Summer is the season for cool yukatas, not kimonos. More and more people are wearing them to fireworks festivals. At VASARA Kimono Rental, you can wear yukatas from the end of May to the end of September, but we recommend wearing them from July. In this article, we will introduce some yukata outfits that can be worn for a variety of occasions, such as Tanabata, festivals, and summer vacation dates. Please use this as a reference and enjoy wearing a yukata with ease.

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Summer coordination [Tanabata]

Tanabata is an event where people write their wishes on strips of paper and hang them on bamboo leaves. Tanabata in 2019 will be held on Sunday, July 7th, so I think many people will use it with friends or couples. The theme is "Wish upon a star." Star patterns are rare for kimono patterns. Therefore, match it with a pattern that resembles a flowing river that evokes the Milky Way. The main color of the kimono is a little darker, such as gray, beige, or navy blue. In addition, it is also good to have a flower pattern that corresponds to early summer to the end of summer, such as hydrangea, iris, morning glory, pink, and the seven autumn herbs. The pattern of the kimono is bright, and the main color of the kimono is dark, so let's tighten it up with a black obi to prevent it from being dull. "Obiage (500 yen)" and "Obijime (500 yen)" can be accented with bright blue or red. If you want to add stars to your coordination, add accents such as obi fasteners, flower decorations, and earrings.

Summer coordination [Marine style]

A marine style is recommended for dates and other occasions. Simply using stripes is fine, but if you try a slightly modified marine style, a kimono can create an unexpected look. For your kimono, choose a tricolor color scheme of white, red, and blue. These colors are simple yet give off a summery vibe. However, if red is the main color when wearing it in the summer, it can often seem hot and negative, so stick to white or blue as the main color. For the obi, choose a yellow obi. Choosing a color close to the basket bag will make it look like it is coordinated with your accessories and will also add a refreshing touch. Pairing it with a marine-themed netsuke or obidome will add to the summer feel.

Summer coordination [midsummer]

When it comes to summer yukata, the colors that come to mind are undoubtedly blue, white, and navy blue. If you choose one of these as your main color and coordinate it with a light blue half-collar, or use a transparent obi fastener or a cool-looking animal design, you'll create a refreshing impression. If your kimono has blue and white as its main colors, pairing it with a red obi, which is close to its opposite (complementary) color, will add some contrast. A bellflower pattern will make it look more vivid. We also recommend using a parasol or a straw hat to protect yourself from the summer sun.

Summer coordination [Fireworks festival]

Fireworks festivals often choose standard colors and patterns. If they're all the same, it becomes less interesting. So why not try something different and combine orange and yellow-green? If you use white as the main color and pair it with a yukata with orange floral patterns and yellow-green stripes, it will feel refreshing despite the warm colors. By using orange as an accent color, which has a lively and bright image, you can express yourself in a different way than the elegant and mature image that comes with navy blue or blue. It also goes well with basket bags, so please give it a try.

You can also see samples of yukata in the kimono list on the official VASARA Kimono Rental website.

Summer Coordination [Strolling in Asakusa]

Why not take a stroll around Asakusa, an atmospheric downtown area, in a crisp navy blue yukata? Classical yukatas have dynamic patterns, and can create a different atmosphere than floral patterns. We recommend pairing a navy blue yukata with a clean white obi. If possible, it's best to match the yukata pattern with white. Using red for accents such as obi-jime and obi-dome makes a great accent. If you go to Asakusa, you can enjoy the night view from a houseboat, take commemorative photos in the old-fashioned streets, and have plenty of fun.

Let's enjoy summer with yukata

Yukata are a Japanese style of clothing that can be worn more casually than kimonos, as they require fewer layers and dry quickly and are easy to wash. There are many events in the summer where you can wear a yukata for various occasions, so why not take this opportunity to try it out? Kimono Rental VASARA has 21 stores nationwide offering yukatas, kimonos, and formal wear. If you are looking to rent a kimono, please make use of this service.

You can find information about VASARA Kimono Rental stores here.