Art. Tradition. Function. Fashion. And one garment that encompasses it all: the kimono. The richly embroidered, lavishly printed, dyed robe goes beyond its ceremonial reputation in entering the modern culture. And in trying to blend the old with the new, the tradition of folding and unfolding is the one fundamental aspect of the Japanese culture striving to be preserved to this very day for both of its practical and aesthetic values. The kimono makes for a perfect example of how a three dimensional structure can be transformed into a two-dimensional flat form.

If you happen to already own a precious kimono piece, then you must also be aware of the fact that a kimono is best kept folded for storage, rather than on a classic style hanger. When folded into a perfect rectangular shape and wrapped in a tato-shi, the kimono can then be opened up and worn without ironing, the fabric origami ensuring a nice, flat, wrinkle-free form.

The correct folding of a kimono constitutes an art form, one that you can master by following a precise set of steps. Although it may seem complicated in the beginning, a little bit of practice is sure to make the art of folding a kimono feel easier and easier with time.

- First, you have to lay the kimono flat on the floor, carefully following the seam line in order to overlap each of the front openings to form a “T” shape. While preserving the T shape, fold back each of the front openings, making sure the edges align perfectly.

- Next, match up the collar end corners and underarm seams, and follow the existing folds at the collar before folding in the kimono half vertically.

- Back at the sleeves; fold them in to form a rectangle shape, and then fold back the edge of the sleeve within the rectangle. Fold in the kimono half horizontally by bringing the bottom edge upwards to meet the top edge.

- Achieve the perfect rectangular shape by folding in half horizontally again, bringing the bottom edge upwards once more to meet the top edge.

- Remember to always start on the right side of the kimono.

Good Luck with your kimono folding!

Article by Nicoleta