The image features a collage of four dress forms against a Japanese shoji screen. The leftmost mannequin shows a beige mesh compression undergarment designed to flatten the chest. The center mannequin displays white cotton under-layers padded with towels around the waist for shaping. Next to that is a red floral kimono. The rightmost mannequin shows a male-style ensemble featuring a white base layer under a dark pinstriped textured robe.

Kimono Lecture: Undergarment Fundamentals

Ever wonder what goes on before the kimono? To get that classic, elegant shape, it’s all about what you wear underneath. This introductory class is the perfect first step for anyone interested in kimono dressing.

What we’ll cover:

  • The Hidden Layers: We’ll explain the difference between the base layers (the hada juban and juban) and why they are essential.

  • The Perfect Silhouette: Learn how to use simple tools—even everyday towels—to pad and shape the body for a smooth, traditional look.

  • Hands-On Learning: There will be samples of many different types of kimono undergarments and foundational dressing tools to show the participants and discuss their uses.

  • No Specialty Gear? No Problem: We will discuss easy alternatives you can find locally if you don't have access to specific items from Japan.

About the Instructor

Evelyn Leung

Evelyn Leung is a professional IATSE 891 Costumer working in the British Columbia film and television industry and served as Kimono Coordinator for the Emmy Award–winning first season of the FX series Shōgun. She holds a Master of Fine Arts in Asian Theatre from the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, a Kimono Dressing Teacher Certification from the Kyoto Nishijin Wasou Gakuin (着物着付け師範), and has studied kimono tailoring (和裁) at the Nishijin Wasai Fashion School. In 2025, she received her professional Japanese dance name, Onoue Kikukyōran (尾上菊京藍), and is licensed to teach traditional Japanese dance (日本舞踊).