How to Care For Your Silk Kimono

"Woman Folding Kimono" by Hashiguchi Goyo

How to Care For Your Silk Kimono?

There’s something quietly soothing about folding a kimono. The way the fabric yields, the whisper of silk, the rhythm of caring hands—it’s not just maintenance; it’s a ritual. An act of love. At Arashi House, we cherish the living spirit of Japanese craft, where caring for your kimono is not simply about preservation, but about devotion. A kimono lovingly stored today becomes an heirloom tomorrow. We like that, and today we're going to tell you everything you need to know about caring for kimono.

Whether your collection includes casual yukata, or exquisite formal wear passed down through generations, the principles of kimono care remain gracefully consistent: respect the fabric, guard it from moisture and pests, and always fold with intention and care.

Where to Store Your Kimono How to Care For Your Silk Kimono?

Traditional Japanese Tansu Storage Chest (Edo Period - 19th Century).

Traditional Storage Options

Traditionally, kimono were lovingly stored in kiri bako (paulownia wood boxes) or antique tansu bureaus, a kind of mobile cabinetry which could be carried about, also made from paulownia. These heirloom chests weren't just beautiful storage bureaus though, they were chosen for good reason—paulownia is naturally repellent to insects and resistant to moisture – swelling shut in moist environments and allowing airflow during drier seasons – making it ideal for preserving silk and hand-dyed fabrics.

Today, while such elegant wooden storage solutions remain cherished, they may not always fit into the architecture and shape of modern life. Fortunately, the essentials of kimono care—protection from moisture, pests, and misshaping—can still be achieved with accessible, modern alternatives.

Modern Storage Options

When things like traditional tansu are out of the question, we have to find other alternatives that offer the same safety and longevity for delicate kimono silk. Modern kimono storage bags, specifically designed with breathable and deodorizing materials, offer a sophisticated and effective solution. These bags often feature fabric that allows airflow while shielding against dust and light—two silent enemies of silk. These are styled on tatou-gami (多当紙) paper bags—beautifully folded washi paper wrappers that have been used for centuries to store kimono. That said, even a simple chest of drawers can become a sanctuary for your kimono, as long as a few key elements are in place:

• Desiccants, such as silica gel packets, help manage humidity levels. These should be checked and replaced regularly depending on your climate. Dehumidifying sheets placed at the bottom of draws is another good option.

• Natural repellents, such as cedar wood blocks or sachets of lavender or cloves, deter moths without introducing synthetic chemicals. In South Africa, Fish-moths are another pest to watch out for, as these tiny beasts will see your silk items as a delicious feast and do untold damage if left unchecked.

• Avoid airtight plastic containers, as they can trap moisture and encourage mildew—an all-too-common tragedy for stored textiles.

Whether using the modern kimono storage bags or the more traditional tatou-gami, both options offer breathable, naturally moisture-absorbent storage that helps preserve the garment's shape without trapping humidity. Simply fold your kimono properly, slip it into the paper wrapper, and place it in a drawer with cedar and a desiccant sachet for safe-keeping.

How To Fold A Japanese Kimono

While storing your kimono is incredibly important, another vital act of care is the folding itself. The traditional, basic method for folding kimono, known as hondatami style, preserves the kimono’s silhouette and prevents the development of stress points in the fabric, which can ruin the distinctive shape of the kimono. Each fold is a gesture of respect—for the garment, and for the artistry it carries.

We have included a detailed folding guide for the hondatami style. (Please note that there are alternative methods of folding for other traditional clothing items, such as juban and uchikake.) Irrespective of folding style, one can also place sheets of mulberry paper or acid-free tissue paper between folds for added protection. This not only reduces friction and prevents creasing, but also gently absorbs any ambient moisture. Make sure the tissue paper is acid-free though, as you don't want any accidental colour transfer onto your kimono.

Step-by-Step Guide to Folding a Kimono with Care

1. Prepare your space:

Use a clean, dry surface—preferably a tatami mat or a fabric-covered table. Wash your hands and remove jewelry to avoid snags.

2. Lay the kimono flat:

Place the kimono with the collar at the top. Smooth it gently with your hands to align the seams.

3. Fold the sleeves in:

Position the kimono with the collar on the left and fold the sleeves along the right side seam (wakinui).

4. Fold the okumi:

Fold the okumi (front panels) inward from the seam to the front. Also fold the collar and shoulders inward to align neatly.

5. Overlap the collar:

Hold the collar, hem, and other edges on the opposite side, and overlap them neatly. Align the collar, erisaki (collar tip), and erishita (collar base) to match perfectly so that it is fully aligned.

6. Fold the body of the kimono:

Fold the wakinui (side seams) along the senui (side stitch) so that the edges align perfectly with the front stitch. This step ensures the body and sleeves stack neatly into a rectangular shape, preserving the kimono’s form and making it easier to store.

7. Tuck the sleeves:

Place the upper sleeve onto the body. Then fold the length of the rectangle in half and position it on the folded sleeve.

8. Final fold:

Hold the overlapping part of the right sleeve ridge, hem, and collar, then turn it over carefully.

9. Position the sleeve on the body:

Place the remaining sleeve neatly onto the body of the kimono for proper storage. Note: If you are short on space, you can store kimono 'double-folded' or 'triple-folded' by folding the kimono rectangle once or even twice more at this stage.

Airing Out Your Kimono: The Tradition of Mushi-boshi

Now that you have your beautifully folded kimono stored in a safe place, your kimono is much safer than it would have been otherwise. That said, it's never good to leave any fabric alone in a drawer for too long, which is why it's best to air out kimono every now and again.

Mushiboshi (airing of kimono) by Uemura Shōen (1875–1949)

In Japan, the practice of mushi-boshi—airing out items, like clothing scrolls of paper, and books, on sunny, dry days—was once a part of the seasonal rhythm, and most kimono-lovers still honour this tradition today. Opening drawers, laying kimono out to rest in filtered sunlight, and refreshing the cedar or desiccants is a mindful, seasonal act that will keep your kimono fresh for decades to come. You can echo this tradition by airing your kimono every few months, allowing them to breathe and ensuring they are not forgotten treasures in the dark.

What to Do If a Kimono Gets Dirty: The Art of Arai-Hari

We won’t lie—washing a kimono is a delicate and deeply specialized affair. Especially when it comes to silk, a misstep can turn a family heirloom into a fading memory. That's why traditional Japanese culture developed a method that treats the kimono not just as clothing, but as art.

Vintage photo of three skilled artisans in traditional Japanese kimono doing arai-hari (kimono washing).

Arai-Hari: Washing as Restoration

In the past, formal silk kimono weren’t simply washed—they were dismantled. This extraordinary practice is known as arai-hari (洗い張り). Every seam was carefully unpicked, each fabric panel flattened and gently washed by hand. Once cleaned and dried, the kimono was then expertly resewn—restored, not merely laundered.

If a section was stained or faded, skilled artisans would sometimes go so far as to bleach it white and hand-paint the original dye colors back into the fabric with astonishing precision. It is a breathtaking level of craftsmanship—akin to textile conservation in a museum.

This reverence is why wearing a juban—an under-kimono or lining—is essential. It protects the garment from sweat and body oils, and is considered part of the ensemble (modern styling still wears something under the kimono, even if it is not a traditional juban undergarment).

Modern Options: When Arai-Hari Isn’t Accessible

While arai-hari is still practiced in Japan by a handful of master restorers, it's not always accessible outside the country. If your kimono requires cleaning and you don’t have access to a specialist, you do have alternatives—but caution is key.

A dry cleaner experienced in silk and heirloom garments may be a suitable choice. Always ask:

• Do they have experience with kimono or vintage Japanese textiles?

• Will they spot-test before applying cleaning agents?

• Can they provide a low-moisture treatment to prevent shrinkage or dye bleed?

Never assume all dry cleaners are qualified—many are not. Seek out professionals who treat garments with the care of an archivist.

For Non-Silk Kimono: Handwashing Tips

Not all kimono require such delicate treatment. For cotton yukata or modern polyester kimono, gentle handwashing may be perfectly fine.

• Use cold water and a mild detergent (no bleach, no harsh chemicals).

• Always test a hidden section of the fabric first.

• Do not wring or twist—gently press out water using a clean towel.

• Hang to dry in a shaded area out of direct sunlight to avoid fading.

With all of this in mind, whether your collection is made of antique heirlooms, modern designs, or vintage finds straight from Arashi House, the essence of kimono care becomes clear: intention. Create space, protect with purpose, and allow your garments the dignity of rest and renewal. If you follow those steps, your kimono can really shine. With that, we hope this guide helps you keep your kimono treasures in pristine condition for years to come!

Do you know of any fun tips and tricks for kimono storage? Have a favorite method passed down in your family? Comment below—we’d love to hear from you.