Did Yukata Originally Start as Bathing Wear!? | Kimono Culture Certification Edition

Hello, I'm Kimonokko.
For the dream of playing the shamisen while wearing a kimono,
I am studying kimono.

I have only just started studying,
but it is fun because many interesting stories about kimono culture keep coming up.

For example,
the kanji for 'bath' (yoku) and 'clothing' (i) were applied
because it meant 'clothing worn when bathing'.

So, this time I am studying about yukata.
It is mid-August, but please bear with my 40-year-old 'kimono study summary'🙇‍♀️

The Origin of Yukata

In the past, there was the 'yukatabira' worn when bathing.
At that time, it seems it was like underwear to prevent burns or absorb sweat.

By the way, this is a story from the Heian period, about 800 to 1,000 years ago.
It is said that the origin was wearing a hemp unlined garment to hide one's nakedness in a steam bath.
So this is where the Japanese love for baths and saunas comes from.

In the late Edo period,
a custom emerged of wearing the 'yukatabira' as it was after a bath to cool down,
and gradually, it became something worn from the evening to the night after bathing,
and it came to be called 'yukata'.

It seems it became a staple for relaxing at home, or for wearing when going out to local festivals or summer festivals,
and fireworks displays.

Clothing to Wear After Bathing

As I wrote earlier, yukata are things to wear after bathing.
So, no one wore them during the day...

It seems it is only recently that they have come to be worn as light street wear.

Since the Meiji era, they have been mass-produced and dyeing methods have been researched,
leading to the creation of various types of yukata,
and when I think that we are now receiving the benefits of that,
I can only say, 'It's amazing'.

Do you wear a yukata against your bare skin!?

In the past, people wore yukata against their bare skin.
Since it was after a bath, that is only natural.

However,since they are now worn during the day as well,
it is considered better to wear:
- Hadajuban (undershirt)
- Susoyoke (underskirt)

or underwear for yukata.
Around me, there were older sisters who said, 'A camisole bra top is enough!'
and since recent underwear for yukata also includes items that pursue coolness,
if you buy one of those, you can dress easily.

Yukata Designs

It is said that originally, yukata were dyed with summer-like classic patterns in navy and white.

In contrast to the era when they were limited to cool-looking patterns like autumn grasses, flowing water, and fans,
in recent years, yukata with truly various patterns and colors have been created.

Types of Yukata

Recently, in addition to cotton,
synthetic fiber yukata, starting with polyester, are increasing.
The 'ease' of being able to wash them easily in a washing machine is very attractive✨

However, polyester didn't suit my sensitive skin💦
What I have left on hand now is

・A white cotton yukata
・A navy blue cotton yukata
・A black tie-dyed yukata

Just these three.
I actually really want a cotton kobai or chijimi weave! But,
I haven't had much luck finding any, so I'm debating whether to have one tailored next year🌀
If you have any other recommendations, please let me know✨

Different ways to wear a yukata

I often study how to wear yukata and kimono on YouTube.
Sunao-san's videos, in particular, are easy to follow and very educational✨

However, since there are more dress-style yukata available lately,
I've been thinking lately that it would be nice to make my kimono debut with one of those.

Also, recently, young people have been wearing sports sandals with their yukata,
or using thin belts as obijime,
and they really have such unique styles that are exciting to see.

While I do get a headache at the thought of oiran-style outfits at coming-of-age ceremonies,
and I personally find showing cleavage or excessive skin exposure a bit much💦,

I think wearing short boots or a turtleneck with a kimono looks cool.
It has a Taisho-retro vibe that I think is lovely♡

I will work on cultivating a watchful heart so I don't become an unwanted 'kimono police'!

In the next Kimono Culture Certification Edition,
I will summarize the differences between 'everyday yukata' and 'formal yukata'.
Please come back and visit again if you'd like♪

I've written about the reasons I started learning kimono and shamisen in my self-introduction here👇
I would be very happy if you could take a look!