What is a yukata? Its history, differences from a kimono, and recommended brands

As summer arrives, you'll see more people dressed in colorful yukata at firework displays, summer festivals, and Bon Odori dances.

Yukata are beloved as a traditional Japanese summer garment, but have you ever wondered about the following?

In fact, yukata weren't originally fashionable summer wear as they are today.

Their origins date back over 1,000 years to the Heian period, rooted in a garment called "yukatabira," which was used for bathing.

Later, during the Edo period, they spread among the common people, and today, they have evolved into traditional Japanese attire that symbolizes summer and is indispensable for firework displays and summer festivals.

This article will explain the history, characteristics, differences from kimono, materials used, and recommended online stores and brands for yukata in an easy-to-understand way for beginners.

Please read to the end to learn more about this traditional Japanese culture.

Open Table of ContentsClose Table of Contents

1. What is Yukata?
2. Difference between Yukata and Kimono
3. History of Yukata
4. Why do people wear yukata at hot spring inns?
5. Materials Used for Yukata
6. When to Wear Yukata
7. Where to Buy Yukata? Recommended Online Stores and Brands
8. Accessories to Pair with Yukata (Obi, Geta, Kanzashi)
9. Summary

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1. What is Yukata?

Yukata are traditional Japanese summer clothing that has been popular for a long time.

Today, they are widely known as attire for firework displays, summer festivals, Bon Odori dances, evening strolls, and hot spring inns. However, they were originally rooted in a garment used for bathing.

A distinctive feature is that, unlike kimono, there's no need to wear a nagajuban (undergarment), making them easy to wear over regular underwear.

Additionally, yukata are often made from breathable and moisture-absorbent materials like cotton and linen, designed to be comfortable even in Japan's humid summers.

In recent years, besides traditional classic patterns, modern designs and Western-style patterns have become more common, making them popular with young people and international visitors alike.

2. Difference between Yukata and Kimono

Both yukata and kimono are traditional Japanese garments, but they differ in purpose, materials, and how they are worn.

While kimono come in various types depending on the season and formality, yukata are casual summer traditional wear.

However, both carry on the unique Japanese aesthetic and techniques such as dyeing and weaving.

3. History of Yukata

The history of yukata dates back over 1,000 years to the Heian period.

Today, yukata are strongly associated with "clothes worn for summer festivals," but their origins were completely different from what they are now.

Heian Period: The Beginning of Yukata as "Yukatabira"

The word "yukata" originates from a garment called "Yukatabira."

During the Heian period, aristocrats are said to have worn garments made of hemp, called "Yukatabira," when entering steam baths that used high-temperature steam. These garments protected their skin from the heat and absorbed sweat. They were also said to conceal nudity.

This garment, "Yukatabira," is said to be the root of the modern yukata.

In other words, yukata were not outdoor wear from the beginning; they started as practical clothing related to bathing.

Edo Period: Spreading to the Lives of Common People

During the Edo period, public bathhouses (sento) became widespread among common people.

After bathing, people would wear yukata to cool down and then use them as sleepwear. Yukata became an indispensable part of daily life, not just as post-bath wear, but also as loungewear and relaxing attire.

Eventually, people began to care not only about the functionality of yukata but also about their beautiful patterns and designs. They became widely popular as attire for enjoying summer traditions such as watching fireworks and listening to insects.

At that time, yukata were established as evening-to-night outdoor wear in summer rather than daytime outdoor wear, and many yukata-clad figures were depicted in ukiyo-e woodblock prints.

Thus, yukata evolved from "bathing wear" to "post-bath wear/loungewear," and then to "summer outdoor wear," becoming an iconic garment of Japanese summer.

4. Why do people wear yukata at hot spring inns?

When staying at a hot spring inn, yukata are often provided in the guest rooms.

While many people might think of them as "in-house wear," this is related to the history of yukata evolving as post-bath and loungewear.

In the Edo period, people would wear yukata to cool down after visiting public bathhouses and then use them as sleepwear.

That custom was passed down to inns, and even today, it's common to change into a yukata after a hot spring bath, then stroll around the inn, enjoy a meal, or go straight to sleep in it.

In other words, wearing a yukata at a hot spring inn connects one to experiencing traditional Japanese bathing culture in the modern day.

This seemingly casual habit of changing into a yukata at an inn can feel even more special when you understand its background.

5. Materials Used for Yukata

Yukata are made from materials with excellent breathability and moisture absorption, allowing for comfortable wear even in Japan's hot summers.

Today, yukata are sold in various materials, each with different comfort, texture, and care instructions. Here are some common materials:

Cotton

Cotton is the most common material.

It is highly absorbent and wicks away sweat, making it a classic yukata material that has been popular for a long time.

It has a soft feel against the skin, and many cotton yukata can be machine washed at home, making it an excellent choice for first-time buyers.

Linen

Linen is a natural fiber known for its excellent breathability and quick-drying properties.

It features a crisp, dry touch and a unique texture. It's often used for high-quality yukata because it keeps you cool even in midsummer.

It dries quickly even after sweating and has an elegant appearance.

Polyester

In recent years, polyester yukata have also become popular.

They are wrinkle-resistant and easy to wash at home, making them attractive for their simple care requirements.

Polyester yukata are often more affordable and come in a wide variety of designs, making them suitable for those who want to enjoy yukata casually.

If you're unsure about choosing materials

6. When to Wear Yukata

Yukata are generally worn around July and August.

Common occasions to wear a yukata include:

• Firework displays
• Summer festivals
• Bon Odori dances
• Noryo-sai (summer evening festivals)
• Beer gardens
• Hot spring trips
• Strolling in tourist areas like Kyoto or Asakusa

Recently, more people are renting yukata at hotels and inns, or enjoying dressing-up experiences in tourist areas. They are also popular with international travelers as a way to experience Japanese culture.

7. Where to Buy Yukata? Recommended Online Stores and Brands

Yukata can be purchased at various places, including traditional kimono stores, fashion brands, specialty yukata shops, and online stores of long-established kimono retailers.

Prices, design styles, materials, and set contents vary significantly by brand, so it's important to choose based on your budget and the occasion you plan to wear it.

*Prices are estimates confirmed on each official website in July 2026. They may vary depending on sales, differences in single items/sets, materials, tailoring, and stock availability. Please check each official website for the latest information before purchasing.

For Affordable Yukata, Try "GRL" and "Honeys"

For those who want to enjoy yukata casually first, GRL and Honeys are good options.

GRL (Grail) Official Online Store offers trendy designs at affordable prices, where you can find yukata sets, obi, geta, and dressing accessories. Yukata sets are mainly around 5,000 yen, making them suitable for those who want to get a complete outfit on a budget.

Honeys Yukata Special Feature offers not only regular yukata but also one-piece and skirt-type separated yukata. Some items may have obi and accessories sold separately, so check the set contents when purchasing.

For Trendy Yukata, Try "Dita"

Dita Official Store is a specialty store for women's yukata, whose new yukata designs are gaining attention on social media every year.

Many designs incorporate muted and nuanced colors based on classic patterns, making them popular among those looking for a modern-feeling yukata.

They offer sets combining yukata, obi, geta, koshihimo (waist cords), and dressing manuals, as well as one-piece separated yukata, making it easy for first-time buyers to choose.

For a Wide Range of Designs, Try "Kyoto Kimono-machi"

Kyoto Kimono-machi is a specialty store for traditional Japanese clothing, offering a wide range of items for women, men, and children.

It features a rich variety of designs, from classic to retro-modern, and a wide selection including separated yukata, sizes from S to LL, plus sizes, and items with special functions like cooling sensation and UV protection.

You can find everything from single yukata to sets with obi, and accessories like geta and drawstring bags, making it suitable for those who want to compare multiple products and find the perfect one.

For the Reassurance of a Kimono Specialty Store, Try "Kyoto Kimono Yuzen"

Kyoto Kimono Yuzen Official Online Store handles a wide range of traditional Japanese clothing items, including not only yukata but also obi, footwear, bags, hair ornaments, and dressing accessories.

As an online store of a company that has long dealt with furisode and kimono, it is suitable for those who prioritize the unique selection and peace of mind of a kimono specialty store, as opposed to a fashion online shop.

The price and set contents of yukata vary by product, so be sure to check the materials, tailoring, and included accessories when choosing.

For Your Preferred Style, Try "Mimatsu Group"

Mimatsu Group preserves traditional Japanese clothing culture while developing brands with different concepts.

Mimatsu / Shara

Mimatsu and Shara, as traditional kimono specialty stores, offer everything from elegant classic patterns to kimono and yukata that fit modern lifestyles.

They are also suitable for those who value calm designs and quality, and who prefer to choose their yukata while consulting with staff in a physical store.

Furifu

Furifu is a brand known for its retro-modern and unique designs using original textiles.

Many of their yukata feature bold color schemes and a distinctive worldview, making them popular among those who want to enjoy a slightly different coordination.

They also offer collaboration yukata with anime and characters, allowing wearers to express their individuality not only at summer festivals but also at theme parks, fan events, and concerts.

For Authentic, Long-Established Yukata, Try "Chikusen"

Chikusen is a long-established dye and kimono store founded in 1842.

They preserve traditional dyeing techniques, including Edo chugata, and create yukata that showcase the skills of their artisans and the texture of the fabrics.

Prices vary depending on the fabric and tailoring method, but it is recommended for those who seek authentic yukata that can be cherished for a long time, not just swayed by trends.

If you're unsure how to choose a yukata

When choosing a yukata, in addition to the design, check the following points:

• Material (cotton, linen, polyester, etc.)
• Is it a single yukata, or a set including obi and geta?
• Are koshihimo (waist cords) and dressing accessories included?
• Does the size fit your height and body type?
• Can it be washed at home?
• Is it a regular type, or an easy-to-wear separated type?
• What occasion will you wear it for (firework display, city stroll, ryokan, etc.)?

For first-time yukata buyers, even if a product is labeled "set," it doesn't necessarily include geta or dressing accessories, so it's important to check the contents of the set item by item.

Find the perfect yukata for your budget, design preference, and occasion, and enjoy the Japanese summer.

8. Accessories to Pair with Yukata (Obi, Geta, Kanzashi)

To make your yukata outfit even more beautiful, choosing accessories is also important.

By combining obi, footwear, and hair ornaments, you can enjoy a coordinated look that expresses your personal style.

Hanhaba Obi (Half-width sash)

The hanhaba obi is the most common sash worn with yukata. You can enjoy various tying styles, such as the bunko knot or ribbon knot.

Heko Obi (Soft sash)

The heko obi is made from soft material, characterized by its fluffy silhouette. In recent years, more subdued heko obi for adults have become popular.

Tsukuri Obi (Pre-tied sash)

Tsukuri obi are pre-tied sashes, making them relatively easy for beginners to put on.

Geta (Wooden clogs)

With yukata, it's common to wear geta barefoot.

The light clatter of the wooden footwear is a quintessential sound of Japanese summer. Recently, geta with softer straps or enhanced cushioning have also become available.

Kanzashi (Hairpins)

Kanzashi are popular hair ornaments that add glamour to a yukata outfit.

Incorporating summer motifs like morning glories, goldfish, fireworks, hydrangeas, pinks, bellflowers, dragonflies, or glasswork and glass beads creates a seasonal look.

While kanzashi are also used with kimonos, they are more frequently seen with yukata at firework displays and summer festivals, making the combination of "yukata and kanzashi" particularly common.

10. Summary

The yukata is a traditional Japanese garment representative of summer.

Today, it is commonly associated with fireworks festivals and summer festivals, but its history began in the Heian period with the "yukatabira," and has evolved over time from a garment worn after bathing, to sleepwear, and then to summer outerwear.

Wearing a yukata means embodying Japan's summer culture.

By understanding its history and meaning, a single yukata will feel even more special than before.

Furthermore, traditional Japanese clothing includes not only yukata but also kimono, which have a long history, culture, and the techniques of artisans passed down through generations.

However, in recent years, opportunities to wear kimonos have decreased, and it is not uncommon for beautiful kimonos to remain unused in closets.

At TOP WAVE, we carefully select each kimono and bolt of fabric that has served its purpose and remake them into one-of-a-kind shirts that utilize the traditional beauty of Japan.

Even when made from the same kimono, the pattern placement and texture differ with each piece, offering the appeal of enjoying a truly unique look.

For Japanese traditional culture, isn't it important not just to "preserve" it, but also to "enjoy and pass it down in contemporary life"?

After learning about the history of yukata and kimono, please also explore the charm of TOP WAVE's kimono remakes, which create new value by adapting to modern lifestyles.