How to Wear a Men's Yukata

In Japan, a yukata is less formal than a kimono.

The yukata is a piece of clothing often worn by Japanese men and women during the summer. Less intricate than the kimono, the yukata is considered less formal and is worn as a house coat. The yukata is generally made from a light cotton cloth that features a bright, colored design. It is secured around the waist with a wide cloth belt called an obi. The word "yukata" is derived from "yu," meaning "bath," and "katabira," meaning "under clothing," which helps define the informality of this piece of clothing.

Things You'll Need

• Yukata
• Obi
• Waist string

Instructions

1. Slip your arms into the sleeves of the yukata so the garment is resting on your shoulders.

2. Adjust the yukata's collar. The collar is the fold of fabric that runs down both sides of the front of the yukata. Pull forward on the collar, and cross the right side or the collar in front of you so that it rests beside the left hipbone. Pull the left side of the collar across so that it rests beside the right hipbone.

3. Tie the waist string securely around your waist so that it holds the crossed collar in place. Position the waist string so that it rests on top of your hips.

4. Wrap the obi twice around your waist, over the waist string. Tie the obi, and tuck any remaining ends into the obi knot.

5. Move the obi around your waist so that the knot rests at your back.

References

• You Tube: The way for Men to wear YUKATA