How to Put on a Yukata
A yukata is a stylish and lightweight Japanese cotton robe, or kimono, that is accompanied by a thick belt called an obi. A yukata can be worn by men or women, and it is perfect for the summer months. At first it may seem that it is far more complicated to don a yukata than to just slip on a pair of jeans and a t-shirt, but it can be done quickly and easily in only a few short steps and with a little practice.
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Instructions
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Putting on the Yukata
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1
Wear undergarments, such as traditional yukata underwear, called hada-juban or susoyoke. Alternatively, you can wear your normal undergarments, such as a slip, tank top or t-shirt and underwear. This is important because the yukata can be somewhat transparent.
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2
Put your arms all the way through the sleeves. Do not let your arms slip out the hole in the bottom of the sleeves.
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3
Line up your lapels in the front so that they are even. Hold onto them with one hand, and hold the back of the yukata with your other hand. Pull up on the back of the yukata until the hem of the garment is slightly above your feet.
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4
Pull up the lapels along with the back with your other hand so that both the front and back of the yukata is raised at the same level. Pull the lapels forward so that the yukata is taut against your back and let go of the back of the yukata. Hold both one lapel in each hand, and cross the right lapel over your body, holding it in place with your arm and elbow, and then cross the left lapel over the right one.
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5
Tie a ribbon across your torso right underneath the extra fabric that has bunched up. Do not leave any ribbon hanging. Adjust the fabric so that it hangs evenly over the ribbon by reaching into the hole under your sleeves and pulling down. Pull back your collar slightly so that there is room behind your neck. Tie a ribbon above your waist, on your stomach, to keep the fabric in place.
Tying the Obi
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6
Fold the obi lengthwise and put it over your right shoulder. Position the end of the obi on top of your shoulder with the length of the obi directed downward.
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7
Unfold the obi beginning at the point where it reaches your waist and position it horizontally so that it is going around your waist toward your left. Wrap the obi tightly twice around your waist.
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8
Fold the obi up lengthwise when you reach your right hip the second time around, and then continue to wrap the folded part across the front of your waist.
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9
Pull the section of the obi that is on your shoulder over to the left. Wrap it down and around the other end to make a single knot. The longer end that you were wrapping around your waist should now be on your left and the shorter end on the right.
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10
Grab the two ends and cross them both over so that the long end is on the left. Unfold it and then fold it three times width-wise over itself, like an accordion, directly over the knot.
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11
Pinch the center of the this folded area from the top and the bottom so that it looks like a bow tie. Wrap the other, shorter end of the obi around and around this pinched center until there is little hanging out and tuck the end behind the bow tie. Adjust the bow tie until it is perpendicular to you.
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Tips & Warnings
You can buy a pre-tied obi if you don't want to bother with the belt.
References
- Photo Credit Koichi Kamoshida/Getty Images News/Getty Images
