Yukata: The Casual Counterpart of Kimono
In many travel blogs and photos, it isn’t uncommon to see Japanese people and foreigners alike strolling through the streets and posing in traditional Japanese clothing. While Japan is known for the kimono, its lighter and more casual counterpart, the yukata, is a popular summer pick for its breathability and versatility. If you’ve ever wondered where these garments came from or when to wear them, read on to find out!
Where did the yukata come from?
Yukata were initially made as bathrobes for travelers visiting onsen (hot springs). They were light garments that could be easily thrown on when walking between different springs. Today that tradition lives on, with many onsen resorts supplying visitors with yukata to wear at the hot springs and throughout the resort and nearby town. Today, the yukata have branched out beyond these onsen resorts and can be regularly seen at summer festivals and gatherings.
How is a yukata different from a kimono?
While they may look similar in design, yukata and kimono have some key differences in their construction. For one, kimono are traditionally made from silk and involve many layers of clothing, making them quite hot and stuffy for summer wear. On the other hand, yukata are unlined and made from light, breathable cotton. There are no layers or additional accessories. Instead, there is simply the yukata jacket, a soft or stiff obi (belt), and geta (wooden sandals).
It isn’t all about differences, though! Like kimono, yukata are worn with the left side of the jacket wrapped over the right. As with many other traditional Japanese clothes, the garments are made with straight seams and wide sleeves, giving kimono and yukata a similar appearance.
Traditionally, yukata were dyed with indigo and featured simple patterns created using the white of the original cotton material. Today, yukata and kimono come in a variety of incredible designs and patterns. From subdued to bright and eccentric, there is a yukata for everyone.
When and why to wear yukata
Nowadays, yukata aren’t limited to baths and onsen (though they’re still given out to guests at hot spring resorts and ryokan) and can be seen throughout summer. One of the most popular occasions for yukata are summer matsuri (festivals). The bright designs and colors help to boost the excitement and atmosphere. They are also fitting attire for the traditional bon-odori, a dance meant to honor one’s ancestors.
If you’re planning on taking a leisurely boat cruise while traveling in Japan, you’ll find many people dressed in yukata there as well. Being breezy and breathable, they’re great for standing on the deck looking out at the night sky and seeing the lights of the city from the river.
The bottom line is, that during the intense heat of Japanese summers, yukata are versatile, fashionable, and comfortable. They are the perfect clothes to enjoy the fun of summer while sporting traditional Japanese style!
About the author:
Kevin Kilcoyne
The spark that lit Kevin Kilcoyne’s interest in Japanese culture began in elementary school through a friendship with his then classmate Keisuke. Since then, that passion has evolved and bloomed to encompass more than just video games and manga, leading Kevin to live in Japan as a participant of the JET program. During his time in Japan, Kevin sought out as many foods as he could, the experiences and taste memories lingering long after they had gone. Now he is forging a path to link his passions for Japanese food, history, and visual culture and is planning for his return to live in Japan once again. For now, you can find Kevin on Instagram (@waruishouten) where he posts his photography and illustration work. Keep an eye out for more posts and updates as Kevin delves more deeply into his passions for writing and food.
