Yukata

Everybody knows that traditional Japanese dress is called “kimono,” but did you know there’s a different word for the lighter clothing worn during Japan’s famously hot and humid summers?

These lighter weight garments worn by both men and women are known as “yukata.” The word yukata is made up of two kanji characters, 浴衣, which literally mean “bathing clothes” as they are often worn after bathing at a traditional Japanese inn or “ryokan.” The full yukata outfit consists of cotton undergarments known as “juban,” the outer yukata robes themselves, an obi belt, and geta sandals with bare feet, as well as accessories like a folding fan or “kinchaku” bag for carrying any important smaller items, and men might even put on a fancy hat too to protect their heads from the beating sun.

However, yukata aren’t just worn when lounging around in a ryokan or “onsen” hot spring! As any serious anime enthusiast knows, yukata are also essential at traditional summer festivals such as Bon or for watching “hanabi” fireworks. So, why not beat the heat wherever you are with some classically cool Japanese fashion by getting yourself a stylish yukata of your own?