How to care for silk kimonos and haoris in summer?
- by MaedaYumiko
- 5 min reading time
Silk kimonos and haoris are beautiful but delicate – especially in summer. This article is about how to air them out properly after wearing, carefully treat sweat stains, and why care for silk doesn't always mean washing.
Care for Silk Kimono and Haori in Summer
I already mention it in my care instructions, but especially in the warm summer months, I want to go into more detail about how to keep silk kimono and haori beautiful for as long as possible.
Silk kimono and haori are beautiful garments. They appear light, elegant, and often have a special aura that is rarely found in modern clothing. At the same time, silk is a delicate material, and care is not always easy. Especially in summer, sweat, humidity, and heat can damage the fabric.
For very hot days, washable cotton kimono or yukata are often the most practical choice. They are easier to clean and more straightforward for everyday wear. However, a silk haori has its own unique charm: it can be easily thrown on, and it instantly adds depth, structure, and a special textile beauty to an outfit.
After wearing: air thoroughly first
The most important thing after wearing is not to put the kimono or haori straight into the closet.
Hang the garment in a well-ventilated area and let it air out in the shade. Direct sun should be avoided as it can fade colors and stress the fabric.
Moisture, body heat, and sweat should not remain in the fabric. If a silk garment is stored too early, stains, odors, or, in the worst case, mold can develop.
In Japan, "airing out" was and still is a very important part of care. Not only for kimono, but also for futons, tatami, and many other items made of natural materials, good ventilation plays a major role. Especially things that cannot be easily washed need air.
If you have sweated
Especially in summer, simply airing out may not be enough. Sweat can dry invisibly at first, but later become visible as yellowish stains or sweat marks.
If you have sweated in certain areas, very careful initial care can help to reduce the risk of sweat stains somewhat.
Take a clean towel, dampen it slightly with water, and wring it out well. The cloth should only be damp, not wet. Gently dab the affected areas without rubbing. The goal is to gently absorb the sweat from the fabric, not to thoroughly soak the fabric.
Afterward, you can carefully absorb some moisture with a dry towel. Then, the kimono or haori should be shaped and dried completely in the shade. It is important that the garment is really completely dry before being stored again.
Please note: Especially with vintage and antique kimono, the fabric and dyeing can be very sensitive. Depending on the material, dyeing, and age of the piece, water can lead to color bleeding, watermarks, or changes in the surface. Always test in an inconspicuous area first and proceed very carefully.
About alcohol sprays
For stage costumes or theater clothing, water or alcohol sprays are sometimes used to refresh clothes that cannot be washed after every wear.
However, I generally do not recommend this method for silk kimono and haori. Especially vintage and antique pieces can have delicate colors, old dyes, or already weakened fibers. Alcohol can lead to color changes, stains, a loss of silk sheen, or a drier, harder feel.
What may be useful for stage costumes cannot therefore be automatically applied to silk kimono.
About washing with water
Some people who wear kimono regularly also wash certain pieces at home with water. This is not impossible. But with silk, there is always a risk involved.
Silk can shrink, change its shape, lose color, or lose its soft feel when exposed to water. I have also seen haori that got wet from rain at markets. They are often still wearable afterward, but the silk can shrink a little, become stiffer, and no longer have the same softness as before.
If you still want to wash a silk piece at home, please do so at your own risk. Test in an inconspicuous area first.
Use cold or at most lukewarm water and only a very small amount of mild detergent. No strong detergents, no bleach, and no rubbing.
The kimono or haori should remain as still and in shape as possible. Wash it only by very gentle pressing. Do not wring, twist, or press hard.
Do not wring to dry. Lay the garment between large towels and gently press out the moisture. Then shape and let dry completely in the shade.
Even with this careful method, damage can occur depending on the fabric, dyeing, and age of the piece. Therefore, special caution is always important for valuable or delicate pieces.
Care after the summer season
After the summer season, it may be advisable to contact a professional cleaner if possible.
Especially silk kimono and haori, as well as vintage and antique pieces, are very delicate. Therefore, it may be safer not to wash them yourself, but to ask a cleaner who has experience with delicate materials.
However, in Europe, it is not always easy to find a cleaner who specializes in kimono. In this case, a good dry cleaner can also be an option if they have experience with silk, delicate fabrics, or vintage clothing.
It is important to state clearly beforehand that it is silk, that the piece is old or vintage, and that color loss, shrinkage, or changes in the fabric may occur.
Especially with a favorite piece or an antique kimono or haori that you want to preserve for a long time, it is better not to risk too much yourself. It is better to remain cautious, observe the condition, and ask for a professional assessment if in doubt.
Finally
Silk kimono and haori are delicate, but with careful care, they can bring joy for a long time.
The most important thing is not to simply put them away after wearing.
Let them air out.
Treat sweat spots very carefully if necessary.
And remember: with silk, care does not always mean "washing," but often rather preserving the condition of the fabric.
I hope these tips help to wear kimono and haori in everyday European life with more confidence and joy.