Kimono

Kimono are the older, more traditional, and more expensive garment. They’re usually made of silk or brocade, have an inner layer and an outer layer, and are worn with at least two collars. Both men and women wear kimono. They can be worn year-round and have different seasonal styles – unlined in summer, lined in autumn and spring, and padded in winter. There are also different types of kimono depending on the occasion as well as the wearer’s social status.

Yukata

Yukata are the more casual and inexpensive garment. They’re typically made of cotton and are meant for wearing in the summer. Yukata are mostly worn by women; however, it’s becoming more popular for young men to also wear them during the summer. Because yukata are less formal, people often experiment with colors, patterns, and accessories. Yukatas are also worn as bathrobes in places such as Hot Springs. While the Yukata is made from cotton the kimono dress comes in silk fabric.

The differences

About Yukata vs Kimono, there really is no simple explanation. However, you can generally identify a yukata versus any other kind of kimono by a few things:

1) Season: If it’s not summer, it’s probably not a yukata. Yukata are very casual kimono meant to be worn in the summer or as bathrobes at places like hot springs.

2) Material: If it’s made of cotton it’s probably a yukata. If it’s not made of cotton it’s probably not a yukata.

3) The collar: A regular kimono has at least two collars. One sits up close to the neck, while the other is a bit lower in the front so the first collar can be seen clearly. Basically what you’re looking at is the juba collar showing underneath the kimono collar. You don’t wear a juban under a yukata, though, so there should only be one collar (some people attached decorative ruffles to yukata collars for fun, but it’s a very different look that the appearance of a juban collar under a kimono collar).

4) Footwear: Let see yukata vs kimono about footwear: You never ever ever go without socks with a kimono…except when you’re wearing yukata. If the person you’re looking at isn’t wearing socks, the chances are much higher that you’re looking at a yukata than a regular kimono. Some people might make exceptions for really fun patterned socks, though, so this isn’t always the best way to tell.

5) Really crazy decorative stuff, like heko obi (soft, scarf-like wraps as opposed to the stiffer, flat obi), false obi jime, or an obi that has been twisted or folded in the front to show off the color on the reverse side. Heko obis might be used on their own, which is something you would never see with other kinds of kimono except possibly on small children. Some people also use them in conjunction with a regular obi to look more decorative. If someone is wearing an obi jime, look to see if it seems to be holding any part of the obi bow in place. On a regular kimono the obi jime is both decorative and useful (it helps hold the bow together), but on a yukata it’s just decorative. If you see an obi that’s twisted or folded in the front, you’re almost definitely looking at a yukata, because you wouldn’t do that kind of thing at all with a regular kimono.

Types of formal kimono

There are styles of kimono for various occasions, ranging from extremely formal to very casual. The level of formality of women’s kimono is determined mostly by the pattern and fabric, and also the color. Young women’s kimono have longer sleeves and tend to be more elaborate than similarly formal older women’s kimono. Men’s kimono are usually one basic shape and are mainly worn in subdued colors. Formality is also determined by the type and color of accessories, the fabric, and the number or absence of kamon (family crests). Silk is the most desirable, and most formal, fabric; cotton is more casual. Kimono made of modern fabrics such as polyester are also more casual than silk. Choosing a kimono by it’s formality for special occasions is a very important one.

Wedding kimono

Formal kimono for the best event in your life. For the Shinto ceremony the bride is dressed in a full white ensemble: a white kakeshita kimono, a long silk kimono that is worn trailing on the floor, obi and accessories are white too. On top of this goes the elaborate uchikake, a large coat like kimono that will be worn loose and trailing. For the Buddhist ceremony she will change into an iro uchikake, a brightly coloured uchikake. Sometimes a bride will also change into a bright coloured kakeshita kimono, a formal kimono worn trailing with long furisode sleeves.

Kurotomesode

Kurotomesode: This kimono is the most formal kimono for married women. Kurotomesode can only be worn to weddings of close relatives. Mothers of the bride and groom wear kurotomesode, but also the married sisters of the bride can choose to wear this kimono. This formal kimono is always black (kuro meaning black) with 5 family crests two on the front and three in the back. The pattern is only at the hem and the older the wearer, the lower the patterns goes. The obi should be brocade with gold or silver to be chosen to fit the kimono. Accessories are always white (with gold or silver) as are the zori (shoes).

Iro-Tomesode

“Iro-Tomesode” is the tomesode with colors except for black. “Iro-Tomesode” with nonblack and 1 or 3 crests is suite for many situation, although one with 5 crets is the most formal kimono, less opportunity to wear. “Homongi” means “Kimono for visiting”. It is a little bit simplified than Irotome, but still has gorgeous patterns on shoulders and leaves.

Furisode

The furisode kimono is the most formal kimono for young unmarried women. The kimono is extremely brightly decorated and the sleeves are long: furi = swinging or waving and sode = sleeve. With these waving sleeves it is said ladies can attract the hart of a man, hence the kimono is for unmarried women. The furisode is usually worn to weddings, formal parties and especially to 成人の日 Seijin no Hi Coming of Age Day is a Japanese holiday held annually on the second Monday of January. It is held in order to congratulate and encourage all those who have reached the age of majority (20 years old).

Iromuji

“Iromuji” is the plain color kimono except for black. The white cloth is dyed in colors. It’s the most useful because we can change the atmosphere by the ties. For example, it’ll be formal when we use ties with traditional patterns, on the other hand, it’ll be casual when we put modern artistic ties.
These formal kimonos are made by dying the white cloth, not using the already dyed strings, so that the touch will be soft. If the patterns are traditional, such as pine trees, plum flowers, bamboo, chrysanthemums, orchids, or something, it will be more formal.

Mofuku

Mofuku is the formal kimono  wear to a funeral. This kimono is all black and has 5 family crest prints.The accessories have to be all black except juban (an underwear) and tabi (socks). Mofuku is only worn to the funeral of a close relative or friend.

Japan yukata material

Japan Yukata intended for use by younger individuals to attend festivals are usually brightly colored, often to the point of appearing garish, while more mature individuals usually prefer to wear subdued browns and grays. Japan yukata intended to be worn as bathrobes at inns are often in deep shades of blue or green or occasionally white or maroon. Since the Japan yukata does not have a lining, opaque fabric is best. The yukata is a more casual, everyday version that’s often worn in summer, and features the same straight lines and wide sleeves as its silken sibling. But whether ritualistic or quotidian, kimono culture is going out of fashion, and with it the fine art of traditional dressmaking. For those who want “unique” rather than traditional yukata, such as for a costume party, it is best to use standard Western-style fabric. Children often appreciate japan yukata with prints of Disney characters or other non-traditional designs. Seasonal prints, such as Halloween, Christmas, or Easter designs, can also be fun, as can bold Hawaiian prints. Using silk (to provide a more luxurious appearance), wool (for warmth in winter), or some other material will give the japan yukata a different feel. Just keep in mind that if the material you choose is too translucent you will want to wear some kind of undergarment beneath it…unless see-through is the effect you’re going for. Using different prints for the body and sleeves or decorating the yukata with lace are other ways to personalize the finished product.

How to wear japan yukata

The left side of the robe is wrapped over the right and tied with a koshi-himo (腰紐, a simple, thin sash) for men, or an additional obi (帯, wide sash) for women, which is tied in the back. Traditionally japan yukata are worn with geta (下駄, traditional Japanese wooden sandals) and bare feet. I’ve asked a few local women about the shoe situation, and the consensus is that, nowadays, you can wear just about any cute sandal with a yukata– not wearing geta isn’t going to get you flagged by the Japanese Fashion Police. For girls who like to be fancy, you can wear a kanzashi (簪) a hair ornament (kind of like an ice pick) or comb worn with kimono or yukata. They range in style from super flowery and ornate to sleek, colorful designs in resin or metal. Underneath japan yukata tradition says you should wear hada-juban (肌襦袢), a thin washable layer that is a cross between an undershirt and a slip. The ladies I spoke to said just wearing a tank top and shorts, or a slip is enough; just make sure whatever you wear is thin, form-fitting, and breathable for comfort.

Japan yukata  in modern day

Traditional yukata worn during summer festivals and events were generally made from white cotton dyed with indigo ink in geometric patterns. Younger people and children wore bolder, thicker designs, while older people usually wore more subdued patterns. However, the recent popularity of the yukata has been influenced by both the traditional Japanese kimono patterns of floral and geometric patterns with the bright colors of modern Western clothing. Japan yukata available in shops now, including local department stores, are in a full range of colors and patterns to entice the eyes, while still remaining in their original conservative and modest cut. Like the kimono, the yukata hides all but the basic form of the wearer, even though it is a single layer of cloth. The obi is tied around the middle of the torso, creating a flat, hard front and back. The femininity and fashion of the modern japan yukata comes from the patterns, colors, and accessories worn with it. Departing from tradition, girls and women wear an ever-changing array of accessories, including flowers, brooches, head dresses and hair slides, bringing out the vibrancy of summer and the flush of youth.

Traditional summer kimono

However, in the summer, Japanese often wear a simpler type of traditional kimono known as the “Yukata.” Kimono and yukata are very similar but traditional kimono are made of silk while yukata are made of cotton. The yukata is the most casual type of kimono for summer use. It is easier to wear than other varieties. If we see people who are wearing Yukata, we feel like summer is here. A woman who is wearing Yukata is considered very beautiful by man because it is different than usual. Young Japanese girls long to go to a summer festival with a boyfriend. In recent years the yukata has become popular among young people, and the sight of couples wearing yukata on dates is not uncommon. Simple yukata are also prepared for use as nightgowns in the traditional Japanese inns known as “Ryokan.” As there are no formal rules regarding how to wear yukata, wearing one can be enjoyed by anyone. Attaching corsages or broaches to the obi (traditional kimono sash) or wearing sandals instead of geta (wooden clogs), are just some of the things that are possible.

Traditional kimono price and services

Traditional kimono are traditionally crafted from a single bolt of silk fabric and sewn by hand—which adds to their cost. While they are often rented on special occasions, this alone can cost between ¥100,000 to ¥300,000. To purchase one, the price can easily start at ¥1,000,000 and go up from there. Because of the associated cost, many foreigners don’t get the chance to wear a traditional kimono when they visit Japan. These days, there are companies that can teach non-Japanese people how to wear traditional kimono and also provide dressing and rental services as well as photo shoots and city walks so visitors can experience of wearing them like wargo company. It’s a huge company with over 1000 kimonos and many shops across all japan. They will give you the best services to enjoy your trip in Japan.

Trend of Kimono

Of course traditional kimono has trendy designs. In the past, many people prefer to wear Kimono with small flower and butterfly. These Kimonos are cool. But now we prefer pop design like this.(left picture) These Kimonos are cute. This design is called “Kotengara”. Design is a bit bigger than before, and the color is more bright. These colorful, T-shaped robes are still worn today, though mostly by women for special occasions such as seijin no hi (Coming of Age Day)—when they turn 20-years-old and officially become adults—graduation ceremonies and weddings. While some older women still wear traditional kimono on a daily basis, men don it most often at weddings and other very formal occasions. If you’re lucky enough to attend a sumo basho (tournament) or encounter sumo wrestlers out in the city, you will see them dressed in this manner as they are required to wear traditional Japanese dress whenever appearing in public.

These days, although Japanese people usually wear Western clothes, traditional kimono is still loved by many people. The reason why kimono is loved by many people is not only the beauty, but also the fact that Kimono can adapt to the Japanese culture. It is said that traditional kimono fits the person who has no waist and sloping shoulder. Moreover, we can use the word kimono as an international word all over the world.

Summer kimono

Yukata are traditional Japanese clothing that are often referred to as “summer kimono.” The name yukata comes from the word yu (bath) and katabira (under clothing). In the Heian era (794-1185), court nobles wore linen yukata which were draped loosely after taking a bath. The yukata was later also worn by Japanese warriors and by the Edo era (1600-1868), it was widely worn by the public when public bath became a popular recreation in Japan It is similar in style to kimono but much lighter and more casual, and made of cotton. Yukata function both as a bathrobe and loungewear, or even to go outside. You can pick them in whatever color or pattern you want, and because they are only worn to events like summer festivals nowadays, they really set the mood. When you wear one, you know you’re going to a festival, and you know you’re going to be cute.

Wearing summer kimono

The downsides of this summer kimono are that you need assistance to put one on, and you can only walk with tiny steps when you’re wearing it (maybe they should namba walk?). Oh, and don’t even think about going to the bathroom. It’s kind of a given that one side of the fabric is going to start slipping out from under the obi, or big belt-like strap. But hey, that’s the look. Wearing a summer kimono (yukata) isn’t just about the outfit, there are also certain hairstyles girls wear to complete the look. Putting your hair up is a requirement. Usually some sort of updo with a decorative clip is considered fashionable.

Summer kimono in modern day

Today, summer kimono (yukata) is widely worn as a casual wear in summer, as well as in festivals. Further, the yukata is also widely worn in ryokan (traditional Japanese inn). The yukata is loved for its lightweight cotton material. Fabric designs vary from the traditional plain cross hatch pattern to the more colourful designs. A cotton sash is usually worn with the yukata for casual daily or nightly wear. In attending festivals and public occasions, the yukata is worn with a wider belt, which can be simply wrapped around the waist and tucked in at the end. For a more formal appearance, the summer kimono (yukata) is worn with an obi belt, along with a matchinggeta (wooden sandals) and purse to complete the attire. Today there are not as many suitable chances to wear this colourful traditional Japanese outfit.

Type of Furisode kimono

Furisode kimono is classified in length of sleeves. There are “Oh-Furisode (Big-Furisode)”, “Chu-Furisode (Medium-Furisode)” and “Ko-Furisode (Small-Furisode)”. Each Furisode have different length sleeves. (The sleeves length of basic kimono is around 49cm.) The formality of a Furisode is based on two key elements: the length of the sleeve, and the presence of mon. Any level of mon can be applied to a silk Furisode kimono, either one, three, or five. The various sleeves lengths are described below in greater detail.

Hon-Furisode

“Oh-Furisode” is called “Hon-Furisode” too. “Hon-Furisode” means “the most formal Furisode kimono“. It’s longest sleeves in kimono. It is having family crest, lined by same fabric of outer material, lined double and padded the skirt with cotton. It’s a little heavy to move with wearing it. Usually, it’s used in only wedding scene or ceremony. Also referred to as “Honfurisode” or “Kakeshita”, this is the longest sleeve length. The standard length is 115cm, though it may range from 114cm to 125cm. It is typically worn by dancers and singers, or by the bride at a wedding ceremony or reception. The hem is padded to give it extra weight so that it can be worn without an ohashori, and allowed to drag the ground (see also hikizuri). It is very heavy compared to other Furisode kimono and can be difficult to move in.

Chu-furisode

“Chu-Furisode” is very common now. Most of Furisode kimono sold in shops is “Chu-Furisode”. The length of sleeves are around 100cm (91-106cm). But recent years, with Japanese girl’s height is becoming higher, sleeves of “Chu-Furisode” is becoming longer. It’s as long as “Oh-Furisode”. This is the most common length of Furisode sleeve, that most Japanese girls would wear. Traditionally, the length of sleeve is around 100cm (ranging from 96cm to 106cm). Because recent generations of Japanese girls are growing taller, Chufurisode sleeves are becoming longer, and some are even made as long as Ofurisode. Unlike the Ofurisode, the hem of the Chufurisode is not padded, making it much lighter and easier to wear. Chufurisode is often worn for Coming-Of-Age ceremonies and for the first visit to a shrine after the New Year.

Ko-furisode

“Ko-Furisode” is not so common. But often, it’s worn with “Hakama (a long pleated skirt/pants worn over kimono)”. The length of sleeves are around 85cm (75-87cm). Moreover, there are “Kuro-Furisode (Black-Furisode)” and “Iro-Furisode (Color-Furisode)”. It’s depend on base color, and “Kuro-Furisode” is more formal. But, this rule is about to fade away. This is the shortest length of Furisode sleeve. Kofurisode are rather uncommon today, though some girls rent Kofurisode for their graduation ceremonies. Pairing Kofurisode  with hakama creates a classic look that resembles a Meiji Period schoolgirl. This style can be paired with tabi andgeta, or for a more retro look, can be worn with western-style lace-up “granny boots”. With boots, the hakama are usually worn shorter than with tabi and geta. A Kofurisode kimono with a Komon pattern and an informal material can even be considered a casual garment for young unmarried ladies.

Today, Furisode kimono are considered very valuable, and most women would rather hold onto their Furisode to pass down in their family, rather than cut them. Few young Japanese women own Furisode today, but services for renting them are common. It can cost between ¥20,000 and ¥50,000 (roughly $250-$630) to rent a Furisode and all of its accessories, and around ¥100,000 (roughly $1270) to purchase.