Thread by @OhsakaRin

so, you're traveling to Japan and you want to wear kimono?

not sure what type of rental shop to go for?

as a professional kimono stylist, I'm here to give you a quick guide on types of kimono rental shops in Japan and what to expect depending on which one you choose!

RENTAL KIMONO ONLY

These shops are what I like to call "factory line" kimono rental shops. You go from station to station, picking out kimono, and shop staff help you. Their job is to get you in and out as fast as possible, especially if there are a lot of people waiting

These shop staff have a range of experience with kimono; some of them genuinely have kimono knowledge and understand how to coordinate well. Others know that foreigners don't know any better and just want the flashiest, brightest pattern possible

Because they usually have so many people waiting, your experience won't be very personalized. Again, they need to get you in and out as fast as possible, so chances are, you won't know much about the pattern on the kimono, the history of the garment, etc.

Because the experience isn't very personalized, it is the cheapest. Prices tend to range from ¥3,000-3,500 (ish). They'll offer packages for couples, friends, etc.

However! Things like styling hair and adding accessories usually cost extra, and sometimes they're not upfront

Some rental shops will display a full menu of what they're offering regarding kimono rental (hair, accessories, etc). Sometimes they ask you if you want them as you go along, and then SURPRISE! You get quoted much higher at checkout than you thought. Be careful!

If you are plus sized, smaller kimono rental shops may not carry your size OR they may not know how to dress you properly. I've had to re-do a friend's kimono because she rented from a smaller shop that was unfamiliar with plus sized bodies, and she was VERY uncomfortable

The bigger the kimono rental shop (i.e. if it's a chain or is in a more dense tourist area), the more likely they are to carry plus sizes, as they're used to a wider variety of tourists.

Another downside to these kimono rental places (at least for me as a professional) is that a lot of these kimono are actually mass-produced at factories, usually not even in Japan, and sometimes shop staff claim they're not polyester... when they actually are

PRIVATE STYLISTS

A private kimono stylist is going to offer you a much more personalized experience. Your kimono outfit for the day is going to be discussed in advance and catered to your preferences (color scheme, what looks best on you, etc)

However! It's more expensive

Because your experience is much more personalized and involves the stylist choosing items for you with more care and expertise, a rental from a stylist usually starts higher, around ¥6000, though some stylists offer less in order to compete with the 'factory' line shops

Most kimono stylists are going to also walk you through the process of how you're being dressed, explain the function of what everything does, and also tell you about the pattern and the fabric of the kimono, which is a more memorable experience IMO

Kimono stylists can often do hair and provide accessories as well, and the cost depends on each stylist for how much. Like rental shops, this is usually an additional charge.

Professional kimono stylists are also often trained to dress different body types and usually know how to make the right adjustments for your body shape and size with the padding and overall dressing

Regardless of whatever you choose, I hope you enjoy being dressed in kimono!

If you liked this thread, I have a kimono account as a professional stylist here: @mainichi_kimono where I share information about kimono and show dressing from time to time

If you're coming to the Kansai area at the end of March for cherry blossoms, consider booking me! I'm available for both kimono dressings AND I help you shop for your own secondhand kimono, if you've always wanted to buy your own kimono! mainichikimono.as.me

Finally, if you enjoy my informative threads on Japan and kimono, consider supporting me with a coffee! (Or a matcha latte, if you prefer). Not required, but definitely appreciated!

ko-fi.com/mainichikimono