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Article: When the length of the kimono is too long

着物の丈が長すぎるときの対処法

When the length of the kimono is too long

Hello, this is Yukiwa❄

Aiming for an ohashori length of about 5–6 cm is a good rule of thumb for achieving a neat and tidy look. However, since the appearance can change depending on your body shape, the length of the kimono, and how you use padding, this length is not a strict requirement.

In this post, I will introduce how to adjust the length using two waist ties (koshihimo) when your ohashori ends up too long.

In a previous blog post, I mentioned that "even if a kimono doesn't fit your height, it's okay to prioritize your desire to wear it!"

Even if the kimono is a bit long, you can often create a sleek silhouette by adjusting the length of the ohashori.

What is the recommended length for the ohashori?

An ohashori length of about 5–6 cm is a good standard for a neat appearance.

You can also use the width of your palm—from your index finger to your little finger—as a guide.

When dressing someone else, try placing your hand with the fingers pointing down; when dressing yourself, try it with your thumb pointing up.

How to measure the ideal ohashori length with your palm

How to adjust when the ohashori is too long

Basic ohashori with one waist tie

First, when you tie the first waist tie at the usual position, the ohashori length will look something like this.

Ohashori length when tied with one waist tie

Fine-tuning the ohashori length with two waist ties

Next, you can adjust the length of the ohashori by tying a second waist tie at a slightly higher position.

Ohashori length when adjusted with two waist ties

By adjusting it this way, you can sometimes wear the kimono while keeping the pattern on the front looking beautiful.

A beautiful kimono look after adjusting the ohashori with two waist ties

Points to note when adjusting the ohashori

You don't necessarily always need two waist ties. Please adjust according to the kimono's length, your body shape, and your level of padding.

If you don't have enough padding, for instance, tying a single waist tie at a higher position might fix the ohashori length, but it could cause the hem to flare out.

Also, if the kimono is too short and you can't create much of an ohashori, simply creating enough of one to be hidden by the obi will help you achieve a better overall look.

Check the kimono's length when choosing your outfit

The length of the ohashori is related to the length of the kimono itself. At Yukiwa, we list detailed sizes such as garment length and sleeve length (yuki) on our product pages, so please use them as a reference when choosing your kimono.

View the Size Chart for Kimono, Nagajuban, and Zori

Click here for a list of all Yukiwa products