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.
Fittingly, the yukata is often worn in onsen towns. In particular, the garment is the typical dress code for guests at ryokan. Visiting an onsen town can provide the enjoyable experience of strolling the streets in yukata and geta (wooden clogs), producing scenes reminiscent of past centuries.
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.
Fittingly, the yukata is often worn in onsen towns. In particular, the garment is the typical dress code for guests at ryokan. Visiting an onsen town can provide the enjoyable experience of strolling the streets in yukata and geta (wooden clogs), producing scenes reminiscent of past centuries.
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.
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Monsoon Face And Body, Bisbee Arizona, 2003 - 20012 (left to right) Marna Woo, RYT/Cosmetologist, Susan Zagorski, RYT, Allison Otto, RYT, with Cozette, Suzie Nichols, Esthetician, and Nancy Ward, Medical Intuitive.