How to wash a kimono

How to wash a kimono without dulling its print or distorting its wide sleeves quickly becomes a real concern, often after the first few wears. This Japanese-inspired piece is far from an ordinary garment: straight cut, wide panels, an attached belt and, most of the time, a fluid fabric that reacts to even the slightest excess of heat or friction. A poorly chosen cycle is enough to make it lose its drape. Here are the guidelines that apply to most models in our collection of kimonos, from preparation before machine washing to storage between seasons.

How to wash a kimono: checks before machine washing

Before looking into how to wash a kimono, ask yourself whether it really needs to go in the machine. Unlike a garment slipped on over bare skin after a shower, such as those found in all the robes, a kimono is most often worn over something else: it gets dirty less quickly and can easily be aired out overnight on a hanger by an open window. When washing is necessary, start with the care label sewn into the side seam: it remains the only reliable reference for your specific model. Then remove the belt from its loops and wash it with the garment rather than wrapped around it, empty the pockets if the cut has any, and keep metal zippers away from the same drum, as they snag smooth fabrics. For an isolated stain, dab it with a damp cloth without rubbing: this often avoids a full cycle.

How to wash a satin or viscose kimono

The fabric makes the difference, and how to wash a kimono depends above all on what its composition reveals. Japanese-inspired models are often made from satin, a smooth and shiny weave, rather than genuine silk, a natural fibre with which it is often confused. The pieces in the satin collection therefore require gentleness rather than force: delicate cycle, mesh laundry bag, garment turned inside out, properly dosed liquid detergent and no chlorine-based products. Viscose is also known to weaken when wet, which means avoiding prolonged soaking and never wringing the garment. A reduced spin cycle, or even hand washing, remains the safest option. On a cotton model, which is more matte and holds its shape better, there is more leeway, but the label always has the final say.

How to wash a kimono: drying, ironing and storage

Once the cycle is finished, the most important work remains: how to wash a kimono is not judged when it leaves the drum, but once the piece is dry, unwrinkled and put away.

How to wash a kimono and dry it without marking the shoulders

Take the garment out as soon as the program ends, without letting it wait: a fluid fabric balled up while damp will develop creases that are difficult to remove later. Hang it on a wide hanger, preferably padded, spreading the fabric evenly over both shoulders; a thin wire hanger will leave a clear mark on a slippery fabric. Take this opportunity to smooth the collar, align the two panels and relax the sleeves, which remain supple as long as they are damp. Dry it in the open air, away from a radiator and out of direct sunlight, as prolonged exposure can dull the colours of a print. Wide sleeves hold a lot of water and pull downwards: if the piece feels heavy, first let it drip dry flat on a towel. How to wash a kimono is thus largely determined by what happens in the minutes following the wash.

How to wash a kimono, iron it and then store it

Satin ironed at too high a temperature will shine in places, and this shiny mark will never go away. Work on the reverse side at a moderate temperature, placing a thin cloth between the soleplate and the fabric, and never place the iron directly on a printed pattern. A handheld steamer held at a distance often does the same job with less risk, within the limits indicated on the label. For storage, two solutions are equally good: hung on a wide hanger in an airy wardrobe, or folded flat following the shoulder seams, with the belt rolled up separately. Avoid airtight plastic covers, which trap moisture, and only store it when it is perfectly dry. Knowing how to wash a kimono ultimately matters as much as how to store it from one season to the next. Our pieces are designed for everyday use, as told in our story; if you have any doubts about a specific model, you can write to us.

Conclusion

How to wash a kimono ultimately comes down to a few simple decisions: space out washes by airing the piece between wears, read the label before choosing a cycle, prefer a delicate cycle and a reduced spin, then dry it on a wide hanger away from direct heat. Ironing is done on the reverse side and through a cloth, and storage completes the job. These steps take a few minutes longer than an ordinary wash, and it is they that preserve the sheen of the satin, the sharpness of the patterns and the drape of the sleeves. Nothing is demanding once the habits are formed. To find the cut, length and pattern that will accompany you every day, browse our collection of kimonos and choose the one whose fabric will best suit your pace.

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