Where to Buy Kimonos in the UK: Your Complete Guide to Authentic, Vintage and Kimono-Inspired Styles

Why kimonos are having a moment in the UK

If you’ve been noticing kimono sleeves, obi-style belts and silk robes popping up in the shops and on the high street, you’re not imagining it — the kimono has slipped seamlessly into modern British wardrobes. Kimonos blend tradition with versatility, working as a statement outer layer, a cozy lounge robe, or a show-stopping formal piece. Whether you want an authentic silk kimono for a cultural event, a lightweight yukata-style robe for summer, or a kimono jacket to layer over jeans, the UK market now offers all of it — from specialist importers to high-street retailers and vintage dealers.

Understanding different kimono types

Before you buy, it helps to know the basic kimono types so you get something that suits the occasion and your budget. Each style carries a different feel, from formal to casual, and different shops tend to specialise in certain types.

Traditional kimonos: formal and ceremonial

Traditional kimonos include the formal furisode, tomesode and homongi styles, often made of silk and featuring elaborate patterns. These are typically worn layered and require careful sizing and sometimes dressing assistance. If you're buying a formal piece in the UK, look to specialist importers, high-end department stores and vintage dealers that list provenance and fabric content.

Yukata and casual robes

Yukata are lightweight cotton robes originally for summer festivals. In the UK they translate well into casual holiday wear or relaxed at-home robes. Brands and retailers that carry cotton kimono-style robes or yukata-inspired garments are often more affordable and easier to care for than silk.

Haori and kimono jackets

Haori are shorter jackets worn over kimono, and many Western retailers sell kimono-style jackets inspired by haori that pair perfectly with jeans and dresses. These are some of the most wearable options for everyday British life and are widely available from boutiques and online marketplaces.

Where to buy new kimonos in the UK

Shopping for a new kimono in the UK can happen in several channels: specialist Japanese importers, department stores, high-street retailers, and online marketplaces. Each has its advantages depending on authenticity, price and convenience.

Specialist Japanese stores and importers

Specialist stores that focus on Japanese goods are a great starting point for authentic pieces. These shops often import directly from Japan and can offer authentic silk kimonos, yukata, obi and accessories. If authenticity and cultural detail matter to you, look for sellers who specify fabric type and origin.

Department stores and luxury retailers

Large department stores such as Selfridges, Liberty and Harrods sometimes stock designer or vintage kimonos and kimono-inspired pieces, especially in their fine-linens and designer collections. These outlets are useful when you're aiming for a high-end purchase or want provenance and guaranteed quality.

High-street and online retailers

High-street retailers and online platforms like ASOS, John Lewis, Next and Amazon UK offer kimono-style robes and lightweight jackets that are fashion-forward and budget-friendly. These are ideal if you want the kimono silhouette without the price tag or delicate care requirements of true silk.

Finding vintage and pre-owned kimonos

Vintage kimonos are not only beautiful; they can be sustainable, unique and full of character. The UK has a thriving scene for pre-owned Japanese textiles, and finding a vintage kimono can be a rewarding treasure hunt.

Online vintage marketplaces

Etsy and eBay UK are rich hunting grounds for vintage kimonos and unique textile finds. Sellers often provide detailed photos and measurements, which is essential because sizing and condition vary. You can also find authenticated pieces on specialist secondhand luxury sites like Vestiaire Collective if you’re after designer or collectible items.

Secondhand boutiques and markets

Independent vintage boutiques and markets in cities such as London, Manchester and Brighton sometimes carry kimonos. These venues let you inspect fabric and stitching in person and often feature pieces sourced from collectors or estate sales.

Independent designers and bespoke options in the UK

If off-the-shelf doesn’t fit your vision, there are UK-based designers and seamstresses who craft kimono-inspired pieces or even bespoke kimonos. Choosing bespoke means you get a perfect fit, customised fabric choices and unique trims.

UK makers blending tradition and contemporary design

Contemporary designers in the UK often fuse kimono silhouettes with modern prints or tailoring, creating wearable pieces that nod to Japanese heritage without being costume. These designers are ideal if you want a kimono that fits into a London street-style look or a tailored piece for a special event.

Custom prints and tailoring advice

Bespoke builders will advise on fabric weight, lining, and length — key decisions that shape how the kimono behaves in everyday wear. Expect discussions on fabric care and how patterns match across seams if your piece features large motifs.

Price ranges and what to expect when shopping

Kimonos cover a broad price spectrum, so it helps to set expectations before you start browsing. Prices reflect fabric quality, age, provenance and whether the piece is handmade or mass-produced.

Budget kimono-style robes

Kimono-inspired robes from high-street retailers and mass-market online shops are usually the most wallet-friendly option. These are often made from blended fabrics and prioritise style and convenience over traditional construction and hand-done embellishments, making them perfect for casual wear or as gifts.

Mid-range and designer pieces

Mid-range kimono pieces can be machine-made silk or high-quality viscose blends from boutique designers and department stores. These often have better fabrics, nicer linings and more thought in pattern placement. If you want a balance between quality and price, this bracket is worth exploring.

Vintage and collectible kimono pricing

Antique and collectible kimonos — especially hand-painted or gold-embroidered formal styles — can command premium prices. Collectors look for condition, rarity and provenance. If you’re investing in a true vintage kimono, expect to pay more for authenticity and preservation.

How to choose the right kimono: fit, fabric and pattern

Choosing a kimono isn’t only about how it looks — fit and fabric determine comfort, drape and how you’ll care for it. Here are practical pointers to guide your purchase.

Sizing tips for UK shoppers

Kimonos tend to be one-size-fits-many for modern, casual pieces, but authentic traditional kimonos rely on wrapping and folding to fit the wearer. If you can, check length in inches and sleeve drop to ensure the piece hits where you want it to. For full-length kimonos, a typical range might be around 45 to 60 inches in length depending on your height and the intended look.

Fabric, weave and care advice

Silk offers the classic look and sheen but requires delicate care, often specialist cleaning. Cotton and linen are breathable and easy to wash, great for yukata-style garments. Synthetic blends are more forgiving, cheaper and usually machine-washable. When in doubt, ask the seller for fabric content and care instructions — or consult a comparison site to check typical care practices for similar pieces.

Styling kimonos for British life

One of the kimono’s strengths is its adaptability. With a few styling tricks, a kimono can move from the coffee shop to the gallery opening with ease.

Daytime and casual outfit ideas

For daytime, pair a short haori-style jacket over a tee and jeans, or wear a lightweight cotton yukata as a summer cover-up. Add ankle boots or trainers and keep accessories minimal to let the pattern or sleeves be the focal point.

Evening and formal styling

For evening looks, a silk kimono can be layered over a simple slip dress or used as a dramatic robe over tailored trousers and heels. Consider an obi-style belt if you want to define your waist — it can transform a loose silhouette into something sculpted and elegant.

Renting vs buying for special occasions

If you only need a kimono for a single event — think themed weddings, cultural ceremonies or photo shoots — renting can be a practical and economical choice. Some specialist companies in the UK offer kimono hire complete with accessories and dressing help. Renting allows access to higher-end pieces without the investment and storage requirements.

Caring for your kimono: simple steps that preserve value

Proper care keeps a kimono looking beautiful and maintains its resale value if you decide to sell later. Even casual kimono-style robes benefit from mindful washing and storage.

Store silk kimonos folded in breathable fabric or wrapped in acid-free paper to avoid yellowing. Avoid hanging delicate silk for long periods as this can stretch the fabric. For cotton and synthetics, follow machine-wash instructions if provided, and always air-dry to preserve shape. When buying vintage, ask about previous cleaning and any repairs; small mends are common and can usually be handled by a skilled tailor.

Using comparison sites and marketplaces when shopping

With so many options available online and in-store, comparison sites can help you check prices, authenticity, and seller ratings before committing. They’re especially useful if you’re balancing multiple factors like fabric, age and shipping costs. Just remember comparison sites are for research — always verify seller reviews and product details directly where possible.

Conclusion

Whether you’re hunting for an authentic silk kimono, a relaxed yukata, or a kimono jacket to jazz up your wardrobe, the UK offers a wide range of retailers and specialists to explore. Know what type you want, check fabric and measurements in inches, and consider new versus vintage depending on your budget and care commitment. With a little patience and a willingness to hunt across department stores, specialist importers, vintage markets and online platforms, you’ll find a kimono that fits your style and story.