Yukata VS Kimono: Here Are The Major Differences

Yukata and Kimono have long been the symbols of the Japanese culture, and for good reason. These traditional garments have been around for centuries and steeped in history, but remains very much relevant to the present day. They come in a variety of colors, patterns, shapes, sizes and can be worn by both men and women. There’s so much you could say about this beautiful piece of clothing!

But before we get into that, what's the difference between a kimono and a yukata? This article will help you distinguish the key differences between the two.

What Is A Kimono?

Kimonos are a traditional garment worn in Japan. For centuries, they were only for the elite upper class of society but today anyone can wear them and not just on special occasions like weddings or funerals anymore! They’re made from silk brocade that has an inner lining and outer layer to ensure comfort while wearing it with two collars so you get the best protection against cold weather no matter what time we year is. Kimonos come in all sorts of styles depending on whether its summertime or wintertime as well as if you want one tailored more specifically for men than women who also find this piece very fashionable even though it was originally designed exclusively by straight-to-the point males

Find out more about What Is A Kimono

What Is A Yukata?

Yukata are cheaper and more casual than the kimono dress. They’re meant for summer time, in cotton with a variety of colors on them such as reds and yellows. An accessory that can be added to give it even more character is an obi or belt which often has beautiful patterns on it like flowers and animals!

Japanese Yukata VS Kimono: What's The Difference Between A Kimono And A Yukata?

Design:

A kimono and yukata in Japan are both Japanese garments which can differ in design, material, or silhouette. A common difference between them is the collar; a yukata has half-width and stiffer collars due to its fabric whereas a kimono typically has at least two collars: one close to the neck called juban (sleeve) collar that leaves an opening for your arms with another underneath it. This second but lower type of collar helps keep warmth from escaping out through any gaps where sleeves end on top as well as maintaining modesty by covering more skin than you would without anything below when wearing just pants!

Fun fact: Some people attached decorative ruffles to yukata collars for fun, but it’s a very different look that the appearance of a juban collar under a kimono collar.

The second design difference between the Yukata and Kimono are their sleeves length. The average sleeve on a kimono will vary according to different factors like age or the solemnity of an event but traditionally unmarried women wear very long sleeves that touch the floor in order for eligible men to recognise which woman they may want to marry! On top of this, some traditional types also have medium-length sleeves as well so you’ll be able find one perfect for your taste no matter the preferences. In contrast, the sleeves length of Yukata won't reach more than 50cm.

Materials:

Traditional Japanese garments are differentiated by the type of material and their use. A kimono is made from silk or brocade, worn with two collars to reflect its high price point and luxurious fabric. Comparatively, a yukata was originally used as an after bath cooling garment for Japan's nobility due to its cotton or polyester construction that allows it be cheaper than a traditional kimono. 

The more casual option when it comes to traditional Japanese attire, yukata is traditionally made from less expensive materials such as cotton or synthetic fibers. However, both kimono and yukata Japan can be found in variations of silk today.

Seasons: 

Yukata are often worn during summer, and while they can be worn in other seasons inside a Japanese inn or onsen building, it is rare for them to be seen outside during colder times of the year. Unlike kimono - which have many layers that come with all sorts of accessories suitable for any season- yukata only provide one layer; but there's nothing wrong about adding some extra warmth by using fur shawls when winter arrives! There also exist special types of yukatas called "hitoe" (single layer kimono type) because unlike regular ones these don't require an undergarment underneath.

Occasions: When And How To Wear Yukata?

The Japanese traditional wear, kimono and yukata have a very varied range of functions. Kimono are typically worn to more formal occasions whereas yukatas tend to be for less formal events such as summer festivals or other casual gatherings. As they're not traditionally used in day-to-day life, you'll find that many people don't own one but might still go out wearing them anyway now and then just for the fun of it!

Footwear:

When you are unclear about the type of clothing someone is wearing, it can be difficult to identify whether they are in traditional Japanese attire or not. If a person does not appear to have on socks with their kimono then there might still be hope that she may actually be in yukata and if he appears with funky patterned socks... well good for him!

Accessories:

One of the reasons so many Japanese girls choose to wear yukata over kimono is because they are much simpler. Yukatas require just one or two strings, while a kimono requires three or four and can be difficult for beginners to tie properly. It’s also easier with an informal obi than it would be with a formal/semi-formal one depending on what you need your outfit for; this way, players have more freedom when tying their own knots in creative ways!

There are many types of obi for kimonos, but the one I find most interesting is heko obis. These wraps can be soft and scarf-like or they could also have a stiffer fabric that makes them great to wear with other kinds of formal clothing besides just kimono. Some people use these separately from an actual belt while others combine it with another type of waist wrap like false obi jime which helps keep your bow in place if you're wearing more than one piece at a time on top. If you’re in Japan and see an obi twisted or folded at the front, then it is most likely a yukata. Obis on regular kimonos are both decorative and useful (helping to hold up the bow), but with yukatas they serve only as decoration.

For centuries, there's been a debate on which garment is more appropriate to wear for the changing of seasons and the difference between yukata and kimono. The kimono vs yukata battle has raged on hill and dales alike but today I'm going to declare one victor in this ferocious struggle: both! Kimonos are traditionally worn at formal occasions while yukatas often make an appearance with friends or loved ones during festivals such as Tanabata (also known by its Japanese name "Star Festival").

Now you think who wins? Despite their differences, both have one important rule that you must keep in mind when choosing which of these two outfits to wear, if not both: the left panel should be over the right. Wearing them incorrectly would cause a faux-pas because it is how they dress their dead as well!