Yukata

Template:Short description Template:Italic title Template:Infobox clothing type A is an unlined cotton or linen summer kimono, worn in casual settings such as summer festivals and to nearby bathhouses. The name is translated literally as "bathing cloth" and originally were worn as bathrobes; their modern use is much broader, and are a common sight in Japan during summer. Though are traditionally indigo and white in colour, modern commonly feature multicoloured designs, and are designed to be machine washable. They are similar in appearance to the , a unisex short-sleeved kimono-like garment worn by guests at traditional inns.

Techniques and textiles

Yukata are made using various textiles and dyeing techniques, often cotton but also linen or synthetic fabrics. Traditionally they were made with a technique called Nagaita-Chugata, where fabric was dyed on both sides with stencils. As this technique is expensive, a technique called Chusen was developed in the late Edo period to replicate the double sided cloth.

Construction and wear

are worn by men and women. Like other forms of traditional Japanese clothing, are made with straight seams and wide sleeves. Men's are distinguished by the shorter sleeve extension of approximately from the armpit seam, compared to the longer sleeve extension in women's . A standard ensemble consists of a , , and a type of sandal known as a geta, worn without socks. The outfit may be accessorised with a foldable or fixed hand fan and the addition of a traditional carry bag known as a , used by both men and women to carry mobile phones and other small personal items.

As with all kimono, the proper left side of the is wrapped over the proper right side, and secured with either a stiff, one-layer , or a softer, also one-layer . An outer jacket may be added for cool weather.

Traditionally, were mostly made of indigo-dyed cotton; however, since an increase in popularity in the late 1990s, a wide variety of colours and designs are now available, worn by both men and women.

Customs

• A family in Script error: No such module "lang". in an Script error: No such module "lang". town
  A family in in an town
• A Japanese woman wearing a yukata
  A Japanese woman wearing a yukata
• Women in Script error: No such module "lang".
  Women in
• Folded Script error: No such module "lang". and Script error: No such module "lang". at Shibu Hotel in Yamanouchi, Nagano
  Folded and at Shibu Hotel in Yamanouchi, Nagano
• Endō Shimpei, 1887 woodblock print by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi
  Endō Shimpei, 1887 woodblock print by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi
• 19th-century Script error: No such module "lang". at LACMA with illustrations from Hizakurige by Jippensha Ikku
  19th-century at LACMA with illustrations from Hizakurige by Jippensha Ikku

Though historically, were worn traditionally as a bathrobe all-year round, in the present day this is uncommonly seen, and is mainly confined to resort towns such as Atami, Kinosaki and Kusatsu, where are still worn as bathrobes, commonly given to guests as part of their stay at a specific hotel or inn.

External links

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