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If you have a question that isn't answered here, please contact me!

I'm sorry but I'm unable to sell less than one metre lengths on the site (other than in the remnants section) although I will continue to offer these at the regular fairs that I attend.

A haori is a shorter jacket that is traditionally worn over the full length kimono. Haori are designed so that the two sides don’t meet at the front. There is a gap of approximately 3" which the himo ties are meant to span. The gap is meant to reveal the lovely kimono and obi underneath however in the West, haori go with anything from jeans to a little black dress. With their simple, almost unstructured shape, they give real elegance to the wearer.

Why are the full-length kimono so long?

When worn traditionally by the Japanese, kimono are ‘hitched up’ to the required length and then tied fast with a number of small belts and finally the obi (wide ornamental belt). The extra length ensures the right drape of the kimono above and below the waist.  Some of my customers have cut the kimono to the length that they need and then used the cut off piece for a kimono belt. 

How do you arrive at the chest measurement?

I lay the kimono or haori flat and measure the width across the back and then double it.

The chest measurements all seem to be fairly big...?

Haori and kimono are not meant to be form-fitting. On the contrary, they are meant to drop in straight lines and the width of the sleeves is carefully balanced against the width of the body, which gives them their characteristic elegance. When standing still, haori drop in a straight, clean line so it's always best to take your largest measurement (hips or bust) and buy a haori or kimono to fit comfortably over that.

Kimono and haori will fit anyone from a size 8 to a size 16.

Do you offer refunds or exchanges?

I provide photos, measurements and as accurate a description as I can. If, after you’ve received a haori or kimono, you realise it’s not right for you, then I’m happy to exchange it or offer a refund, although I can’t refund the postage unless there is a serious omission in the description and I try very hard to avoid those! I can’t stress this enough - I only want happy customers!

Do you sell men’s kimono?

I can provide men’s kimono but I order them specially so delivery will be about 3 weeks.  Please contact me if you would like to order one.

How long will it take for my order to arrive?

If you’re in the UK and you pay by PayPal you can expect your goods to arrive within a few days of your order as I pride myself on quick delivery. If you pay by cheque within the UK you will get your goods within 7 days of receipt of the cheque, although my regular customers who pay by cheque get their items much quicker than that. Obviously I can’t guarantee these times because it’s down to the Post Office, but so far they haven’t let me (or my customers) down!

If you are going to wear a kimono traditionally, then you will need either a professional kimono-dresser or a few months training in Japan! However, if you would like to have some fun and wear a kimono as properly as possible for a special occasion, then I can provide the accessories for that. I will need to order them and delivery will take about 3 weeks, so if you’re planning to dress the part, I will need some notice. I’m not a professional kimono dresser but I will help you as much as I can to look your best in a kimono. I can also provide a DVD showing the dressing process, in English. It can be viewed on any computer, but can only be viewed on American/Canadian television (and Japanese television of course!). Delivery for this will be 2 to 3 weeks.

What is the difference between a kimono and a haori?

The main difference between the two is that kimono are full length and meant to be wrapped when worn, whereas haori are shorter and meant to hang loose, which makes a haori easier to wear with your own wardrobe. The sides of a haori are not meant to meet - there is a gap of about 3 to 4 inches, which the 'himo' span when tied, however I always wear mine untied as the line is so elegant.  With jeans or a little black dress, haori are the epitome of casual elegance and are hand-sewn, as are the full length kimono. Full length kimono make incredibly durable, luxurious dressing gowns or dramatic and elegant evening coats.