How to Fold Your Kimono

Ok, I'll show you how to fold your kimonos or yukatas. You can use this method for most of your kimono except furisode, children's or men's kimonos. This is good for regular types of kimonos for females.

I know many foreigners buy kimonos as their souvenirs or get some as some gifts. But do you know how to fold? If the material is polyester, it won't be a matter but you need to fold a kimono or a yukata properly if it is made of silk or cotton.

Here are the instructions. Please note my English isn't perfectly correct. I hope you can understand! Good Luck!

1. Lay your kimono on the clean floor.

2. Look at the kimono carefully. Do you see the line　that is sewn together? (interfacing between a migoro and a okumi) You need to fold it toward the side.

3. Look at the collar. Now hold up the right collar and put it on the left one.

This is how it looks like now.

4.  This step is very important because if you mess it up, your kimono will look messy.
     Open this part and remove all the wrinkles.  Make sure to fold evenly from the center.  I pointed the left corner in the photo.

I'm holding the right corner.

Now the both sides match. and this shot is from the shoulder.

5.  Next step is to hold up the center and bring it towards you.

6. Now the sleeves.

Hold the right sleeve.

And place it on the left.

7. It's almost done! Ok, we are going to fold it into half. Do you see where to fold? Place your hand on the kimono and fold it into half.

This is how it looks like now.

9.  You have sleeves left.  Just turn the sleeves onto the kimono.  Flip the kimono carefully and repeat it for the other side of the sleeves.

10.  This is the last step.  Keep your kimono in tato-shi paper!  Well done!  

I hope it is clear enough for everyone. Now it is your turn! Try it out! If you have any questions on this, please contact me!