La-Di-Da: Yukata

My company Dinner and Dance is coming and the theme this year is "Around the World" so I thought it's the perfect opportunity for me to wear a kimono! Since young, I wanted to wear a Kimono (maybe some influence from the Manga) but didn't because I have no reason to wear one.
Only after reading a little online did I realise that I should be wearing a Yukata instead of a Kimono. Generally they look similar but they are for very different purposes but basically Yukata is the casual version of Kimono.

Main difference between a Kimono and Yukata
1. Kimono is for formal occasion while Yukata is the casual wear worn in the streets
2. Kimono is made of silk while Yukata is made of cotton

First thing first, where to get a Yukata?
If you want to get one from Japan, you can try this online shop Yukata Kimono Market Sakura. They have a wide selection and most importantly, the yukatas are from Japan! The price starts from $49.99USD for a yukata and you will need to buy an Obi belt and Geta sandal set (another $49.99USD) to complete your outfit. Shipping will cost you $29.98 which means one full set of outfit will set you back for around $129.96USD.

There is always cheaper alternatives like an online spree shop in Singapore call Yukatapreorders. Basic package price from $60SGD, you get a yukata with strings, puchi obi belt and some accessories. You will still need to get a Geta sandals at additional $20SGD (you get socks too).

However this is not a fair comparison to the above because the puchi obi belt is more like a decorative belt than a functional one. So you would probably need to purchase the Full Package price starting from $100 SGD, you get a yukata with strings, puchi and Tsukuri obi belts (pre-tied obi belt, much easier to wear than hira and heko obi but more on that later), geta sandals and socks, accessories plus a free yukata pouch.

Okie about Obi belts:

Hira Obi (Flat Obi)

It is basically a very long piece of sturdy fabric where you loop it around you twice before tying the knot. It is not too difficult to tie as long as you find a good tutorial. I was able to tie it successfully on my first try but the down side is my ribbon is not guaranteed to be neat every time.

This is how your Hira Obi will look like after you finish tying

Heko Obi (Soft Obi)

This is is a soft fabric version. Personally, I have not tried on this type of obi before but I don't really like how it looks. And of course you can add the puchi obi together with the Heko Obi.

That is Heko obi with a white Puchi obi

Now you know why the Puchi obi is not ideal to be used alone for yukata. Although Yukata is less formal but I still prefer some kind of "structure" feel to it. Probably that is why I don't really prefer Heko obi over Hira obi as well.

While I think Hira Obi is good enough, you can always opt for the Thukuri Obi.

Thukuri Obi (Pre-Tied Obi)

It's easier to wear, you get a nice ribbon every time and it is less time consuming to put on too.

There are many tutorials on how to wear a Yukata so I won't be doing it but I will share the tutorial I find most useful for a newbie like me here (tutorial is for the Hira belt). If you are using a Thukuri belt, you can refer to the video here.

Checklist for the minimum things you need to wear your yukata out:
1. Yukata
2. Two yukata strings
3. Obi belt (either Hira or Thukuri)
4. Geta Sandals

I got my Yukata slighly under $50SGD which include a yukata, 2 yukata strings, thukuri obi, geta sandals and socks.