Yukata Wearing ( 7/2 )

Posted on February 14, 2015

The yukata (浴衣) is a casual version of the kimono. It is a robe usually made of cotton or synthetic fabric, wrapped around the body and fastened with a sash (obi). Yukata literally means “bathing cloth”, and it was originally intended to be just that. Traditionally, the garment is worn after bathing in a communal bath, functioning as a quick way to cover the body and to absorb remaining moisture.

Recently, the yukata has also become a way of dressing for summer festivals. Increasingly fashionable designs have surfaced to a degree that it is sometimes difficult for the untrained eye to discern between a yukata and a kimono. Yukata for men generally have darker or more subdued colors, while that for young women are usually bright and colorful, often with floral designs. Yukata for matured women tend to be less flashy.

Your yukata set, which consists of a yukata, an obi (belt) and sometimes socks. Some ryokan may only have one size of yukata available, although more often they offer a selection of sizes either in your room or provided by your attendant. If given a choice of sizes, choose one that rests just at the ankle.

Before you wear a Yukata, let’s be familiar with the Yukata parts !

When you wear a Yukata, long sleeves will be always on your way.

So…. let’s flip both sides of the sleeves to the back.

Bring up both sides of Tomoeri in front of you in the center.

While one hand is holding both Tomoeri, use the other hand to pull down the Senui in the back.

Hold the Tomoeri in each hands. While try to keep the top half stable, open the arms and bring up the bottom of the Yukata.

Bring Uwamae (the left side) to the front and determine the length.

Open up Uwamae( the left side) and bring Shitamae ( right side) to the front.

Bring Uwamae ( left side) over the right.

While holding the Tomoeri by the right waist, wrap your Yukata using a Koshihimo to stabilize.

Put your both arms from Miyatsuguchi (side open area) to the front.

Pull down the extra fabric over koshihimo to create “Ohashori”.

Put your hands from the Miyatsuguchi and pull down the extra fabric.

After Ohashori is made, tie right below the bust using a koshihimo or datejime.

If you are slim build, there might be extra fabric all around the top. Bring all the extra fabric from the back to the sides and push it under the front fabric and hide it. This small technique will make a clean look from the side!

You are half way done. If you just put an Obi

We had a yukata wearing demonstration before letting all the members to try themselves. All members can ask for committee’s help when facing any problems. We also had photo sessions after every round wearing yukata. Before the meeting ends, we took a big family club member photo.