Kimonos for Women: What’s Changed, and What Still Needs To

It’s getting better. Slowly.

For a long time, kimonos for women were just smaller versions of men’s cuts. Same design, tighter fit, labelled “female.” But the female body isn’t just smaller. It’s shaped differently. It moves differently. And we feel it when something doesn’t sit right.

Some brands are starting to pay attention. Cuts are improving. Fabrics are getting lighter. There are more options than before. But finding a kimono that fits properly through the shoulders, hips, and waist without needing to alter it is still tough. Fit isn’t just about function. It’s about feeling good when you move.

Under the gi, it’s still trial and error. Rash guards that bunch up. Sports bras that pinch. Spats that shift mid-roll. The gear is out there, but it doesn’t always work the way you need it to. For many women, feeling fully supported in what they wear still isn’t the norm.

Then there’s how you care for it. Cold wash, hang dry, no softeners. Avoid the dryer. If it’s soaked, rinse it quickly. If it’s white, wash it straight away. Your kimono lasts longer when you treat it right.

A good kimono shouldn’t take your focus. It should stay out of the way. Let you move, train, and breathe without having to think about it.

What you wear on the mat doesn’t need to say much. But it should feel like it fits.