How To Differentiate The Yukata And The Kimono

It is possible to confuse the yukata and the kimono, since both are part of the typical and traditional dresses of Japan; You may have heard of the two, but most of the time we don’t recognize their differences; There are really few who know them, for this reason we bring you How to differentiate the yukata and the kimono. There are also those who only know the word kimono.

The kimono is a well-known dress that has become very famous worldwide; it is the traditional Japanese costume; It was the most used garment in that country until a few years after the postwar period.

There is confusion between the two suits because people from other cultures see them as very similar, but they really have many differences; the yukata is a simpler suit that is used to sleep or to be in summer, while the kimono is an elegant suit.

Instructions to differentiate the yukata and the kimono

1. Its sewing: it is the main difference, the kimono is made of silk, while the yukata is made of cotton.
2. The yukata is the dress for the summer season and for hot places; They are also used in thermal baths, only for the latter it is made even lighter.
3. The word Kimono derives from the words Kira (to wear) and mono (thing), we can translate it as “thing to wear” and the word yukata comes from yu bath and katabira under the clothes.
4. The kimono will have at least two wide strips, which are called obi; these will be worn as follows: one around the waist and the other diagonally up to the neck, while the yukata only has a small sash around the waist. In addition they will be put in a different way.
5. The kimono is a much more elegant outfit than the yukata, so it will be used for special occasions and events.
6. Shoes: when dressed in a kimono, the dress should be complemented with sandals made of leather and cotton (its name is zori or geta), they should also be worn with special socks (stockings). In the case of wearing yukata, having these shoes is not necessary, it is optional.
7. Its use: to wear the kimono gender does not matter, both women and men do it, while the yukata is more used by the female gender.
8. Price: Kimonos will be more expensive than yukatas, due to their material, construction and elegance.
9. Designs: Kimono designs are more exclusive; it is difficult to find two people who have a similar one, while in yukatas the same designer can make several very similar versions.
10. Occasion: as mentioned above, the kimono is a special and elegant dress, which represents glamor, while the yukata is a totally simple dress that is worn for a walk or to wear in hot weather, so we can say that the the first is a formal suit and the second is a casual suit.
11. The length: as the kimono is a formal suit, it cannot be short, but the yukata does allow it.
12. The lining: the kimono can be lined or not, the first being preferred (hitoe) while the yukata will always be unlined.
13. The neck: that of the kimono is wider and must be folded when putting on the dress.
14. Sleeves: The sleeves of the yukata are much narrower than those of the kimono.
15. When wearing a kimono, it is necessary to wear special underwear, called Nagajuban, we can say that it is another much lighter kimono that is worn underneath, while the yukata can be worn as pajamas with more comfortable underwear.
16. The yukata today is widely used to go to summer parties, but the original creation was like a suit to wear after showering at night and going to sleep, so we find two types.
17. Time: wearing the kimono well is an ancient art and tradition; putting it on can take more than an hour, while the yukata can be put on in less than 15 minutes. With only this data you can see the complexity of the kimono.
18. Both the kimono and the yukata are very tight, it is very uncomfortable; the girls look beautiful shaping their body, but they have to put up with this.

Tips to differentiate the yukata and the kimono

• Although we said that the kimono is for both genders, it is seen much more on women;  It must be taken into account that more westernization has entered Japan and many men can see this as a very feminine dress.
•  We leave you the writing of each one in Japanese: Kimono（着物）y Yukata（浴衣）
• Did you know that there are some Japanese-style hotels that lend yukatas to sleep in?
• The yukata can be put on by yourself, but the kimono needs specialists.