When foreigners see the Japanese in a long “robe”, they do not go into details and think that any traditional attire is just a kimono. Meanwhile, in Japan there is a special form of clothing that is designed for everyday wear or for some less significant holidays and festivals, which is called "yukata".

Difference between kimono and yukata

Kimono today is worn on special occasions: weddings or funerals, large celebrations, tea ceremonies. Or people of special professions - nihon-buyo dancers, kabuki theater actors, monks and geishas. It is made from a single piece of silk 36 cm wide and 12 m long, which is cut into several rectangles and then sewn together according to the old canons. Putting on a kimono can take several hours and most likely several helpers. To wash it, it is torn apart, and after cleaning it is sewn again.

For these reasons, the yukata has gained great popularity - a traditional outfit made of cotton or linen, unlined, resembling a kimono in appearance, but much simpler in cut and easy to dress. Yukata literally translates to "bath wear" and was originally used as a bathrobe when bathing in public sento baths. But in the 20th century, yukata began to be worn on the street. Today, the yukata is much more common in Japan than the kimono. Although statistics say that 40% of the Japanese have a kimono, they wear it no more than once every 5 years. On the other hand, half of the Japanese have a yukata and wear it on a daily basis, especially during the hot summer months.

Would you prefer a simple yukata or a luxurious kimono? - Write in the comments!