Nagajuban is an undergarment worn under the
kimono. Its shape is similar to the kimono, but it is lighter than normal fabric and the length is shorter. Usually it is white, though various pale colors are sometimes used.
How to put on nagajuban
1. Slide the nagajuban on, and hold both ends of
eri (a long
collar on kimono).
2. Hold both
eri with one hand and straighten the
seam on the back of the nagajuban so that it is shaped to your back. Make sure that there is about enough room to stick your fist through the opening between the
eri and your neck or you risk
asphyxiation!
3. Without pulling on the
eri, cross the right-hand side of the kimono (
shitamae) over your chest.
4. Cross the left-hand side of the kimono (
uwamae) over your chest so that the two
eri are crossed over each other in the center.
It's important to remember to cross the left over the right, because only corpses wear kimono with the right side on top!!
5. Time to put on the
datejime! This is a small, thin
obi (usually cotton) that is worn to protect the obi on the kimono from getting wrinkled. Put the
datejime across the center of your stomach.
6. Wrap the
datejime around your back, and bring the ends back to the front.
7. Tie the ends once and cross them
diagonally so you can tuck them inside the
datejime.
All done!