What are the differences between how to put on a yukata and a kimono? A thorough explanation in 5 points!
If you have about 3 hours for Kamakura sightseeing, renting a yukata should provide you with ample enjoyment.
If Someone Is Pregnant
If someone in your group is pregnant, it’s generally advisable to avoid renting a yukata. While it is possible to have the yukata properly fitted during the stable period of pregnancy, it’s better to err on the side of caution due to any potential issues that may arise.
If There’s Heavy Rainfall
If there’s heavy rain, you might consider skipping yukata rental. Since most of Kamakura’s tourist spots are outdoor attractions, excessive rain can make it less enjoyable. In such cases, it might be a good idea to avoid renting a yukata.
If You Plan to Consume a Lot of Alcohol
If your plan involves eating and drinking a lot, it’s better to avoid wearing a yukata. Yukatas cinch around the waist, so overindulging in alcohol may lead to discomfort. If you want to enjoy nature in Kamakura while drinking alcohol, it’s a good idea to have drinks after returning your yukata rental.
If You’re Considering Yukata Rental in Kamakura, Choose Rikawafuku Kimono Rental Kamakura Store
Rikawafuku Kimono Rental Kamakura Store offers nearly 300 yukatas, ranging from antique yukatas to modern lace and classic yukatas.
Rental fees start from as low as ¥2,500 tax-inclusive, making it a budget-friendly option for an enjoyable yukata rental experience!
We also have a wide selection of yukatas available during the summer season, ensuring that you can enjoy our services all year round.
- 1. Do Yukatas Only Apply for Evening Wear? The Difference from Kimonos
- 2. Seasonal Differences in Kimono Tailoring
- 3. Differences in the Dressing Process between Yukatas and Kimonos
- 3.1. Dressing Basics: Undergarments and Juban Are the Same for Yukatas and Kimonos
- 3.2. Adjusting the Collar Depending on Seasonal Temperatures
- 3.3. Obi Tying Is Common for Both Yukatas and Kimonos
- 3.4. Short Hem for Yukatas to Enjoy the Summer Comfortably
- 3.5. Obi Is the Centerpiece for Coordinating Yukatas and Kimonos
- 3.6. Footwear Differs Between Kimonos and Yukatas
Do Yukatas Only Apply for Evening Wear? The Difference from Kimonos
You may have worn a yukata for outings during the summer, but during other seasons, you might not be familiar with kimonos. Have you ever wondered what to wear for casual outings when there’s no special occasion to wear a furisode, and how it differs from a yukata?
If you’re starting to like yukatas and are becoming curious about kimonos, this article will provide a thorough explanation!
If you’re looking for a quick overview of the differences between yukatas and kimonos, check out this article: 【5-Minute Explanation】5 Key Differences Between Yukatas and Kimonos.
For those who want more detailed information, refer to this blog post: Understanding the Differences Between Yukatas and Kimonos: Explained in 5 Key Points.
With this, you can have something suitable for wearing during the day, with or without a long juban. It can be called a slightly more adult yukata.
Seasonal Differences in Kimono Tailoring
Both yukatas and kimonos are types of traditional Japanese clothing, so there’s no difference in their basic structure. However, it’s important to note that kimonos are worn differently depending on the season.
Kimonos are categorized into two main seasons: “summer” and “non-summer.” The way they are tailored varies according to the season. Yukatas are considered “hitoe” (unlined) garments. This is the typical tailoring for summer kimonos.
From June to September, during the summer season, hitoe kimonos are worn. In the peak summer months of July and August, there are specific fabrics such as “ro” (gauze), “sha” (silk gauze), and “asa” (hemp) designated for hitoe kimonos. Yukatas, on the other hand, are typically made of “cotton.”
For non-summer kimonos, they are tailored with a lining and are known as “awase” garments. The awase kimono season generally starts from around October and lasts until May of the following year.
Differences in Dressing Process between Yukatas and Kimonos
The dressing process for both yukatas and kimonos is fundamentally the same. However, yukatas are generally easier to dress due to the absence of a long juban (undergarment).
Now, let’s take a look at the differences in dressing between yukatas and kimonos.
Dressing Basics: Undergarments and Juban Are the Same for Yukatas and Kimonos
Both yukatas and kimonos require common items for dressing, such as undergarments and correction garments. The goal is to create a sleek silhouette without showing the body’s contours, which is achieved through the use of specific undergarments and corrections.
For this purpose, a Japanese-style bra is used to ensure the bust line is not too prominent. In this regard, a “cupped camisole” can also be a suitable substitute if you find it more convenient. Additionally, a “kinu juban” is worn underneath, serving as the undergarment. Both separate and one-piece styles are available, depending on your preference.
Over these layers, correction items are wrapped around to smooth the waistline, back, and hips. This process ensures that yukatas and kimonos drape neatly and minimize wrinkles. While it may seem like a hassle, especially during the hot summer months when wearing yukatas, these corrections help maintain a polished appearance!
Regarding underwear, when wearing kimonos, some people choose not to wear them to avoid visible lines, similar to when wearing skinny pants. However, it’s perfectly acceptable to wear underwear under both yukatas and kimonos. When wearing yukatas, underwear is typically worn on top of the kinu juban.
When it comes to wearing kimonos, you start by putting on the long juban (undergarment), but the basic way of wearing kimonos is not much different from yukatas.
Collar Arrangement: Adjust According to Seasonal Temperature
Yukatas are more suited to a relaxed and breezy style due to their origin. When wearing a yukata, it’s more about feeling comfortable and casual, rather than being perfectly dressed up. You can also consider an updo for your hair to create a cool summer look!
On the other hand, kimonos are meant to be worn in public during the daytime, so they require proper dressing. A well-arranged collar can enhance the overall appearance of the kimono. The way the collar is folded and adjusted plays a significant role in this.
For kimonos, the way the long juban is worn makes a significant difference. The collar is crossed around the base of the neck, overlaps the collar of the kimono just below both ears, and continues smoothly to the back of the kimono. The ideal opening of the collar is typically about the width of a fist, but it can be adjusted slightly based on individual facial features, body shape, and preferences. To prevent it from opening too much or becoming too tight during wear, it’s essential to tie the strings around the underbust area properly.
For a polished look, it’s not about tying the strings tightly but positioning them correctly.
Common Accessories: Obi (Sash) Tying
About 3 centimeters (approximately one finger’s width) below the obi is the ideal length for tying the obi. You can use one finger’s length as a reference.
Whether it’s a yukata or a kimono, the key to achieving a neat obi knot is to fold and handle the inside of the front body fabric neatly. Insert your hands into both sides of the body fabric, pull it taut from the waist upwards, and remove any wrinkles.
Shift any wrinkles towards the lower part of the right side of the body fabric and firmly press them down. Then, on the inside of the front body fabric, use your right hand to tidy it up neatly. Make sure the fabric doesn’t hang over the obi and adheres snugly to your body.
Finally, straighten out any wrinkles on the back side of the body fabric, and you’ll have a clean and well-tied obi knot. Once you’ve tightened the obi at the waist, you can move on to the obi itself.
Shorten the Hem of the Yukata for a Comfortable Summer
The difference between yukatas and kimonos lies in the length of the hem. Yukatas are meant for casual summer wear, and as we mentioned earlier, they are designed to look refreshing. Therefore, wearing them a bit shorter, allowing your ankles to peek out, gives you a casual and lively vibe.
Conversely, with kimonos, if you wear them too short, your tabi socks may be too visible, and the overall balance may not look right. The length of the hem is typically longest for formal occasions, so consider shortening it for a more casual look.
The Obi (Sash) is the Centerpiece of Kimono and Yukata Coordination
The obi (sash) is an essential item for coordinating both yukatas and kimonos!
When it comes to patterns and colors, kimonos and obis complement each other’s unique qualities. When you tie the obi, it should be tightened at the lower part and have a slight looseness at the upper part for ease and style.
For kimonos, it’s stylish when a bit of the obi-age (decorative sash) peeks out from the top. You can match the color of the obi to the kimono or create different color and pattern combinations.
Additionally, by threading a strap called “netsuke” through before tying the obi-age, it can sway and produce a gentle jingling sound as you move. You can also use the obi-jime (obi cord) as a decorative brooch. These are unique enjoyments specific to kimonos.
However, for yukatas, obi-age and obi-jime are not used, so this is something exclusive to wearing kimonos.
But here’s an interesting fact: the half-width obi, often used for yukatas, can also be a versatile item that can be used with kimonos, depending on the pattern.
While kimonos have their own types of obi, such as fukuro obi and nagoya obi, for casual wear, you can fold them in half to tie them. Casual half-width obis are often already tailored to the folded width, making them convenient.
With a wide variety of designs, some half-width obis can be used for both yukatas and casual kimonos, so keep an eye out for them.
Footwear Differs Between Kimonos and Yukatas
When wearing a yukata, you typically go barefoot with geta sandals.
Geta sandals are quite casual and can be compared to the idea of wearing denim. On the other hand, when wearing a kimono, it’s customary to wear tabi socks and zori sandals.
This is somewhat similar to the common practice of adult women wearing stockings and low-heeled pumps for outings.
Footwear is one of the significant differences between yukatas and kimonos.
However, there is a type of kimono, known as “tsumugi,” that can be considered as the denim of the kimono world. Tsumugi kimonos are very durable, and the more you wear them, the more they blend in, just like denim. You can wear them with tabi socks and zori sandals, or even barefoot with geta sandals. In terms of versatility, tsumugi kimonos are similar to denim.
Author of this article
Kyoto Kimono Rental Rikawafuku operates four kimono rental shops in Kyoto city, including locations in Arashiyama, Gion, Kiyomizu Temple, and in front of Kyoto Station. In 2023, they served over 230,000 customers in the Kyoto area!
They offer affordable plans, with a kimono dressing plan starting from 3,500 yen, and a hair setting plan from 5,500 yen.
Close to popular tourist spots such as Togetsukyo Bridge, Kiyomizu Temple, Yasaka Koshindo, and Yasaka Shrine!
Kyoto Kimono Rental Rikawafuku
Kimono Rental Rikawafuku Gion Store
Kimono Rental Rikawafuku Arashiyama Store
Kimono Rental Rikawafuku Kiyomizu Temple Store
Kimono Rental Rikawafuku Kyoto Station Front Store
