Kimono Dressing Essentials – A Complete Guide to Accessories and How Many You Need

Kimono Dressing Essentials – A Complete Guide to Accessories and How Many You Need

Wearing a kimono beautifully and comfortably requires more than just a kimono and obi. Traditional Japanese kimono dressing involves several essential accessories that help keep everything securely in place, create an elegant silhouette, and prevent shifting throughout the day.

If you're new to wearing kimono, you may wonder:

• How many koshihimo waist ties do I need?

• Do I need one or two datejime?

• What is the difference between a koshihimo and a Korin Belt?

• Which accessories are necessary for tea ceremony attire?

In this guide, we'll introduce the essential kimono dressing accessories, explain their purposes, and recommend how many of each item to prepare.

This guide focuses on women's traditional kimono dressing with a nagajuban (kimono undergarment) and a Nagoya obi tied in the Otaiko style, commonly worn for tea ceremonies, cultural gatherings, and everyday occasions.

1. Complete Kimono Dressing Accessories Checklist

Here is a practical checklist for beginners.

Kimono Accessory	Recommended Quantity
Hadajuban (Kimono Undergarment)	1
Susoyoke (Kimono Slip)	1
Nagajuban (Long Kimono Undergarment)	1
Haneri (Decorative Collar)	1
Eri-shin (Collar Stiffener)	1
Koshihimo (Waist Ties)	4–5
Datejime (Kimono Sashes)	2
Korin Belt (Kimono Collar Belt)	1 (Optional)
Obi-ita (Front Obi Board)	1
Obi Makura (Obi Pillow)	1
Obiage (Obi Scarf)	1
Obijime (Obi Cord)	1
Tabi Socks	1 Pair
Dressing Towels	2–3
Kimono Dressing Clips	2–3

The exact number of accessories may vary depending on your dressing method, body shape, kimono style, and obi arrangement.

2. Koshihimo – Kimono Waist Ties

Recommended Quantity: 4–5 Ties

Koshihimo (腰紐) are among the most important accessories for traditional kimono dressing.

These long fabric ties are used to secure the nagajuban and kimono, adjust the length of the garment, and temporarily hold the obi during dressing.

How Many Koshihimo Do You Need?

A typical dressing method may use:

Purpose	Quantity
Securing the Nagajuban	1
Securing the Kimono at the Waist	1
Securing the Kimono at the Chest	1
Temporary Ties for Obi Dressing	1–2
Total	4–5

Some dressing methods require fewer ties, especially when using a Korin Belt or other specialized accessories.

Recommended Types

Muslin Koshihimo

Soft, comfortable, and easy to tie, muslin koshihimo provide a secure grip and are particularly suitable for beginners.

A set of three is a convenient starting point.

Suzuro Non-Slip Koshihimo

Featuring a special non-slip mesh design, Suzuro Koshihimo help prevent shifting while providing a comfortable fit without excessive tightening.

These are especially useful for long tea ceremony gatherings or extended kimono wear.

3. Datejime – Kimono Dressing Sashes

Recommended Quantity: 2

Datejime (伊達締め) are used to smooth and secure the nagajuban and kimono around the torso.

Generally, you will need:

• 1 Datejime for the Nagajuban

• 1 Datejime for the Kimono

Recommended: Authentic Hakata-Ori Silk Datejime

Traditional Hakata-Ori datejime, woven in Fukuoka, Japan, are particularly appreciated for their firm yet supple texture.

Made from 100% silk, these sashes hold securely without loosening easily and are suitable for both casual and formal kimono dressing.

Hakata-Ori datejime featuring the traditional Kenjo pattern are a timeless choice for kimono enthusiasts.

4. Korin Belt – Adjustable Kimono Collar Belt

Recommended Quantity: 1 (Optional)

The Korin Belt (コーリンベルト) is a convenient accessory designed to keep the kimono collar neatly in place.

Unlike traditional waist ties, it features an adjustable elastic band with clips on both ends.

Benefits

• Helps prevent the kimono collar from shifting

• Eliminates the need for bulky knots

• Provides a comfortable, adjustable fit

• Makes kimono dressing easier for beginners

• Can replace a chest-level koshihimo in some dressing methods

A Korin Belt is not strictly necessary, but many kimono wearers find it especially helpful for maintaining a neat collar throughout the day.

5. Obi-ita – Kimono Front Obi Board

Recommended Quantity: 1

The Obi-ita (前板), also called a Mae-ita, is a flexible board placed beneath the front section of the obi.

Its purpose is to create a smooth, wrinkle-free appearance and help prevent the obi from creasing during wear.

Types of Obi-ita

Belt-Free Insert Style

Slides directly between the layers of the obi without additional straps.

Belted Style

Features attached straps that help hold the board in place.

Longer obi boards extend toward the sides of the waist and are especially suitable for formal kimono dressing.

6. Obi Makura – Traditional Obi Pillow

Recommended Quantity: 1

The Obi Makura (帯枕) is essential for creating the rounded shape of a traditional Otaiko (drum-style) obi knot.

It supports the upper portion of the obi at the back, helping maintain a beautiful, balanced shape.

Recommended: Obi Makura with Cotton Gauze Ties

An obi pillow made with lightweight polyurethane foam and breathable cotton gauze ties offers comfortable support.

The gauze ties can be secured snugly to help prevent loosening.

This type is suitable for both beginners and experienced kimono wearers.

Note: Some obi styles, such as certain Hanhaba Obi arrangements, do not require an obi pillow.

7. Eri-shin – Kimono Collar Stiffener

Recommended Quantity: 1

The Eri-shin (衿芯) is inserted into the collar area of the nagajuban to help maintain a smooth, elegant neckline.

A properly shaped collar is one of the key elements of beautiful kimono dressing.

Eri-shin are available in different levels of flexibility, allowing you to choose the style that best suits your comfort and dressing preferences.

8. Obiage and Obijime – Essential Obi Accessories

Recommended Quantity: 1 Each

For traditional Otaiko-style obi dressing, both an obiage and obijime are needed.

Obiage – Decorative Obi Scarf

The Obiage (帯揚げ) is used to cover and support the obi pillow while adding an elegant decorative accent above the obi.

Obijime – Decorative Obi Cord

The Obijime (帯締め) helps secure the obi arrangement and adds a finishing touch to the outfit.

Choosing obiage and obijime colors that complement your kimono and obi creates a harmonious overall appearance.

9. Tabi Socks – Traditional Japanese Split-Toe Socks

Recommended Quantity: At Least 1 Pair

Tabi (足袋) are traditional Japanese split-toe socks worn with kimono.

For tea ceremonies and formal occasions, white tabi are generally the standard choice.

A properly fitted pair of tabi provides comfort and helps create a neat, elegant appearance.

Tabi Socks Available Up to 30 cm

At Nara Tea, we offer traditional Japanese tabi socks in a wide range of sizes, including larger sizes up to 30 cm (approximately 11.8 inches).

We understand that finding larger traditional tabi sizes can be challenging, and we are pleased to offer options for customers who need them.

10. Kimono Dressing Clips

Recommended Quantity: 2–3 Clips

Kimono dressing clips are practical accessories used to temporarily secure kimono fabric during dressing.

They are particularly helpful when arranging the obi or adjusting the collar.

Benefits

• Hold fabric securely during dressing

• Help prevent the obi from shifting while tying

• Make dressing easier for beginners

• Can also be used to temporarily hold sleeves or fabric out of the way

A set of three clips is a convenient addition to any kimono dressing collection.

Traditional Japanese designs, such as Shippo, Amime, and Kikko patterns, add a beautiful decorative touch to these practical accessories.

11. Dressing Towels – Kimono Body Shaping

Recommended Quantity: 2–3 Thin Towels

Traditional kimono dressing often involves gentle body shaping, known as Hosei (補整).

Thin towels can be placed around the waist or other areas to create a smoother silhouette and help the obi sit securely.

The number of towels needed varies depending on body shape and personal preference.

The goal is not excessive padding, but a comfortable, balanced shape that allows the kimono to drape beautifully.

12. Kimono Care and Storage Essentials

In addition to dressing accessories, proper care and storage are important for preserving your kimono.

Kimono Hanger

A traditional kimono hanger allows the garment to be spread out after wearing, helping release moisture and maintain its shape.

Tatoushi – Japanese Kimono Storage Paper

Tatoushi (たとう紙) is traditional Japanese washi wrapping paper used to store kimono, obi, and other delicate garments.

It helps protect fabrics from dust and keeps garments neatly folded during storage.

Arau Kinuko-san – Silk Laundry Detergent

Arau Kinuko-san (洗う絹子さん) is a Japanese laundry detergent specially developed for washable silk nagajuban and other delicate fabrics.

Its gentle formula helps remove perspiration and body oils while minimizing shrinkage.

Always check the garment's care label and test for colorfastness before washing. Some traditional silk kimono and accessories require professional cleaning.

Final Checklist – What Should Beginners Buy First?

If you are preparing to wear a kimono for the first time, we recommend starting with the following essentials:

Essential Accessory	Quantity
Koshihimo	4–5
Datejime	2
Eri-shin	1
Obi-ita	1
Obi Makura	1
Obiage	1
Obijime	1
Tabi Socks	1 Pair
Dressing Towels	2–3
Korin Belt	1 (Optional)
Kimono Clips	2–3 (Optional)

Remember to also prepare your kimono, obi, nagajuban, haneri, appropriate undergarments, and zori sandals.

With the right accessories, traditional kimono dressing becomes easier, more comfortable, and more enjoyable.

Whether you are attending a tea ceremony, celebrating a special occasion, or simply enjoying Japanese culture, these essential accessories will help you feel confident and beautifully dressed.

Explore Kimono Accessories at Nara Tea

At Nara Tea, we carefully select traditional Japanese kimono accessories for tea ceremony practitioners and kimono enthusiasts.

From authentic Hakata-Ori silk datejime and comfortable koshihimo to obi pillows, kimono clips, and traditional tabi socks, our collection offers practical accessories to support your kimono dressing experience.

Discover our Kimono Accessories Collection and enjoy the beauty of traditional Japanese dressing.