A lit. 'bathrobe' (浴衣) is an unlined cotton summer kimono, worn in casual settings such as summer festivals and to nearby bathhouses. The name is translated literally as "bathing cloth" and originally were worn as bathrobes; their modern use is much broader, and are a common sight in Japan during summer. Though are traditionally indigo and white in colour, modern commonly feature multicoloured designs, and are designed to be machine washable. They are similar in appearance to the, a unisex short-sleeved kimono-like garment worn by guests at traditional inns.

Techniques and Textiles

Yukata are made using various textiles and dyeing techniques. Traditionally they were made with a technique called Nagaita-Chugata, where fabric was dyed on both sides with stencils. As this technique is expensive, a technique called Chusen was developed in the late Edo period to replicate the double sided cloth.

Construction and wear

are worn by men and women. Like other forms of traditional Japanese clothing, are made with straight seams and wide sleeves. Men's are distinguished by the shorter sleeve extension of approximately 10 cm from the armpit seam, compared to the longer 20 cm sleeve extension in women's. A standard ensemble consists of a , and sandals or geta worn without socks. The outfit may be accessorised with a foldable or fixed hand fan and the addition of a traditional carry bag known as a, used by both men and women to carry cellphones and other small personal items. As with all kimono, the left side of the is wrapped over the right side, and secured with either a stiff, one-layer, or a softer, also one-layer. An outer jacket may be added for cool weather. Traditionally, were mostly made of indigo-dyed cotton; however, following an increase in popularity in the late 1990s, a wide variety of colours and designs are now available, worn by both men and women.

Customs

Though historically, were worn traditionally as a bathrobe all-year round, in the present day this is uncommonly seen, and is mainly confined to resort towns such as Atami, Kinosaki and Kusatsu, where are still worn as bathrobes, commonly given to guests as part of their stay at a specific hotel or inn.