WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A YUKATA AND A KIMONO?

The word kimono is derived from two words, 'ki' and 'mono', meaning 'to wear' and 'thing'. The kimonos for women are a part of Japanese culture but originated through inspiration from the Chinese 'hanfu'. A traditional kimono is made out of pieces of cloth sewn together to form a t-shirt and is belted by an obi for better sustenance. The reason why the kimono was widely accepted in Japanese culture was that it was not just flattering; it was also functional. It was a great option for winters since the thick layers of the kimono provided good insulation through the cotton and silk. The kimonos still exist but in a more contemporary form. They are mostly made out of polyester and offer a wide variety of designs and cutworks. These kimonos are easy to maintain and comfortable to carry.

A yukata is a type of kimono, sometimes referred to as a yukata kimono. Despite being a kimono, they are still preferably known as a separate category. Yukatas are generally far lighter in the fabric they use, casual and can be worn as a summer dress or like a robe. Made out of cotton and sometimes synthetic fabrics, these are breathable, which makes them a good option for summer wear. Yukatas mean 'bathing cloth', which was also the original purpose of the garment. Much like robes in the west, these yukatas were won by bathers going from one tub to the other.

Kimonos and Yukatas are both traditional Japanese wear that has made their way around the world because of their beauty and versatility. Traditionally, they are meant for men and women alike. Both garments look very similar, but there are subtle differences that still exist.

Yukata Vs Kimono

Since the makeup of both the yukata and kimono is similar, there is one rule of thumb that you should never forget. When wearing either one of the pieces, always wear the left panel over the right. Japanese culture stands very strongly against this. If you wear the right panel over the left, it is seen as extremely rude and inconsiderate. They believe it to disrespect the dead as they wear the right panel over the left. So make sure you are wearing your kimono correctly before stepping out of the house.

Shape

The first key difference in the shape of the two is the collar. A kimono has a stiffer collar of fuller width because of the material it is made out of. In contrast, the yukata is made from a softer fabric and has a half-width collar. Additionally, the kimono also has a second collar close to the juban collar. As for the yukata, there is only one collar.

The second key difference is the length of the sleeves. A kimono's sleeve depends on a number of factors like age and occasion. Single women wear kimonos whose sleeves touch the ground. This was to help eligible men to find out which women were available for marriage. On the other hand, a yukatas sleeves are no longer than 50cm, and they never touch the ground.

Material

Women's kimonos uk are a more expensive garment since they are made out of fabrics like silk which is synonymous with luxury and class. It also has two collars and long sleeves, so more cloth is utilised in its making. The prints on the kimono also contribute to the fanciness of the garment.

Given the purpose of the yukata, which was to cool down after a bath, you will find yukata made out of lighter fabrics like cotton or synthetic fabric. The fabric suits the purpose of the yukata.

Season

If you are not able to tell whether someone is wearing a kimono or a yukata, think about what season it is. If it's summer, you are likely to see someone in a yukata. Kimonos are made out of heavier fabrics with the purpose of keeping you warm, so it's considered a winter garment. However, shorter kimonos are now available, which can be worn in summer.

Occasion

Kimono and yukata can overlap in this regard. Yukatas are generally made out of lighter fabrics and refreshing designs to match the summer tones. They are worn casually during a day out or in the summer's festivities, like watching fireworks or going to a carnival. On the other hand, Kimonos are worn for formal occasions like weddings, graduation and such.

Both kimonos and yukatas are diverse and beautiful pieces to wear. We hope you can now tell the difference between both. Modora clothing is an online fashion brand in the U.K. We specialize in women's wear and have a broad range of products from tops, and kimonos to outerwear. Check us out at www.modora.co.uk.