Mastering Japanese Dress! The difference between a yukata and a kimono and tips on how to wear them

update date 2024/10/20

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The yukata and the kimono are two of Japan's most popular traditional costumes, but while they may seem similar, they are very different. What are the differences between these two similar but different costumes? What are the differences between these two similar but different costumes?

In this article, we will introduce in detail the historical background of yukata and kimono, the difference in materials, suitable wearing occasions, and even tips on how to wear them.

■This article

History and Definition of Yukata and Kimono
Differences by material and wearing occasion
Styling and manner points
Recommended Rental Services

Let's go on a journey to discover a new aspect of Japanese culture and find your own unique way of dressing through kimono.

Definition and History of "Kimono" and "Yukata

Here we will take a brief look at the history of the kimono, a traditional Japanese costume, and see how it differs from the yukata. Both the kimono and the yukata embody the Japanese sense of beauty, but there are interesting differences in their origins and development process.

History and Beginning of Kimono and Yukata

Yukata (yukata) and Kimono (kimono) are well known as traditional Japanese costumes, but they have different origins. The yukata began in the Heian period (794-1185) as "yukatabira," a simple garment worn after bathing. On the other hand, the kimono developed during the Nara and Heian periods and was used as formal wear by aristocrats and warriors.

In the Edo period (1603-1867), yukata became popular among the general public as daily wear to take the cool of summer. In contrast, kimonos were generally worn on formal occasions, and kimonos of this period became important items that expressed status, occupation, and personal taste.

Kimono Culture in the Edo Period

Advances in dyeing techniques led to an increase in gorgeous patterns and colors, and luxurious, individualistic kimonos became popular, especially as the culture of the townspeople evolved. On the other hand, samurai preferred simple kimonos that maintained their dignity and symbolized the social hierarchy.

During this period, kimono styles were also developed to match seasonal events and became deeply rooted in the lives and culture of the Japanese people.

The kimono became more than just a garment; it became a medium for expressing the seasons, the atmosphere of the occasion, and the emotions of the wearer, and evolved into an embodiment of Japanese aesthetics and culture.

Characteristics of Kimono and Yukata

Although yukata and kimono look similar at first glance, they differ in many ways, including materials, occasions for wearing, and price range. Here we will compare the features of the two in detail and explore the appeal of each.

Main materials and fabrics

The main difference between a yukata and a kimono is in the material.

Yukata are made primarily of cotton, which is breathable and absorbs perspiration easily, making them suitable for hot summers. They are also easy to wash and suitable for casual events.

On the other hand, the main material used for kimono is silk. Characterized by its smooth, luxurious texture and beautiful luster, it is commonly used for formal occasions. However, silk is difficult to care for and often requires professional cleaning.

The yukata is simpler than the kimono, with shorter sleeves and a smaller collar. In contrast, a kimono is worn over a nagajuban (long underwear), so it is thicker overall and has longer sleeves. This difference in structure has a significant impact on comfort and appearance.

There is also a wide range in price. While yukata are relatively inexpensive and can be purchased for anything from a few thousand yen to 30,000 yen, kimono vary greatly depending on the item and range in price from tens of thousands of yen to several million yen. This price difference reflects the difference in usage and positioning between the two.

When and where to wear it

Yukata are worn mainly during the summer season. They are commonly worn at summer festivals, fireworks displays, Bon Odori (Bon dance) and other events during the hot season, and recently they are also used as loungewear at onsen ryokan (hot spring bathhouses).

Kimonos are worn on formal occasions throughout the year, often for special occasions and ceremonies such as weddings, coming-of-age ceremonies, and graduation ceremonies. There is a suitable kimono for each season, and a single-layer kimono (hitoe) is chosen for summer, while a versatile kimono (awase) is chosen for winter.

Thus, yukata and kimono have different characteristics and roles, but both remain important costumes that embody Japanese tradition and aesthetics. In the next section, we will look at styling tips that take advantage of these features.

Kimono and Yukata Styling

Styling a yukata and a kimono is a great opportunity to express your individuality while taking advantage of the unique characteristics of each. Here we offer practical advice on how to dress both, as well as how to choose accessories.

Dressing Tips

The kimono is a traditional Japanese garment whose beauty and unique style attracts people from all over the world. In order to wear a kimono beautifully, it is important to keep a few points in mind. Here, we will introduce tips on how to wear a kimono beautifully, with specific examples.

How to choose the right accessories

When wearing a kimono, accessories play a very important role.

For example, in autumn, you can express a sense of the season by choosing an obi of subdued color and a persimmon or gold colored obidome, while gold or silver zori are appropriate for formal occasions. For casual occasions such as sightseeing, patterned zori are a good choice.

Each of these accessories creates the harmony of the whole, so be sure to consider the overall balance when making your selection.

Be aware of the beauty of your feet.

Footwear is also very important in kimono.

Zori should be selected according to the color and pattern of the kimono and the occasion. The basic color of tabi socks is white, but colored tabi socks may be used depending on the occasion. When choosing zori, it is important to match the size of your feet. If they are too small, they will not look good, and if they are too large, they will be difficult to walk in.

Match hairstyles and makeup

For hairstyles to match the kimono, we recommend a style that keeps the face as clear as possible.

For example, a simple updo or Japanese hair style will further enhance the style of the kimono. Makeup should be natural and slightly emphasized around the eyes and mouth to blend well with the colors of the kimono.

walk with a good posture

When wearing a kimono, always keep your back straight and walk calmly.

Unlike Western dress, the hem of a kimono can easily become disheveled when walking with a large gait, so walking with a small gait and stepping carefully with each step will give a natural and graceful impression.

When wearing a kimono, it is important to respect the act itself and to enjoy the process of wearing it. Through kimono, you will learn about Japanese traditions and culture, and your respect for them will be reflected in your appearance, making everything look more beautiful.

By keeping these tips in mind, you will be able to maximize the appeal of your kimono and enjoy any occasion with confidence.

Types of Kimono and How to Choose

There are various types of kimonos, and each has its own appropriate occasion and way of wearing. Here, we will introduce the typical types of kimono, their characteristics, and tips on how to choose the right one for the right TPO (Time: occasion, Place: place, Occasion: case).

Includes Furisode, Kurotomesode, Komon, etc.

Furisode (furisode) is a gorgeous kimono worn by unmarried women and characterized by its long sleeves.

Often worn on sunny days such as coming-of-age ceremonies and weddings, they are brightly colored and symbolize youthfulness and glamour.

Kuro-tomesode is the most prestigious kimono worn by married women, mainly for formal occasions such as weddings, and is characterized by a black base color and a gorgeous pattern at the hem.

Family crests are often depicted, giving a sense of serenity.

Komon is a kimono that can be worn for a wide range of purposes, from everyday wear to a short outing, and is characterized by a fine pattern that is repeated throughout.

The relatively casual atmosphere allows you to choose from a wide variety of colors and patterns to suit your taste.

In choosing these kimonos, it is important to first select the type that best suits your position and the occasion. Also, be sure to choose colors and patterns that suit your TPO.

Manners for Wearing Yukata and Kimono

There are certain manners and etiquettes that you should know when enjoying kimono, and by observing them, you can enjoy wearing kimono with more elegance and without forgetting to be considerate of your surroundings. Here we will look at the basic manners for wearing yukata and kimono.

1. wear it on the left front

Kimono should always be worn on the left front. If worn on the right front by mistake, it may be considered unlucky or associated with mourning.

2. be careful of your manners

When wearing kimono, refrain from large movements. For example, when boarding a train or bus, take small steps and ride quietly, rather than with large strides. When going up and down stairs, lift the hem of the train lightly with one hand to avoid tripping.

3. manners of sitting

Seiza is the basic seiza, but if you have difficulty sitting seiza for a long period of time, there is another way to sit called "chawan-za" (tea bowl sitting). In a Japanese-style room, it is proper to sit along the grain of the tatami mats.

4. notes on collars and undergarments

The collar should always be trimmed. Ideally, the back of the neck should be slightly visible. When wearing a yukata or light kimono, the choice of underwear color is important. Avoid dark-colored underwear as it may be transparent.

5. attire appropriate to the season and location

Keep in mind the seasonality of the year. For example, cherry blossom patterns are appropriate to wear from late March to April, and autumn leaves patterns are appropriate to wear from October to November. It is also important to choose patterns and colors appropriate for the occasion at weddings and funerals.

By being aware of these manners, you can enjoy wearing kimono more beautifully and without forgetting to be considerate of your surroundings. Please enjoy the charm of kimono to the fullest while respecting manners and your own personality.

Yukata and Kimono Rental Service

For those who want to enjoy wearing kimono but are a little hesitant to buy one, rental services are the perfect solution. There are many rental stores in Tokyo and Kyoto, where you can easily experience authentic kimono.

Recommended Rental Shops in Tokyo

Tokyo offers a wide variety of styles, from traditional kimonos to yukata with modern designs. Located in famous tourist destinations such as Asakusa and Ginza, you can casually enjoy wearing kimono after a day of shopping or dining.

VASARA Kimono Rental Asakusa

feature	Close to Sensoji Temple and Kaminarimon Gate. A wide variety of kimonos, from casual to luxurious, are available.
Services	Dressing and hair set included. Professional stylists are available.
Location	It is the best base for sightseeing in Asakusa, and you can explore the area as it is.
Charge	Yukata Plan from 3,980 yen, Kimono Plan from 5,980 yen
Addresses: (in Japanese)	Atelier Building 3F, 1-41-8 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo

2. yumenoya, Harajuku

feature	There is a wide variety of fashionable yukata, many of which are designed in a modern style as is typical of Harajuku.
Services	Dressing and hair set included. Recommended for visiting cafes and taking photos.
Location	The area is popular among young people in the center of Harajuku.
Charge	Yukata Plan from 4,500 yen, Kimono Plan from 6,500 yen
Addresses: (in Japanese)	Harajuku CORA Building 5F, 1-14-30 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

3. kimono rental Ginza Warakuan

feature	Many of the kimonos have a luxurious feel and are perfect for an adult date or dinner.
Services	Dressing and hair set included. Relaxed atmosphere is attractive.
Location	For formal occasions in Ginza.
Charge	Kimono Plan from 7,980 yen
Addresses: (in Japanese)	Shinbo Bldg. 3F, 6-13-7 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo

Recommended Rental Shops in Kyoto

Kyoto has an abundance of rental stores offering kimonos that look great in the historical scenery. Choose the kimono or yukata that suits you best from stores near tourist attractions such as Gion and Arashiyama to make your special day even more memorable.

1. Yume Kyoto Gion Branch

feature	Located in Gion, it offers a variety of kimonos with gorgeous patterns. Also popular with foreign tourists.
Services	Dressing and hair set included. A wide variety of kimonos are available.
Location	Easy access in the center of the tourist area.
Charge	Yukata Plan from 3,500 yen, Kimono Plan from 4,500 yen
Addresses: (in Japanese)	323-4, Gion-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto

2. Kyoto Kimono Rental Nashikawafuku

feature	Kiyomizu Temple and Yasaka Shrine are nearby, and many traditional kimonos are worn.
Services	Dressing and hair set included. You can coordinate your own look.
Location	Easy access to tourist attractions and a quick stroll.
Charge	Kimono Plan from 4,980 yen
Addresses: (in Japanese)	384-1 Yasakaue-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto

3. arashiyama kimono forest rental

feature	You can enjoy the experience of wearing kimono in the rich nature of Arashiyama. Many kimonos look great against the scenery.
Services	Dressing and hair-set included. Photography in a bamboo grove or at the Watarigatsu Bridge is popular.
Location	The natural backdrop of Arashiyama is the perfect location.
Charge	Yukata Plan from 3,980 yen, Kimono Plan from 5,980 yen
Addresses: (in Japanese)	3-16 Sagano-baba-cho, Tenryuji, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto

At these stores, kimono dressing and hair-set services are often included, allowing visitors to come empty-handed. By taking advantage of the rental service, you can easily experience kimono dressing and create a special memory for sure. Why not enjoy wearing a kimono of your choice for sightseeing or an event?

summary

Both yukata and kimono are beloved traditional Japanese costumes, but we hope you have learned that there are differences in their history, materials, occasions for wearing them, and how to wear them.

Yukata are used for casual occasions such as summer festivals and fireworks displays, and are characterized by their lightweight and coolness.
Kimonos are worn throughout the year for formal occasions and come in a wide variety of types and uses.
When enjoying kimono, dress according to TPO and etiquette, and rental services are convenient for first-time wearers.

We hope you will use this knowledge to enjoy your own unique kimono style. It will be a wonderful opportunity to experience the fusion of traditional Japanese beauty and modern sense through kimono and discover a new you.