Kimono Gown Sizing

We have posted information regarding how to choose the size of your Japanya kimono gown in the past.  This previous post was illustrated with one of our men's yukata.  Here we illustrate sizing using one of our women's yukata.

Choosing the size of your kimono gown is generally based on height with our recommendation being that you choose a gown of 10-13" less than your height.  The length of gown you choose will also very much be based on your own preference with many customers preferring to wear a shorter gown rather than a longer one. The image below illustrates how a person of 5'7" would look in gowns of 54", 56" or 58" length.

Japanya Kimono Sizing

In the above example of a person of average build and height 5'7" we would recommend the 56" gown (that is one 11" shorter than the height).  However, the 54" gown would also be suitable especially for someone who would prefer to wear a gown slightly above the ankle. The 58" gown would perhaps suit a person with a fuller figure or if the gown is to be worn in a traditional manner, with a wide obi, excess fabric could be folded up at the waist.

Nemaki Kimono

Nemaki, meaning "sleep" and "wear" in Japanese is a type of yukata lined with a thin layer of cotton gauze. The gauze softens with washing making the nemaki very comfortable to wear. Traditionally, women's nemaki are made with a floral often blue and white patterned material whereas men's nemaki are usually of a geometric design, also in blue and white.

We are not able to stock a wide range of nemaki, as our kimono makers/suppliers do not routinely make nemaki.  Indeed in Japan nemaki have a slightly negative image as they are associated with hospitals and the older generation!  Currently we stock an edo stripe nemaki in dark blue - this is very different form the ready-made designs available elsewhere  -  that we have had custom made for us in Tokyo.

Edo Stripe Nemaki

Happy times at Hyper Japan!

Nikki modelling our Japanya Happi Coat! 

Heart Sutra Yukata (Cotton Kimono)

This week we have added Heart Sutra yukata (available in black and white) to our webshop.  The design uses script from the Buddhist Hannya-shingyou (the heart of perfect wisdom) Sutra.  This chant also known as the Heart Sutra, teaches the secrets of life and the universe!

The Heart Sutra yukata although similar to our Kyoto Saga yukata in having a Japanese kanji theme actually looks very different. The Heart Sutra script is slightly smaller but more dense and a gold hanko stamp is used in the design whereas a red hanko stamp is used in the Kyoto Saga design. 

Origami Owl Earrings by Orinique

We'll be selling a new range of origami jewellery, including these cute lucky owl earrings, at Hyper Japan in July.

Getting ready for Hyper Japan

We have been busy making a few adjustments to our website which we hope to finalise over the next few days. Shortly we will be adding some new yukata and obi as well as launching a new range of handmade jewellery.  We will also be turning our attention to planning our stall for Hyper Japan next month.  

"Bringing Ryokan style into your home" Good Things Magazine

In the recent issue of Good Things, a magazine that explores premium multicultural cuisine,  Kavel Favelle shares the secrets of staying in Japanese ryokan.  Two of our yukata were featured in the piece: