How to Measure Yourself for a Kimono

Making kimono starts with taking accurate measurements. Depending on your body shape, we may need a few basic measurements to make sure your kimono fits comfortably and looks the way it should.

All you need is a soft measuring tape and, ideally, another person to help you.

1. Height

Stand upright, preferably barefoot, on a flat, hard surface. Keep your back straight and your head in a natural position.

Measure from the floor to the top of your head.

Please provide your height in centimetres.

2. Yuki – from the back of the neck to the wrist

Yuki is one of the most important measurements when fitting a kimono.

Stand naturally with your arms relaxed, at your side at 45degrees angle.

Measure:

from the centre of the back of your neck → over the shoulder → along the arm → to the wrist.

💡 Tip: It is best to have someone else take this measurement so the tape can follow the correct line from the neck, over the shoulder and down the arm.

3. Hip circumference

Stand naturally with your feet together or in a comfortable position.

Wrap the measuring tape around the widest part of your hips and buttocks.

The tape should sit close to your body without squeezing or digging into the skin.

Do not suck in your stomach while measuring.

4. Hip-to-hip measurement

This measurement helps us determine the amount of width needed around the hip area.

Measure the distance from one side of your hips to the other, in a straight line across the front of your body.

Place the measuring tape from one hip bone to the corresponding point on the other side.

The tape should lie naturally against your body without pulling or compressing it.

5. Additional measurement for people with a larger bust ❤️

If you have a larger bust, hip measurements alone may not be enough to determine the right kimono size.

In this case, we also recommend measuring your chest circumference.

Take this measurement while wearing a supportive, flattening bra, such as a sports bra.

Wrap the measuring tape around the widest part of your chest. The tape should be close to the body but should not compress your chest excessively.

This measurement helps us make sure there is enough room through the chest and allows us to achieve a more comfortable fit.

6. Additional measurement for men – from the neck to the ankle

For men, we also recommend taking an additional measurement for the overall length of the kimono.

Stand upright, preferably barefoot.

Measure:

from the base of the back of the neck → down along the back → to the ankle.

Keep your body in a natural, upright position while measuring.

This measurement helps us determine the appropriate overall length of the kimono.

How to Get the Most Accurate Measurements

For the best results:

• use a soft tailor's measuring tape,

• do not suck in your stomach,

• do not pull the measuring tape too tightly,

• ideally, have someone else take the measurements,

• provide all measurements in centimetres.

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Measurements you will need

For everyone:

• Height

• Yuki

• Hip circumference

• Hip-to-hip measurement

Additionally for men:

• Length from the back of the neck to the ankle

Additionally for people with a larger bust:

• Chest circumference, measured while wearing a flattening/supportive bra, such as a sports bra

Accurate measurements are the best way to choose a kimono that not only looks beautiful but also fits comfortably and allows you to move freely.