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After sewing and wearing my very first silk kimono/robe, I realized that a knee-length kimono wasn’t ideal for winter and that I would prefer a longer kimono (ankle-length) in a heavier silk.
For silk, we measure in momme; from 19 momme (82g/m²) onwards, it’s good. A 19 momme silk contains approximately 20% more material than a 16 momme silk, and 22 momme silk has about 16% more than 19 momme.
Just look at the drape of a sufficiently thick silk:
I estimated the effort required to sew such a kimono and I admit I’m not ready. It requires 3.6 meters of fabric and a lot of work to properly prepare and cut long strips of silk. Whereas on Vinted, I can buy a brand new one, perfectly well sewn for €40 including shipping. At some point, you have to pick your battles. I prefer to put my energy into my next hand-sewn tailored jacket than another silk kimono.
I found on Vinted a silk robe, brand new, absolutely magnificent, from the brand Malizia by La Perla (€35). Their silk is of excellent quality.
Buying Guide
The trick to finding cheap and new pure silk kimonos on Vinted is:
- to buy large sizes (L or bigger) and shorten the sleeves and length yourself. In any case, a kimono is meant to be super loose so XXL shoulders aren’t a problem.
- Or you can buy nagajuban, often made of silk by Japanese artisans, very inexpensive. These are garments worn underneath the Japanese kimono to keep it clean, and they work very well as a robe.
- For delicate materials like silk and cashmere, I recommend buying new products. Because one improper wash is enough to ruin the material.
- Always ask for the composition label. It must be 100% silk, 100% seta, 100% soie, pura seta…
- Since silk frays easily, especially when cut on the bias, prefer French seams, not serger finishes. Since French seams take twice as long, it also says a lot about the quality of the garment.
I’ll leave you with photos of brands that sell super long silk robes, just in case… (you can also look for Italian brands Malizia by La Perla, Luna di Seta, d’Este). New, these products are worth between €350-400. That’s honestly reasonable because this kind of silk costs around €50 per meter minimum, so we’re already at €200 just for the fabric. On Vinted, the same products sell for between €30 and €100.
However, you’ll need to check if the silk is heavy enough, because silk that’s too light won’t give a very nice result and will wrinkle too quickly. Only opt for silk satin, and not acetate or viscose satin, it’s not the same thing at all! Satin is a weave, not a material. Look at the composition labels, if it’s 100% seta, 100% silk, you’re good.
My haute couture silk (deadstock), those from Hermès, Marjolaine, Ratti and Malizia by La Perla have a very similar feel. Not all silk satins are equal, some silks are €100 per meter, others €30. When you put them side by side, I clearly notice that silks from Intimissimi, Etam, Princesse Tam Tam, Comptoir des cotonniers, Arimo… are lighter and lack luster.
Silk crepe is also a material I really like but it’s more matte, it’s excellent for going out, in chic but low key mode, however for loungewear, I recommend silk satin, which is more lustrous and pleasant to the touch.
As for washing, hand washing is recommended. It’s very quick, I do it when I take a shower and use my shampoo for it. Then wring out with a towel or simply let it drip dry (it dries in a few hours). Iron while still slightly damp: the satin will regain all its luster. Otherwise, take them to the dry cleaner from time to time for dry cleaning.
Exceptional Garments
Then, I had a huge crush <3 on this robe in quilted silk satin from Marjolaine (a lingerie brand from Lyon) because it’s even more suitable for winter (more info and photos here). I’ve wanted one for a long time; but my Vietnamese artisan has always refused to sew it for me because he makes less profit and has to provide more effort. I didn’t know it existed in ready-to-wear. I love it so much that I bought two, one knee-length, the other ankle-length. You can still find them on Vinted, brand new with tags, I paid between €67 and €80. The silk used is also of excellent quality. The only downside is hand washing only.
Not knowing how to sew overly technical garments in silk, I bought a brand new pajama set from the brand d’Este, which uses Ratti silk (fabric/silk supplier for many luxury houses). I particularly love the feel of the silk which is comparable to Hermès, the contrasting piping, the sleeves lined in a cream color, the French seams, the mother-of-pearl buttons, the bias trim adorning the hem… these are finishes I would be incapable of executing myself on silk.
The seller even left me a note, adorable! I love when chic ladies part with their brand new clothes and leave me notes on how to better wash/care for the garments. For your information, she still has another set available in pastel pink, don’t hesitate to ask her to add the pants because for now only the top is listed online. I paid €80 for the set. On Vinted, you can find Ratti or Etam (cheaper lingerie brand) for exactly the same price, so keep your eyes open, look for beautiful finishes and the finest materials.
Now that I’m sedentary again, all my loungewear & nightwear, instead of being cotton, is now cashmere, wool and silk. These are small purchases, but they have a big impact on quality of life, because beauty is therapeutic. I highly recommend:
- a waffle cotton bathrobe (right after the shower)
- a silk satin robe for summer
- a quilted silk robe for winter
- a silk satin nightgown or pajamas underneath
With all that, you’ll never want to leave your house. It took me over a year to find and buy them, but it was worth it.
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