Classic Japanese patterns from the past have also made a come-back this year. The Japanese yukata (浴衣) is a popular choice for summer this year as well.
The yukata is a casual summer kimono usually made of cotton and worn by both men and women. Cotton is perfect for the hot summers as it lets air through and is very cool and comfortable. A typical yukata ensemble includes the yukata, obi (sash), geta or zori (traditional Japanese sandals), sensu (foldable fan), and kinchaku (carry bag). It is a popular look and very common during the hot summer months starting in July and the summer festivals and fireworks (hanabi) which are also part of this season.
Japanese Yukata |
Geta ~ Traditional Japanese Sandals and Kinchaku ~ Carry Bag |
Sensu ~ Japanese Folding Fan |
Yukata are traditionally made with indigo dyed cotton but these days a wide variety of colours and designs are available. The traditional yukata had patterns of flowers or nature against a background. The general rule is that younger people wear bright vivid colours and bold patterns. The older generation prefer dark, simple patterns and matured colours. Men usually wear solid dark colours.
Japanese Men's Yukata |
A lot of young people are also completing their yukata look with a pair of cool sunglasses. Men are also wearing hats and women hair accessories to make the look more modern. It is a wonderful mix of the traditional with the new and modern, which is a big part of fashion today in Japan.
This post is proudly sponsored by SmartBuyGlasses Japan, one of the world's largest online eye wear retailer.
I'd love to have a yukata but the ones sold here are not really nice.
ReplyDeleteThanks Lina, There are some beautiful ones here in Japan. I usually wear my Jimbei during the summer months :)
DeleteMy favourite summer wear (at home) is jinbei. I wish I could wear it to work, too! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Ru, I love the Jimbei as well and often wear it around the house and out to festivals :)
DeleteI have one yukata and one pair of geta. I think that's enough, although I was really tempted to buy another pair when I was in Guji-Hachiman for the Gujo-Odori last summer! ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks ZJ, There are so many great ones to choose from I can easily see why people have quite a few of them :)
DeleteI want to buy that wear.,... but I dont know where i must buy in singapore.,
ReplyDeleteThanks Puramoz, I would have a look at a store that specializes in Japanese goods or maybe try online. I love these in the summer as they are just so comfortable :)
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