What Is a Lace Kimono? The New Standard That Layers Japanese and Western
That sheer style with white lace layered over the kimono, the one you see in kimono photos on social media, is the lace kimono. Over the past few years it has become the new standard among younger customers.
How it differs from a regular kimono
The base is a kimono, but Western elements are layered on top: a lace collar and sleeves, pearl obi (sash) ornaments, boots instead of sandals. If you feel classic patterns are a little too sober for you, this hits the right note.
Price and combinations
The HANAYAKA lace kimono plan is ¥11,000 (tax included), with hair styling, hair ornaments and selfie props all included. The lace kimono girls’ plan for two friends with professional photography (¥55,000 for two people) is popular too. Paired with hakama, the lace Taisho Roman hakama (¥15,500) is one of the top picks in graduation season. To see what they actually look like, have a look at the gallery.
How to build a lace kimono outfit
With a lace kimono, the personality comes from what you put against the white lace. Sweet: a pink obi and pearl hair ornaments. Classic: a dark red or deep green obi with gold kanzashi hairpins, leaning Taisho Roman. Modern: a black obi and boots to cut the sweetness. The fun of lace is that the same kimono can go three different directions on the obi and accessories alone.
Where lace kimono photograph best
The strength of lace is the contrast against old streets. We recommend Denboin-dori (retro signage against lace, a Japanese-Western mix), in front of the vermilion pillars at Sensoji (the background colour that sets off white lace best), and a window seat in a cafe (light brings out the sheerness). For composition details, see our photo spots article.
The girls’ plan as an option
For two or more people, the lace kimono girls’ photo plan (¥55,000 for two) is worth considering. Two lace kimono, hair and make-up, one hour with a professional photographer, and at least 100 images. Birthdays, graduation trips, fan meet-ups: it is becoming the standard way to do something out of the ordinary with a friend.
Frequently asked questions
- Q. Can you wear a lace kimono in winter?
- Yes. You can adjust by layering underneath, and white lace shows up well in winter light.
- Q. Is it only for younger people?
- It is popular with people in their 20s and 30s, but a calmer Taisho Roman styling works at any age.
- Q. Up to what age does a lace kimono suit you?
- There is no age limit. A calmer combination leaning towards Taisho Roman suits older customers well.
- Q. Isn’t a lace kimono cold in winter?
- You can adjust by layering. We will also suggest combinations with a haori (kimono jacket) or a stole.
- Q. Can I rent boots?
- We recommend bringing your own boots. Zori sandals and geta are included in the plan.
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