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Yes omg, that was me back in 2011, when I was 16 years old?! So in what way do you guys think I have changed? Just KIDDING, let's not get to that. That was the first time I tried on a kimono! Can't remember exactly where I got the kimono but I did not purchase it. I simply rented this one for a little over $10 from a friendly lady.

HOW DO YOU WEAR A KIMONO?

It is not as easy as it looks! Takes time and patience to put on a kimono, REALLY. So I am now gonna briefly explain to you MY VERSION of wearing a kimono (the short-cut way).

Before wearing the kimono, of course, it makes sense that you have to put on an inner wear. I basically slipped on a basic top (white cotton shirt) and shorts. Supposedly, it would have been more appropriate to wear pants instead of shorts but the hot weather wouldn't spare me so I made the right choice to wear shorts! 

For the women, we have to wrap the kimono over you body from the RIGHT first. This means you'll have to bring the right side of the kimono over your left waist and overlap it with the left side of the kimono thereafter. This is pretty logical so no illustration required!

The most difficult part of wearing a kimono is here!! And that is putting on the koshi himo belt, tie it to secure your kimono so that it doesn't unwrap itself. Slightly adjust the length of the kimono. You can do so by, pulling the kimono upwards until it ends at your ankle. An extra step to take is to tighten your belt once more. This is also a crucial part of wearing a kimono because it ensures that your kimono is IN PLACE. You do not want to walk around with a kimono and having to constantly tug and adjust on the costume. NOTE: remember to hide your inner wear so that is not visible!

LASTLY, put on the obi makura and wrap the obi. This is the thick strap of clothing piece around the kimono which will finish off the Japanese traditional look! Simply tie both ends of the obi together, folding it across your waist and tightening it at the center. Yay now you're good to go :-)

As you can see, my obi is more unique and I really love how adorable the ribbon obi looked! Apart from that, I am also in love with the autumn prints and colour combination of the kimono.

HOW DOES IT FEEL LIKE TO WEAR A KIMONO?

Honestly, it is very STUFFY to be in one. Firstly it's because I am already wearing a layer of clothing underneath the kimono. That means I have double wear. Furthermore, the material of the kimono is pretty thick and I presume it is made to wear for the cold weather. So by the time I was halfway to school in my traditional wear, I was already perspiring like cray.

It is also difficult to maintain. Even after adjusting the kimono perfectly, inside and out, it was almost impossible to stop adjusting! I had to adjust the wrapping of the kimono to make sure my inner wear was kept hidden at all times.

Despite the preparations and maintenance, I had a lot of fun during Racial Harmony Day back in my secondary school days. Truthfully speaking, 2011 was my last year in secondary school, which was the ONLY YEAR I actually dressed up to celebrate Racial Harmony! Maybe, I'll wear another traditional costume this year? Any ideas on what I should wear?! You can share it with me on http://Ask.fm/AlexisAngx

Yep, post on my EUROPE TRIP coming up next. Till then!

kimono cardigan