How to Use and Care for Kimono Silk Products

Most people are not familiar with Kimonos and their care. Kimonos are worn in layers and the outer layer which is the more familiar, decorative Kimono is the fabric we use at KIMONO KOMONO. Kimonos can be thought of like a designer dress or a dressy coat, and they need special attention and care. But we turn the beautiful Kimono fabrics into everyday practical items such as drawstring pouches and scrunchies. Please note below advises are NOT applicable to actual Kimonos. For example, if you are in Japan, there are services that can clean Kimonos.

Here I will explain in Q & A format how to care for Kimono silk products, especially those produced by KIMONO KOMONO.

Q: How can I make sure that the colors don't fade?

A: Avoid exposure to direct sunlight. With that being said, KIMONO KOMONO products are made to be used so beauty of Kimonos do not sleep in dark closets! They are purposefully kept at an affordable price so don't be too precious and use as often as you like!

Q: Can I wash the Kinchaku pouch and scrunchies?

A: Most of my products are made with 100% silk, and they do not do well if they get wet. What will likely happen is that they shrink and there is a possibility of colors running as well. Since the scrunchies are made with only Kimono silk and elastic, you can gently hand wash in mild detergent if you MUST. It will most likely shrink a little. Kinchaku pouch on the other hand, is lined with cotton fabric, so if the silk side shrinks and cotton side doesn't, this might cause annoying size differences in outer and inner layers. So I advise not to wash the pouches.

Q: How can I store the Kimono silk accessories?

A: Kimono silk's big enemy is moisture. I would suggest hanging in wardrobe with scrunched up paper inside to keep its shape, or fold it in dresser. Just don't leave it too long folded, nor keep it in plastic container. Give it some airflow every now and then. Using them is actually better than letting them sit in your wardrobe.

I have never had a problem of moths or other insects with my stock of Kimono fabrics, but if you are worried, try mothballs.

*Just a note, if you have actual Kimono, never store it hanging. Store it folded in between special papers. Use the internet for real instructions.

Q: Got some wrinkles on my pouch / scarf. Can I iron it?

A: Yes you can, carefully. Kimono silk is quite thicker than the western silk shirt, etc., so I find that my iron's "silk" setting is not hot enough to properly take wrinkles out of Kimono silk. I turn it up just a little. And I use a sheet of baking paper to iron Kimono because some of the paint can melt and stick to the iron. Especially watch out the sections where the paint seems thicker than others.

Let me know if there are any other questions!