Fashion · From the archive
Yukata – Summer Kimono
Preserved in the archive in 2002. Historical article; travel and business details may have changed.
Main Topics Kimono Furisode Yukata Houmongi Tomesode Mofuku Uchikake Related Topics Yukata competition Japanese weddings Japanese bikini competition Have your say on Japanese Fashion Books on Japanese clothing Other sites Japanesekimono
The Yukata is a casual light cotton kimono for wearing in summer. Yukatas normally have very brightly coloured designs on them. Today these kimonos are mainly worn to the traditional Bon-Odori and summer festivals. The relative simply design of Yukata means Japanese women can, with some practice, put this kimono on unassisted.
In Australia most Bon-Odori festivals feature a Yukata competition, which is a little like a traditional beauty pagent. The major difference is the emphasis on adherence to traditional style including hair, make-up, footware and disposition. These Yukata competitions are not normally held in Japan.
Japanese girls and young Japanese women both here in Australia and in Japan enjoy the opportunity to dress in their Yukatas. Today there are not as many suitable chances to wear this colourful traditional Japanese outfit.
Next kimono is the Houmongi.
