Have questions about the Japanese yukata? We've got the answers!

What is the difference between the Kimono and the Yukata?

Traditionally, the Yukata is worn as bathrobe, nightclothes, lounge wear, and as informal kimono for the summer. They are usually made of lightweight cotton, that is why they are extremely comfortable to wear for lounging and for the summer. The kimono, on the other hand, is usually made of dressy fabrics, like silk, brocade, hemp, and rayon. They have long and flowing sleeves and worn on dressy casual to special occasions.

Is the yukata robe worn only during the summer?

Not at all. In fact, you can wear the yukata all-year-round as long cotton robe, bathrobe, nightclothes, house clothes, lounge wear, errand clothes, travel robe, and nursing robe. They are also popular as Asian gifts for men and women, as bridesmaids' gifts, groomsmen gifts, birthday gifts, and Japanese gifts.

How do I wear the yukata?

The yukata is worn in the same way you wear a robe – with the left front overlapping the right front and tied around the waist (for women) or around the hips (for men) with its matching sash or tie-belt. But because they are usually made of thin and lightweight fabrics, wearing undergarments, like the kimono underclothing, an undershirt, boxer shorts, or camisole, is recommended when wearing them outdoors.

Traditionally, the yukata is also worn with the Japanese wooden sandals, called the Geta, sans the Japanese tabi socks. But, if you do not have the latter, you can pair them with cute wooden sandals or flip flops. For your essentials, you can bring them using a Japanese Kinchaku bag, small purse, or drawstring bag.

How do I determine my size?

It is easy! Measure from the back of your neck up to the ankle to determine the ideal length of the yukata that is best for you.

As a T-shaped robe, the Japanese yukata fits men and women of different age and sizes. You can also adjust its length and width, thus, there is no need to worry shopping it in its size, which is generally stated in terms of its length. And, as a robe that is meant to wrap the body, our size charts secondarily suggest the suitability of a yukata to the wearer's weight.

If your Japanese yukata is longer than the measurement taken from the back of the neck to the ankle, ladies will have to wear the yukata with an ohashori or a fold around the waist. If your Japanese yukata's length is equal to the measurement taken from the back of the neck to the ankle, then you won’t have to wear the yukata with an ohashori.

Since men are not to wear the yukata with a fold around the waist, it is suggested that they choose a yukata that approximates the length or measurement taken from the back of the neck to the ankle. A little shorter or longer will mean that yukata will be a few above or below the ankle, respectively. So, if you fall between two (2) sizes, we suggest that you go for the larger-sized yukata robe. You can then choose to alter it by shortening the hem. And, if you're not satisfied with the fit, know that KimonoRobeStore.com welcomes returns or exchanges. Please keep the tags and packaging intact and in the same form when you received it to validate your request for return or exchange.

Do you have unisex yukata?

Yes, we have. Depending upon your preference in design, most of our Japanese yukata are unisex, thus, perfect for men and women. If you are concerned whether the yukata that you like has the key features that you need, like an opening under the sleeves for adjusting the ohashori, please feel free to air your concern to our customer service representative, who is willing to personally check the yukata that you like for you. If your desired yukata, for instance, does not have the same because it is, therefore, tailored for men, know that you can alter the underside of the sleeves to create an opening for adjusting the ohashori.

Steps to wearing the Japanese yukata kimono:

Wearing the yukata is not the same as wearing an ordinary piece of clothing. Putting it on might need a little practice, however, it's not difficult to wear either. You can follow the following steps:

• Put the yukata on and flip the long sleeves back over your arms so that are it is not in the way.
• With one hand, hold both sides of the fabric in front of your body. Then find out the center line, which is where the fabrics are stitched together. The center line can be located on the back of your body. Fix the garment to the center.
• Open the yukata and pull it up to ankle level. Bring the left side of your yukata to the front and decide on what length and width you want.
• While opening the left side open and keeping length, bring the right side to the front. Ensure that the bottom corner of the right side of the garment is 4 inches from the ground.
• Hold on to the right side of the yukata and bring the left side on top of it. The bottom corner of the left side of the yukata should be 2 inches from the ground.
• Using the Koshi-Himo, tie the yukata around the waist and ensure you do so tightly. Tuck the koshi-Himo in.
• Stick both hands in the side pockets and pull the extra cloth over Koshi-Himo; ensure you do the front and back.
• The layer around the waist is called ohashori, which is supposed to show below the obi.
• Adjust the shape of ohashori and tie the second koshi-himo under the belt. It can be a little loose then the first one.
• If you are of slim proportions, you will have extra fabric on the side on your upper body.
• To complete your yukata look, ensure you tie an obi around your waist.

Have further questions? Let us know through email at Info@KimonoRobeStore.com. Or, drop us a call at 610.438.0632 during business hours, that’s Mondays to Fridays, 9 A.M. to 6 P.M., except Holidays.