I’m going to level with you. I would love to own a kimono, but the costs for an authentic kimono and undergarments can run into thousands of dollars.
A much more accessible alternative is the Japanese yukata (浴衣), a lighter robe that is casually worn throughout Japan and is increasingly popular as streetwear.
If you want to make a yukata part of your wardrobe, these 20 Japanese yukata ideas will provide inspiration for wearing this iconic and highly functional Japanese garment.
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A yukata could be the ultimate loungewear
A yukata is a comfortable yet stylish garment that looks great. Once you master how to wear a yukata you’ll want to dress in one all the time.
Here are 20 Japanese yukata ideas to inspire you to find your own:
20. Classic Men’s Yukata
A yukata is basically an unlined kimono that is worn as a summer garment.
As you can see the yukata is not like the shorter-sleeved nemaki robe that is also casually worn.
19. Yukata Style for All the Family
Yukata are very inclusive garments that everyone can wear.
The word yukata (浴衣) means ‘bathing cloth’ referring to its original use as a garment to cover up after a hot spring bath.
18. Stylish Women’s Summer Yukata
This rich blue yukata with a bold white floral design will really stand out wherever you are in the world.
The breathable cotton fabric and bold color are less formal than a kimono, but I love the cute obi and uchiwa (Japanese paper fan) tucked in the back!
17. Ladies’ Yukata with Obi and Fan
Yukatas were traditionally worn around the house, at a ryokan, or to and from an onsen.
However, they are now largely accepted as summer wear for many Japanese.
16. Contemporary Men’s Yukata
It has all the proportions of a kimono without the formalities!
If you’re looking for unique menswear that looks really stylish, this funky men’s yukata with neon koi is a smart buy. See more images on shop.japanobjects.com
15. Indigo Men’s Yukata
Traditional yukata are made from richly-dyed indigo cotton. The men’s yukata has slightly shorter sleeves than the female yukata.
14. Traditional Indigo Women’s Yukata
My my my, this classic indigo ladies’ yukata ticks all the boxes for an authentic garment with long women’s sleeves!
It is 100% handmade with gorgeous rustic cotton, which will pair beautifully with the obi of your choice. See more images on shop.japanobjects.com
13. Beautiful Floral Yukata
In the 1990s, yukatas became much more diverse and colorful.
Despite being straight-cut, they support good posture and offer great freedom of movement.
12. Gion Festival Yukata
For the Westerner, a yukata is a completely different style of dress. In Japan, many stores, ryokans, and guesthouses will show you how to wear one.
Wrap the left side of your yukata over the right, and secure it beautifully with a soft or stiff single-layer cotton obi (belt).
11. Onsen Yukata
If you don’t want to wear a thick obi belt you can always tie a basic sash to secure your robe
10. Relaxed Men’s Yukata
In Japan, you can rent a yukata to see how it looks on you, take photos, and walk around town in Japanese dress.
9. Girl’s Yukata
A yukata also looks great on kids. It’s easy to wear and a great way for interested children to connect with Japanese culture!
8. Yukata Styling
Make your yukata your own.
Feel free to style the yukata any way you want! Popular accessories for a yukata include kanzashi hair pins, a fan, and a kinchaku handbag.
7. Handmade Yukata from Kurume, Kyushu
This red benkei shijira cotton fabric yukata from Kurume in Kyushu has a pleasing design and is extremely breathable.
You can dress this gorgeous garment up or down depending on the obi you choose to accessorize it with. See more images on shop.japanobjects.com
6. Basic Men’s Yukata
What do you wear under a yukata? Go simple with light, cotton undergarments that wick away sweat and allow your skin to breathe.
Remember, a yukata is all about feeling comfortable.
5. Lace Trimmed Ladies’ Yukata
Yukata style is evolving in Japan and abroad. People are feeling free to add the details they desire to their yukata, like the sweet lace trim and statement bow shared here.
Older Japanese yukata wearers are usually more conservative, but the young continue to experiment with yukata fabrics and styling.
4. Yukata and Parasol
A wagasa (Japanese parasol) is another outstanding accessory for styling your yukata.
They are made from washi paper and shade you from the sun, while being lightweight and easy to carry.
3. ROBE JAPONICA Men’s Yukata
This bold men’s yukata by ROBE JAPONICA is a statement garment that commands attention!
ROBE JAPONICA is a Harajuku-based company that is known for its cutting edge yukata and kimono designs. See more images on shop.japanobjects.com
2. Elegant Ladies’ Yukata
Yakutas aren’t just for the youth. Older men and women do a fine job of wearing these simpler kimonos with class.
1. Yukatas for Men and Women
This lady’s vibrant citrus-patterned yukata is set off perfectly by her companion’s indigo robe. This pair could wear their yukatas to festivals or other events.
Rounding Up
A yukata is a simple elegant garment that will really enhance your personal style.
Some people believe that wearing kimonos and yukatas is cultural appropriation, but these images show that these stylish Japanese garments look beautiful on everyone.
I’m definitely going to go ahead and make a Yukata and neat Obi part of my summer wardrobe, and I hope you’ll find one that you’ll love too!
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