Q&A Forum. Find answers and give advice about kimono rules, etiquette, coordination, accessories, care, how to DIY, occasions to wear, where to buy, and more.

WAi! WAi! JAPAN

OCT 15, 2019　10:37

It might be hard to tell the difference by looking at them at a glance but… What you saw in a Japanese summer festival may be a Yukata.

◉ YUKATA
This is a very casual kimono meant to be worn in the summer or as bathrobes (at places like hot springs) and, although materials may vary these days, it’s most likely made by cotton. If the person you see aren’t wearing any traditional socks the chances are much higher that you’re looking at a yukata than a regular kimono.

On a regular kimono, the obi-jime is both functional and decorative, however, yukata is just for decoration (with a soft, scarf-like wraps that is sometimes twisted or folded in the front to flash the color/pattern of both sides).


◉ KIMONO
There’s no simple explanation to define Kimono but to distinguish between a Yukata, you must know that Kimono are the older, more traditional and more expensive garment (usually made of silk or brocade).

Also, a regular kimono has an inner-layer and an outer-layer making at least two collars (1)Close up to the neck (2)Another one slightly lower than the front so the first collar can be seen clearly.

Unlike Yukata, both men and women wear the kimono all year-round but with different seasonal styles; it’s important to note that there are various types of kimono depending on the occasion as well as to present the wearer’s status.