Yes, you can wear a kimono with a hijab. At Kimono Rental Ann in Asakusa, female staff dress you in a private changing room, your hijab stays on the whole time, and our stylists can pin flowers or hair ornaments onto it, or leave it plain. If you need a fully women-only space or a female photographer, send us a message before you book and we will arrange it.
We dress Muslim guests in kimono very often, from travellers from the Middle East who need complete privacy to guests from Indonesia who are happy with our standard changing room. Every one of them has been able to wear a kimono with their hijab. This guide explains how it works at our studio, which colours look best, and what to tell us before you come.
How kimono dressing works with a hijab
A kimono is wrapped and tied around the body. Nothing is pulled over your head, so your hijab does not need to come off at any point.
- Female staff only. Everyone who dresses you and styles your hair accessories is a woman.
- Private changing room. You change and get dressed in a closed room, not in an open area.
- Your hijab stays on. We dress you around it. Instead of a hairstyle, we decorate the hijab itself, or leave it as it is.
- Any style of hijab. Simple wraps, patterned scarves and long, fuller styles all work with a kimono.
Need full privacy? We can arrange a women-only space
Some guests need more than a closed changing room. Our studio is spread over two floors, so we can set aside a completely separate space for you: no male guests around, only our staff and the person being dressed.
If you would also like a female photographer for your photoshoot, we can arrange one for you.
Please message us before booking for either of these. We plan these requests one by one, so tell us your date, the number of people and what you need, and we will confirm what we can set up.
What colour hijab should you wear with a kimono?
From what we see in photos every day, two approaches work best:
- Match the kimono. A hijab in the same colour family as your kimono gives a clean, elegant line from head to toe: a black hijab with a black kimono, a maroon hijab with a red kimono, a beige hijab with a gold or cream kimono.
- Go for full contrast. Strong opposites look deliberate and striking: black and white, red and black, navy and cream.
What tends to look less polished is a hijab colour that is close to the kimono but not quite matching. If you can, pack two or three hijabs in different colours, then choose the one that works once you have picked your kimono.
| Kimono | Matching hijab | Contrast hijab |
|---|---|---|
| Black | Black | White or cream |
| Red | Maroon or deep red | Black |
| White, cream or gold | Beige, cream or white | Black |
| Pink or pastel | Soft grey, blush or lilac | Navy |
Flowers and ornaments on a hijab
With a kimono, Japanese women usually wear flowers or kanzashi ornaments in their hair. With a hijab, our stylists pin them onto the hijab instead, usually at the side of the head or just above the ear.
It is entirely your choice. Some guests want a full cluster of flowers, some want one small ornament, and some prefer to leave the hijab plain. We can do all three. Tell your stylist what you are comfortable with.
Before you come: what to tell us
- That you will be wearing a hijab, so we can prepare.
- Whether the standard private changing room is fine, or you need a fully women-only space.
- Whether you are booking a photoshoot and would like a female photographer.
- The colour of the hijab you plan to wear, if you want help choosing a kimono to go with it.
You can message us in any language.
FAQ
Can I wear a kimono with a hijab?
Yes. A kimono is wrapped around the body, so your hijab stays on the whole time. At Kimono Rental Ann in Asakusa we dress Muslim guests in kimono very often.
Will a woman dress me?
Yes. All of our kimono dressing and hair staff are women.
Is there a private changing room?
Yes. You change and are dressed in a private room, not in an open area.
Can I have a space with no men around at all?
Yes, on request. Our studio has two floors, so we can set aside a separate space with only our staff and you. Please message us before booking so we can arrange it.
Can I request a female photographer?
Yes. We can arrange a female photographer for your photoshoot. Message us with your date before booking.
What colour hijab looks best with a kimono?
Either the same colour family as the kimono (black with black, maroon with red, beige with gold), or a full contrast such as black and white or red and black.
Can you put flowers or hair ornaments on my hijab?
Yes. Our stylists can pin flowers or kanzashi ornaments onto your hijab, or leave it plain. It is your choice.
Do I need to bring my own hijab?
Yes, wear your own. If you can, bring two or three in different colours so you can pick the one that suits your kimono best.
Book your kimono in Asakusa
Kimono Rental Ann is on the 4th floor of the Amoru Building, 1-36-11 Asakusa, about 1 minute from Sensoji Temple. Tell us you will be wearing a hijab and anything you need, and we will have it ready for you.
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