Wondering which side goes on top when wearing a kimono? Learn the essential rule of right-over-left collar folding and simple trick to avoid “Hidarimae.”

“I always forget which side of the kimono goes on top!” A friend who learned Kitsuke (kimono dressing) recently confessed this to me after not wearing one for a while.

If you are getting dressed in traditional Japanese attire, there is one crucial rule you must never break. Here is everything you need to know about wearing a kimono collar correctly.

The Golden Rule: Right-Over-Left Collar

As a universal rule, the left side of the kimono must always overlap the right side (from the wearer’s perspective). In English, this is often called “Right-over-left” wrapping—meaning your right collar touches your chest first, and the left side covers it.

Crossing the collars the opposite way (right side over left) is called Hidarimae (左前). In Japanese culture, Hidarimae is strictly reserved for dressing deceased persons for traditional funerals. Wearing it this way in daily life is considered a major taboo!

A Simple Trick to Check Your Collar (The Right-Hand Rule)

Why does Hidarimae sound like “left side on top” when it actually means putting the right side over? It often confuses beginners because of shifting perspective from yourself versus someone looking at you.

To avoid making this awkward mistake, use this quick right-hand trick that professional kimono dressers use:

• Correct: Slide your right hand naturally inside the front layer at your chest. If your hand slips smoothly into the pocket of the collar, you dressed it correctly!
• Incorrect: If your right hand gets blocked and cannot slide into the layer, your collar is inside out (Hidarimae).

Unisex Style: A Unique Aspect of Kimono Culture

In Western clothing, shirts and jackets fasten on different sides depending on whether they are designed for men or women. However, kimono collar rules are identical for everyone, regardless of gender. Everyone wraps right-over-left!

Knowing these subtle cultural etiquette rules makes wearing a kimono even more enjoyable.

Please click here to see a Blog by a Former Maiko, “Do You Know?”

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