The Yukata

Little Girls in Yukata at a Bon Odori Festival 

A Yukata is the summer Japanese garment alternative for a kimono. It is usually lighter, thinner and made of cotton. Nowadays, many people wear yukatas to summer festivals like during the Obon holiday and to firework displays, as well as many other events during the summer. Yukatas are also frequently worn after bathing at the Japanese baths - onsen. In fact, yukata literally means bathing clothes/bath clothes.

Like other traditional Japanese clothing, yukatas are made made with straight seams and wide sleeves. Unlike formal kimono - which are made from silk - yukata's are typically made of cotton or synthetic fabrics, and are unlined. Today, yukatas come in an array of colors and designs. The general rule with yukatas, as well as kimonos, are that younger people wear brighter colors and bolder patterns than older people.

To wear a yukata is a lot simpler than a kimono! To properly wear a kimono you may need professional help to put it on whereas a yukata can be done with the help of one more person or even by yourself! Click here to see how to wear a yukata and how to wear an obi! The most careful part is which side of the yukata you place on top, the answer is always the left. (Left over Right!) The other way, right over left, is how to dress a body for a funeral. after adjusting the yukata, you place the obi around the waist to secure the robe. Usually, the obi is formed into a bow in the back. (Fun fact: bows in the front represents a prostitute!)

Traditional Yukata

To finish the look there are many traditional and modern accessories. Traditional: Yukatas are often worn with wooden sandals called geta - it's really just the traditional shoe in Japan. Also, usually a bag made of the same fabric as the yukata or matches the same colors is used. Modern: cute flower hair pieces or jewelry is added to the outfit. As well as embellishments to the yukata and obi.

There are many different yukatas today. I always like the traditional ones because of the latest ones look a bit scandalous! There is one that I saw where the robe is shorter and it is off the shoulder - kind of slutty if you ask me. But there are some that look like cute dresses with a skirt and lace. But, like I said, I love the traditional yukata the best!

Love,
ALPHA