Komono

Items that are used for kitsuke are collectively called "komono". Many newcomers to kimono will be daunted by the amount of komono needed for proper dressing, but to achieve the best look, these accessories are necessary. (Many of these items can be made, if you're crafty, but that's another topic for the future.) These are the items you'll need:

Koshi himo - soft ties for dressing. You'll need 3 or 4 of these typically.

Datejime - wider belt for dressing. Comes in velcro and polyester/silk vareties. 1 or 2 needed.

Obi ita - board for keeping obi from wrinkling. 1 needed.

Obi makura - "pillow" needed to help most obi knots hold their shape. 1 needed.

Korin - elastic belt with clips. Useful for holding collars in place. Not essential but recommended.

Eri shin - plastic piece to help collar hold its shape. 1 needed.

Underclothes - these can either be actual slips made for kimono or just underclothes like a camisole. Needs to not show when kimono is worn, but necessary to keep valuable kimono clean.


Obijime and Obiage - these are the "finishing pieces" on your kimono. Obijime is the rope-like piece; obiage is the scarf-like one. These are necessary for most obi knots.