Lavender Kagome Shibori Haori

Do you ship worldwide?
Yes, we ship to 147 countries from our warehouse in Kyoto.

 

How long does delivery take?
Orders typically take 10-14 days to reach Europe.

 

What is the shipping cost?
Shipping is free for orders over €330. For lesser orders, we charge a fixed fee of €30.
Customers are responsible for import duties and any additional taxes which may apply locally.

 

What payment methods do you accept?
Our website accepts major credit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, GooglePay and Shop Pay. We can also arrange payment via Vipps, Wise and Revolut. If you would like to use one of these payment methods, please reach out to us directly.

 

Do you accept exchanges, returns or refunds?
We do not accept exchanges, returns or refunds. Please be mindful that vintage clothing cannot be completely free of marks, holes and other signs of wear. Make sure to check the photos of the items as well as the description of the item you are purchasing carefully. 

 

What happens when a parcel gets lost during transportation?
We have never had a parcel go missing during transportation. While we do not offer refunds for product damage or loss during shipping, please let us know as we may be able to file a claim with the shipping carrier.

Storage
After wearing, hang the garment to ventilate overnight before storing. Make sure your kimono is protected from sunlight and humidity during ventilation. Silk naturally repels dirt and microbes, so ventilating your garment is sufficient to keep your kimono clean under normal usage.

Once the garment is ventilated, fold it along the seams and existing folds to prevent new creases from forming. Kimonos will maintain their silhouette best when folded as opposed to hung during storage. Again, make sure to store your kimono in a place with no sunlight and low humidity.

Cleaning
In case of spills and stains, gently dab the spot with a cotton cloth dampened with a little silk stain remover. Do not use water as it can cause further damage. Occasional dry cleaning is acceptable if your garment is relatively new (circa 1960 or later). However, older vintage kimonos should not be dry cleaned owing to their fragility.

Ironing
Unwanted creases can be ironed out using a conventional steam iron. However, ironing should be kept to a minimum as silk can easily be damaged by the heat. Be extra careful not to let condensation from the iron fall on the fabric as this can cause staining. Under no circumstances should embroidered parts be ironed. Ironing can also be used to get rid of smells that may develop on the garment over time, especially after extended storage.

Rain
Avoid wearing the garment when it is raining as vintage kimonos easily sustain water damage.

What’s the difference between a kimono, a haori and a juban?
Confusingly, the word “kimono” can refer to both Japanese traditional clothing in general and to a specific kind of garment. Below is a quick guide to the three different types of kimonos we stock at Kyoto Vintage Warehouse.

• Kimono - The iconic long robe overlapped at the front that was once the everyday clothing of Japan. Kimonos make stunning outfits on their own, especially when paired with just the right belt.
• Haori - A shorter piece worn on top of the kimono like a jacket. Haoris are a great match with t-shirts, athleisure and casual clothing in general.
• Juban - A garment traditionally worn beneath the kimono. Generally shorter and lighter, jubans have dimensions that are somewhere between those of a kimono and those of a haori.

A haori paired with athleisure.

A black haori paired with a t-shirt and jeans.

 

What sizes do kimonos come in?
Vintage kimonos were hand-sewn to the measurements of some specific individual, so there is no standardized sizing system. We encourage customers to carefully check the dimensions shown in the description of each product before purchasing.

 

What should I do if my kimono is too long?
Customers often find their dream kimono, only to discover that the length of the garment stretches a little longer than they would like. If this happens to you but you still can’t get that piece out of your mind, we recommend using one of these tricks to make the piece work.  

• Use a belt and pull up the kimono. Japanese vintage belts work great, but the right leather belt will work just as well.
• Stitch the hem inwards.
• Cut off the hem; you can create a matching belt with the leftover fabric.

 

Who made my kimono?
Each piece was made to fit the original wearer by a skilled seamstress, a family member or sometimes even the wearer herself!

 

Where do you find the kimonos?
We work with small independent dealers in Kyoto and other cities who specialize in the highest quality vintage kimonos.

 

Should I be concerned about ‘cultural appropriation’?
Sometimes we hear from customers concerned that wearing a kimono might be seen as cultural appropriation. We assure you that there is no such worry. In fact, Japanese people are delighted to see their heritage appreciated and incorporated into the lives of people around the globe! (Kimono industry insiders especially love seeing photos of our happy clients wearing our kimonos in new ways and expressing themselves.) Everyone who played a part in bringing you your garment, from the seamstresses and embroiderers to the silk farmers and dyers, would have wanted just one thing: to have their final product worn and loved.

Sadly, kimono culture in Japan has long been in decline. Many of the pieces we dig up would not have seen much further use if it were not for our clients. By incorporating kimonos into your wardrobe, you are joining the fight against the disappearance of this beautiful tradition and helping keep these garments a living, breathing part of global fashion. We in Japan have only gratitude towards those who do so.