-wired bra or a bra top rather than underwired bra！
It is ideal to wear a waso bra(kimono bra). But no need to buy it if you do not have one. You can substitute one of the above items for waso bra. 🙆‍♀️
 
Also, you had better avoid dark colored underwear if you are going to wear light colored kimono especially in summer. It will be safer to be wearing close to your skin color one.

You can read more about winter protection in the article at the following URL ⛄👇.
https://www.okamoto-kimono.com/column/1748?more

Rental Kimono Okamoto also offers optional hair styling course. ❤
 
Is it better not doing anything for my hair? Is it okay to curl my hair a little beforehand? We receive many inquiries about this matter!
In fact, it would be ideal if you haven't done anything. But you may have a date or other plan before renting a kimono. Don’t worry. Curling your hair a little bit would not be a problem at all.👌
 
However, if you are wearing excessive amount of styling products (oil, spray, wax), the spray powder may come out when we comb your hair. And our hair curlers may not be able to heat through your hair, which causes we cannot meet your request depending on the hair style you choose.
 
If you apply oil on your hair, it will smell burnt and make a sizzling sound when we run through hair iron. It can also create smoke that may damage your hair.
Also, if the hair is sprayed, it will turn white when combed and the hair iron will not glide smoothly, which will affect the finish.
There is no problem unless the amount is too much.
It will help we get a sense of your usual style and preferences if you come in your usual style.
We would like to ask you to avoid excessive styling products. If worried it will be better not wearing any of styling products at all when you visit us.

We do not lend out sprays, irons, or pins.
If you do not have your hair styled by us, please come with your hair finished. 
Also, there is an option to rent hair ornaments only without hair styling. You can choose as many as you want for 330yen. It will make your hair a lot more gorgeous and will go perfectly with your kimono💛. 
We have popular dried flowers, mizuhiki, headdresses, etc. There is no limit in number. 🌸

Yes. We do accept hair styling only without renting a kimono, such as when you attend a wedding in a dress.
 
 In this case the rate is 3,300yen for any style you would request.
Please note that any space to change your dress is not provided.

Should I not be wearing makeup?" We are often asked this question.


We do not provide makeup service.
 
Therefore, please have your make-up done before coming to the store.

Some customers apply color powder or foundation around the neck, but in the case of kimono, the stain inside the collar of juban undergkimono or kimono is very noticeable giving it a bad appearance. It is best to avoid foundation on the neck area so that the kimono can be worn more beautifully.
 
None of our stores have a make-up room. You may use the waiting room instead to touch up your makeup if needed.
However, it will be the best to have your makeup done before coming.

You might worry, "What if I have my period on the day I am planning to wear a kimono?
There is nothing special that you have to do, and basically you can go on as usual.
Although, try a waterproof sanitary panty or petticoat if you are concerned. (We do not sell them in the store).

You will see when walking around many places do not have restrooms. It is difficult to change sanitary napkins frequently, so using a larger one than usual might help.

How to go to the restroom is one of the most frequently asked questions.
We will show with pictures☺.

In the case of women, as shown in the photo, you lift upper front of kimono→lower front of kimono→upper front of juban underkimono→lower front of juban underkimono→underwear in order, and finally hold them all together to sit on the toilet.

It is not that difficult, but lifting them up all at once may ruin the shape. So please raise them gently in turn. 

After you finish, you put down each layer in the opposite order: underwear→lower front of juban→upper front of juban, lower front of kimono, upper front of kimono.  You will be able to keep the silhouette of kimono neat in this way.👌

In the end, fix ohashori(a fold around the hips) if it is lifted up. 👍.

We provide undershirt and underpants for men, but you can wear your own T-shirts instead if you want that way.
 
The above undershirt is worn over bare skin, and underpants are worn over bottom underwear such as boxer shorts.
 
In winter, leggings may be worn as a warm-up measure without pants, and on the contrary, you need not wear our underpants on hot summer days.
 
Customers can choose their own underwear.
In winter, you can wear your own HeatTech T-shirt instead of our cotton undershirt.

However, as kimono is a garment with a v neckline, if you are wearing a round-neck T-shirt underneath, it will be visible afterward, which is not nice looking.

Therefore, we recommend that you wear a V-neck or one with a large open collar!
 
Also, you need to think of your underwear’s color in summer.
If you are wearing a light-colored kimono, be careful not to wear dark-colored underwear because it can be seeable. Wearing something close to your skin color would be safe.

One of main reasons men’s kimono losing its shape comes from the fact they put cell phones and wallets into the sleeve when strolling.

As the weight of luggage will pull on your collar, it makes lose the shape of kimono.
Men’s bags are also available to rent. Please put your belongings in your bag and carry with hands.👍

How to go to the restroom, a question we get a lot from our customers.
It is not difficult at all. We will show you along with pictures.

Please lift up the kimono from the top→the bottom, then the top of the juban→the bottom of the juban, and then hold it firmly at the top before using the restroom.
 ⚠At this time, please be careful not to roll up the kimono from the bottom at once.

The order is reversed when you put it back: lower front of juban→upper front of juban→lower front of kimono, upper front of kimono.
 
Stroke the surface of kimono to smooth out wrinkles.
The wrinkles should be stretched out as much as possible as it would look a lot nicer.

Rental Kimono Okamoto does not provide hair styling service for men.
Therefore, we ask our male customers to finish their hair in advance, before arriving.
 
Please note that we do not have a space for men to do hair.

Q What happens if I am late for my appointment?
A. We will do our best to accommodate your request, but depending on the availability of the day, you may have to wait a little during the process, because priority is given to customers who arrived on time.
Depending on circumstances we may have to reschedule your appointment. So please try to arrive on time!
If you are running late, please call us.

Q What happens if I cancel?
A. Cancellations made after 1:00 p.m. the day before will be charged a cancellation fee, unless it is due to physical illness.
 If you have an unavoidable reason, please contact us by phone.

Q If I make a reservation for five or six people, will the finishing time change?
A. All Okamoto stores have spacious dressing rooms, and staff members are on standby according to the number of reservations.
 Therefore, you will not be served one person after another.
 Every member of your party will be served at the same time, so there will be no significant difference in the finishing time.
 ※Time required for choosing kimono in the beginning and for the style of hair/kimono may vary and affect the finishing time.
 ※Groups of 10 or more people are also accepted. Please contact us for details.

Q, Will there be fewer kimonos in the afternoon?
A. We have more than 1,000 pieces of kimono at each of our stores.
  You are sure to find your favorite one.
  Every morning 1,000 pieces of kimono that have been maintained by the previous day are lined up.
 After noon, the kimonos that have been finished with maintenance will be added, so there is not a big difference in the total number of kimonos.
We understand once-in-a-lifetime encounter in your kimono experience. Please visit us with no worry. We believe you will find your kimono for that moment.

Q. Can I choose a kimono earlier than the reservation date?
A. We are afraid that you cannot reserve the kimono beforehand.

Q. I would like to purchase instead of renting (geta, yukata etc.)
A. Yukata, geta, and accessories are available to buy at each store.
We can also dress you right away. (Additional dressing fee will be required except for children's yukata)

Q. Can I rent parasols or Japanese umbrellas?
A. Yes, we have both for rent at each of our stores.

Japanese umbrellas ¥1100 (for those returning on the same day)
Parasol ¥330 (for those returning on the same day)
⚠Both of them are not available for rent on rainy days.
Regular umbrella for rain ¥550 (for sale only)

Q. I want to use my own hair ornament...
A. If you wish, please bring your own. You can still rent ours too to combine.

Q. I want to wear my boots with a kimono.
A. Some customers like to wear stylish and cool boots with their kimonos.
We do not have boots for rent. So, you will need to bring your own. We can adjust the length of the kimono to fit the boots.
You can bring your own pumps or heels too if you wish.

Q. Can I bring in some of my own items?
A. "I want to use my own obi! I want to use this obijime!
or "I have everything else, so I just want to borrow the obi! etc.
Okamoto can handle all of these requests.

Dressing and rental fees vary depending on the type of kimono and accessories brought in, so please inquire if you would like to bring in some of yours.
 
Q. Is it possible to bring in a complete set of kimono?
A. Yes. You need to pay dressing fee instead of rental fee. And it varies depending on the type if kimono you have. So please inquire for details. (Hair set is not included in the price.)
If you are missing some accessories to kimono, you can rent or buy from us. If you have any concerns please contact us in advance.

Q I am a man. Can I wear a woman's kimono?
A Yes. You can wear either men's or women's as you wish.
Please contact the store in advance for details. (separate changing room not available depending on the store)

Q. Can I have my hair styled even though it is a wig?
A. Yes. Basically, it is possible. Please let us know if we can use a hair iron or other hair styling products on the day.

Q. Does it take long to undress?
A. It takes less than 2 minutes to undress after returning to the store. From there, you can leave as little as 5 minutes(^^), depending on how long it takes to change into your clothes by yourself.

Q. Can I keep my hair style as it is?
A. Yes. You can go in your cute hair. We will remove the hair ornaments only to keep the style as it is. In case you want to remove your hair set, please take out the bobby pins and hair ties inside by yourself.

Q I have alopecia areata. Is it possible to set my hair?
A. Yes, it is possible. Please consult our hair stylist when setting the hair.

Q. I am wearing hair extensions.
A. No problem. If you have any requests regarding the temperature of the iron, etc., please let our hair stylist know.

Q. Is the store wheelchair accessible?
A. <Yasaka Shrine> store has an elevator, but please note that there are some steps. The other stores have changing rooms on the second floor or higher, and you will have to take the stairs to get there. In terms of kimono, you don't need to stand all the time to change. It is alright if you are able to sit up for a certain period of time.
Please consult with us about dressing.

Q. I am a foreigner.
A. We have English, Chinese and Korean instruction manuals available, so there is no need to worry even if you do not understand Japanese. Also, staffs who can speak those languages are available depending on the day.

Q. I am pregnant. Can I wear kimono?
A. It is possible as long as your physical condition allows. Please consult with our staff. We also have a rubber strap that is easier on the waist. Please enjoy the dress as much as you can.

Q. I am with my child. Can you dress him or her?
A. We have children's kimonos available from 90 cm and up. Basically, we ask children who do not wear kimono to wait outside the changing room, but if they are infant or toddler or depending on circumstances, they can stay inside the changing room with you.

Q. Do you have kimonos for my body type?
A. Tall size, wide size, small size, we have kimonos to fit various body types.
We also have two-piece type of kimono that can accommodate extra-large body figure.
Around waist of wide size kimonos and yukatas is as follows:
・Kimono
Approx. 120cm
※We also have several original kimonos that can be worn up to 150 cm in waist.
・Yukata
Wide size: Approx. 100-120cm around the waist
2W size: Approx. 110-130cm around the waist
Kimono and yukata are cut and sewn in straight lines. There is no detailed waist/hip size as in western clothing.
The size that can be worn may be different from the above measurement depending on your body shape. (There are a limited number of special size kimonos available.)

Q. Can I use it for a photo shoot?
A. Yes. Please feel free to use it. We receive many referrals from photographers.

Q. What if my kimono falls apart outside?
A. We will make sure to dress you properly and tightly. However, in case it falls out of place, we will fix it at any of our seven Okamoto stores. Please contact us. We will guide you to the nearest store from your location. (The same goes for hair-set).

Q. Can you help with surprises, etc.?
A. 'I want to keep it a secret that we will be wearing a kimono'.  'I want to leave the bouquet of flowers for the marriage proposal at the store ahead of time'. 'I do not want my friend to know the price. 'I would like you to help me confess the love.' These are some of the requests we have actually received from customers. We will do our best to meet your requests. Please feel free to contact us for any kind of help and we would be honored to assist you!

We hope we have answered all your questions and everything you wanted to know before wearing a kimono.
Please check out our website for more detailed articles and courses regarding kimono rentals.

We also have a special feature and column on sightseeing spots and recommended spots in the area for those who rent a kimono and want to explore the city of Kyoto.
How about renting a kimono at Rental Kimono Okamoto when you visit Kyoto❔
We will help you create wonderful memories in Kyoto.
 
We look forward to seeing you at our store.
 
Related Articles
Measures against cold
https://www.okamoto-kimono.com/column/1748?more
Kimono guarantee
https://www.okamoto-kimono.com/column/2881

【Author of this article】
Rental Kimono Okamoto    <Yasaka-jinja Store>
605-0073  Kyoto-city Higashiyama-ku Gion-machi 301-1
Phone: 075-532-0510
Website: https://www.okamoto-kimono.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rentalkimonookamoto/?hl=ja