- An unused, cotton yukata kimono. Bought in Japan. Still sealed in packaging, so I cant open it out to photograph it
- The Japanese take great pains to store their traditional garments with the utmost care, which is why they stay in such exceptional condition. Some of my Japanese garments have large, white stitching (shitsuke) round the edges. The Japanese put these stitches in to keep the edges flat during long periods of storage, these stitches just get pulled out before wearing the garment
- **If shown with a sash, the sash is not included; for display purposes only, to let you see it closed, however, all kimono require an obi or some sort of sash to hold them closed; these are always bought separately. Think of it like a skirt and blouse, you can't wear either on its own, you buy them separately and mix and match
- Note - The entire collar edge of a kimono is worn folded inwards, in half. If it has a double layer collar, each is layer folded in separately, so the folded edge of the inner collar shows slightly at the folded edge of the outer one, to look as though one is wearing layers of kimonos. Most collars need to be folded when the kimono is put on. Some have a press stud at the neck,to hold it in place, some are stitched already folded down. One usually wears an eri-shin (stiffener) inside the collar, to help it hold its shape when worn the traditional way, with the collar pulled down at the back of the neck. The younger the woman is, the lower the collar is worn at the back
that different monitors display colour slightly differently. Therefore the colour in the photos and description is a guide onlyPlease be aware
Condition:
Excellent - vintage but unused
Measurements
Sleeve end to sleeve end 124cm
Length 155cm
Yukata cleaning info (courtesy of japanobjects.com): There are a few tricks to take care of your yukata. The first is a preventative measure. To avoid staining easy to stain areas, like under the arms, you can sew a protective layer of material on the inside of the yukata. This will catch the sweat before it reaches the outside of the garment. Simpler still, you can wear a V-necked short-sleeved T-shirt underneath, which will ensure you keep the yukata away from your skin.
If you have got sweat on the yukata, place the stained part on top of a dry towel and dab away the stain using a moist wet cloth. Dabbing away stains, like tea stains, is the best way to reduce the risk of fading through overwashing.
Another option is to use an old toothbrush and a little detergent to scrub at the stain to remove it. If washing via machine is necessary, fold the yukata into a laundry net and machine wash on a hand-wash cycle; don't use the spin cycle. Once out of the machine, roll the yukata into a towel to squeeze out the excess water before leaving it to hang dry.
Note that yukata do tend to fade with frequent washing, older, hand printed ones, in particular those with indigo dye, can colour run a bit.
Floral Blue Yukata Kimono
Kimono require a sash to hold them closed. This is always bought separately. Men usually wear a kaku obi with their kimono or, casually at home, a soft heko obi
Sizing: Japanese clothing is usually of adjustable fit, being mostly wrap-over or tie-to-fit items, so most garments fit a range of sizes. Because of this (and only really knowing my own size anyway) I can't really advise anyone on the fit. Please judge fit from the measurements given. Check length given for the garment, then measure from base of back of your neck down to judge that length on you
Also measure from centre back of neck, along shoulder and down the arm to the wrist, then double that and compare it with the sleeve end measurement to judge sleeve lengthSome of my garments have white stitching (shitsuke) round the outside edges to keep the edges flat during long periods of storage, these stitches just get pulled out before wearing the garment
Cleaning: Be very cautious about washing kimonos. All cleaning is done entirely at your own risk, as is standard with all vintage garments and items. I would advise only dry cleaning
Colour: Please be aware that different monitors display colour slightly differently. Therefore the colour in the photos and description is a guide only