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How to Find your Kimono Sizing


Kimono (and yukata) are made to fit a wide range of heights and bodies, because they are often passed down generations. They are also made in ways that make size adjusting very easy.

Here are three sizings to keep in mind when finding a kimono that fits.


measurements for finding your kimono sizing

Mitake (length of kimono)

The mitake is measured on the back of your kimono from top to bottom

Wearing traditionally: the mitake should be slightly shorter, the same, or longer than your height, to be able to create an 'ohashori' (folded kimono at the hips). As a rough indication, your kimono should be -5 to +5 cm longer. If you are 160cm tall, you want your kimono to be 155 to 165cm.

Wearing a short kimono : A lot of antique kimonos for adults are as short as 135cm, but it is possible to still wear this traditionally. By not creating an 'ohashori', you are able to wear a kimono up to 30cm shorter than your height and still have the kimono reach your ankles.

There are also ways to elongate a kimono, through either adding extra fabric to the ohashori area which will be hidden when worn, or by undoing the hem of the kimono and bringing out a few centimeters of folded fabric.

Wearing non-traditionally: If you are looking to wear your kimono non traditionally (with boots, heels, underskirt, etc) you can wear a kimono of any size. The mitake can be up to 40cm shorter than your height, and by adjusting the 'ohashori' you are able to change the length depending on how you like.

Yukitake (arm length)

The yukitake, is measured from the base of your neck, through your shoulder to your wrist.

Wearing traditionally: The yukitake of your kimono should be around -3 to +3cm compared to the length from your neck to wrist.

If the yuki of your kimono is too short or too long, it can be adjusted through either sewing in a fold, or bringing out folded fabric on the hems of the sleeve.

Wearing non traditionally: Many prefer shorter yukis for more mobility and convenience, especially in working environments. However, some wear standard yuki length and use a 'tasuki' (sash) around your sleeves and back.

Maehaba, Ushirohaba (front width, back width)

The maehaba is the width of the front of the kimono, and the ushirohaba is the width of the back.

A standard kimono can be worn by people with a hip narrower than 113cm.

The standard width of a tanmono (kimono fabric) is 35cm, which is then sewed into a kimono. The width of the hem of a kimono can differ slightly, but will most likely be around 32, 33cm. The front (maehaba) of the kimono is layered on top of eachother, and there will be some extra space from the side of your hip to the opening of the kimono (around 15cm), therefore the way to calculate a kimonos total width is maehaba + (ushirohaba x 2) + 15

drawing of women from the edo period in kimono
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