Kyoto-based kimono brand KIMONOMACHI (operated by Yugen Kaisha Kyoto Kimono Machi, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture; Representative Director: Kazufumi Kubomura), a subsidiary of Hosai Co., Ltd., has added two new colors to its CoolPass juban (クールパス長襦袢・二部式襦袢) line as of June 18, 2026. The new shades — 臙脂 (enji, deep red) and 牡丹鼠 (botannezu, a grayish pale wisteria) — join the existing lineup sold through the online kimono shop "Kyoto Kimono Machi." The CoolPass series uses a moisture-absorbing, quick-drying polyester fabric that is machine-washable and requires no ironing, earning high ratings among customers who want to enjoy kimono in any season.
What Are a Juban and a Two-Piece Juban?
A juban (長襦袢) is an essential under-garment worn beneath a kimono, functioning much like an underdress. It protects the kimono from sweat and body oils while improving drape and overall appearance. A two-piece juban (二部式襦袢) serves the same purpose but is divided into a top and bottom section, making it easier to adjust the length and achieve a clean neckline — making it particularly popular among beginners who are still learning how to wear kimono. Both styles feature a bit of color peeking out from the hem and sleeves of the kimono, which many wearers enjoy as a subtle fashion accent in casual settings.
The Story Behind CoolPass Juban and the New Colors
KIMONOMACHI pursues original product development for kimono accessories tailored to modern needs, with the goal of spreading a relaxed, everyday kimono lifestyle.
From a Yukata Fabric to a Year-Round Best-Seller
The moisture-absorbing, quick-drying material branded "CoolPass" was originally developed for KIMONOMACHI's own yukata line. After receiving enthusiastic feedback — customers praised it for being "non-sticky, cool, and refreshing even in record-breaking heat" — the brand launched a summer juban using the same fabric in July 2024. Response was immediate: customers said they wanted to wear it year-round, not just in summer, because of how easy it is to launder and how well it breathes. The product has since grown into a consistent best-seller across all seasons.
Two New Colors Join the Lineup
In response to strong sales and customer requests for more color variety, KIMONOMACHI has added two new shades — 臙脂 (enji) and 牡丹鼠 (botannezu) — for both women's and men's styles.
Customer Reviews (Excerpts from Kyoto Kimono Machi Rakuten Store)
The product holds an overall rating of 4.5 or above on e-commerce platforms such as Rakuten Ichiba. Customers have shared feedback including:
"I can swap the half-collar and wear it year-round. I have sensitive skin and hemp fabric irritates me, but this is smooth and feels completely different from ordinary polyester — I love it."
"The neckline drapes beautifully, and the fabric feels as soft as cotton. I was amazed at how far polyester technology has come."
"It's incredible that it can go in the washing machine, comes out wrinkle-free, and needs no ironing. I wear it all year — not just in summer, but for lined and unlined kimono seasons too."
"The wide size range (women's S–4L) is genuinely helpful for all body types."
"I bought white first and loved it, so I ordered silver-gray next. I worried the color might look too understated, but it has a subtle lattice pattern woven in and doesn't look dull at all. Perfect for warm autumn days."
Product Features
Moisture-Wicking "CoolPass" Fabric — Comfortable Even in Midsummer
CoolPass uses irregularly cross-sectioned polyester threads, giving the fabric a more complex, multi-grooved structure than standard polyester. This allows it to absorb sweat and moisture quickly and release it into the air, delivering a cool, refreshing feel. The result is a high-performance polyester that stays dry and non-stuffy throughout the day.
Built-In Emon Nuki — Beginner-Friendly
Both the long juban and two-piece juban styles come with a sewn-in emon nuki (a nape-shaping guide), making it easy to achieve a clean neckline even for beginners.
Easy Care
Made from 100% polyester, the CoolPass juban is fully machine-washable. It can be laundered at home after a sweaty day, dries quickly enough to be worn again the next morning when hung indoors overnight (according to KIMONOMACHI staff), and needs no ironing thanks to its wrinkle-resistant fabric.
Wide Size Range
KIMONOMACHI offers an extensive range of sizes because the brand believes no one should have to give up wearing kimono due to height or body type. Both the women's long juban and men's long juban are available in S through 4L; the women's two-piece juban comes in M and L.
Color Options
The line previously offered six colors — white, shiraai (a slightly grayish pale aqua), shiramidori (a pale, slightly grayish yellow-green), ginnezumi (a somewhat dull gray), sunago (a grayish pale yellow), and fujinezumi (a dull blue-violet gray). The two new colors are:
New Colors
臙脂 (Enji) — Deep Red
牡丹鼠 (Botannezu) — Grayish Pale Wisteria
Product Information
Colors (all styles): white, shiraai, shiramidori, ginnezumi, sunago, fujinezumi, 臙脂 (enji, new), 牡丹鼠 (botannezu, new)
Material (all styles): 100% polyester, made in China
Release date (all styles): Thursday, June 18, 2026
Available at: Kyoto Kimono Machi online store
CoolPass Women's Long Juban (includes koshi-himo sash)
Price: ¥6,050 (tax included)
Sizes: S / M / L / LL / 3L / 4L
CoolPass Women's Two-Piece Juban (includes koshi-himo sash)
Price: ¥4,950 (tax included)
Sizes: M / L
CoolPass Men's Long Juban (includes koshi-himo sash)
Price: ¥7,700 (tax included)
Sizes: S / M / L / LL / 3L / 4L
FAQ
Q: Does it come with a collar? Do I need to attach a han-eri (half-collar) before wearing?
A: The garment includes an attached kake-eri (outer collar), so it can be worn immediately upon arrival. You can also sew your own han-eri on top if you prefer.
Q: How do I choose the right size?
A: Product listings include a size chart as well as quick-reference guides in the product images — one for selecting a size by height and hip measurement, and another for selecting by the measurements of a kimono you already own.
Q: Can it be washed at home? Is a washing machine OK?
A: Yes. Because it is polyester, it can be laundered easily at home. Machine washing is fine; using the delicate cycle with a laundry net helps prevent distortion.
Q: Does polyester cause static?
A: Using fabric softener when washing reduces static. If static is still a concern, an anti-static spray can be applied before wearing.
