The kimono has jumped into the fashion scene as a way to add style and flair to your look. Whether you buy a short silk kimono robe to wear with leggings or you opt for a longer one, it’s important to know how to tie the robe.

How to tie a silk kimono robe depends on the vibe you want to send. Knowing how to tie the robe in fashionable ways can do wonders for your wardrobe.

Leave It Open

One of the easiest options for wearing a kimono is to not bother tying it at all. The sash, sometimes referred to as a Koshihomo or even a himo, can get in the way of the look you’re trying to achieve.

As you walk, the kimono will fly open, exposing the shirt you have on. A cami top with a pair of skinny jeans can be a fashionable, confident look. The kimono will simply add a touch of color as well as a vibrant and stylish addition.

When you want to infuse Japanese attire into your wardrobe without fussing with the tie, this is the easiest option. You can choose to keep the sash nearby or leave it hanging around the hanger in your closet.

Tie it in the Front

Tying your kimono in the front is considered the traditional option. You’ll want to put the kimono on so that it hangs loosely. Hold both ends in your hands so that you can ensure that the robe falls properly. Wrap the panel in your right hand so that it is snug against your body. Then, wrap the left side over the right side.

It’s important to wrap right to left. If you do it in reverse, you’re wrapping the kimono the way that the Japanese bury their dead. It’s disrespectful and it can get you in trouble with someone who is familiar with Eastern culture.

Once you’ve got the kimono wrapped properly, wrap the sash around your waist. The ends should be in the front. Tie a simple bow so that the remains of the sash hang down. If your sash is longer than you’d like, tie a bigger bow so that the loops take away some of the excess length.

Tie it on the Side

You have the option of tying the sash on the side. To do this, you’ll still do the same wrap of the panels across your body. The only difference is that you’ll choose to tie the sash on the side.

There are a few advantages of a side sash. The first is that it’s a way to buck tradition. You’ll stand out a bit more. The second is that it keeps the kimono closed while still flashing a bit of skin (if you don’t wear anything underneath). Even if you wear something underneath the kimono, it can serve as a flirtier way to wear the kimono robe.

If you have a longer sash, you can also tie it loosely. This is ideal when you want to show off a particular shirt or dress that’s underneath. It will stay on your shoulders but reveal more of your keen fashion sense.

As you shop J’aime, you’ll find that there are plenty of options for wearing a short silk kimono robe. Be sure that you choose a size that allows you to wrap some of the material around you. If you buy too small, you’ll be limited by the ways in which you can tie the robe (if you can tie it at all).

Tie it in the Back

It’s important to understand that you can tie your kimono in the back. However, you’re typically wearing a sash, not an obi. An obi is typically a thicker belt worn with traditional Japanese kimonos. 

Unless you are participating in a Japanese cultural event or you’re practicing Japanese martial arts, you won’t be wearing an obi. Therefore, you can tie it in the front without anyone thinking any less of you.

If you do choose to tie it in the back, you’ll want to consider the various decorative knots. Some knots are believed to bring you fortune or luck.

Blouse the Kimono Over

Buying a kimono that is sized for you is important. Not only do you not want it so that it can’t wrap around you but it’s also important that it isn’t too baggy. The right fit will ensure you have more options with how you’ll wear the robe.

If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of deciding whether to tie your sash in the front or the back, you can choose to hide it altogether.

Wrap the kimono (right, then left) and tie the sash in the front. Then, pull some of the excess material out in front so that it blouses over the sash. Smooth out the blousing so that the himo is completely covered. Depending on the size of your kimono and your height, you might have more or less blousing to work with.

Start By Shopping for a Stylish Kimono

You have big decisions to make as you decide to embrace the fashionable kimono into your wardrobe. Are you going to wear the kimono as a dress, as a stylish lightweight cardigan, or as a wrap top? Either way, you’ll want to consider what you’re going to pair the kimono with.

Once you’ve got your kimono, start experimenting. Try it on with a dress, a pair of shorts, skinny jeans, or nothing at all. When you’ve got your outfit on, test out a few of the tie options. Start with no sash at all. Then, see whether you want to close it up a bit with a knot in the front, the side, or the back. Either way, you’re bound to look good – and looking good is a guaranteed way to boost your confidence.