Until the end of September, yukata season goes on in Japan.
Yukata is a traditional Japanese clothing, by the cut it is similar to a kimono. But it's not a kimono (as emphasized by the Japanese themselves). Yukata is seasonal, summer clothing, no one would wear a yukata out of season. Moreover, yukata is informal, very comfortable and light attire. It is made of cotton, linen, fine synthetics, it is often of bright summer colours, you can wear it with sandals, and it does not require to follow many rules, important to wear a kimono. Originally, yukata was home clothes, clothes for bath.
浴衣 (modern, lit. "clothes for bath"). The first hieroglyph means "bath, sauna", and the second means "clothes".
湯帷子 (historical writing (yukatabira)), rarely used, it also means "clothes for bath".
Heian ladies used these to go to o-furo (bath). Since Azuchi-Momoyama period in Japanese history (second half of the 16th century), almost all Japanese strata had worn yukata as bath clothes. During Edo period, light yukatas became informal clothes for hot summer days for peasants, samurai, and other residents of cities and villages.
Male yukata is usually plain, dim, with geometric patterns. But it is still incredibly beautiful and stylish.
Traditional patterns and their meaning:
Cannabis leaf — asanoha (麻の葉) — is presented on male and female yukatas. It symbolizes growth, so it is often on children's clothing. Very beautiful geometric pattern.
Peony — botan (牡丹) — is a symbol of nobility, health and happiness.
Shippō (七宝) pattern or cloisonné means harmony and seven treasures.
Ume (梅) — plum flower — is the most common pattern. It symbolizes childhood, youth, and beauty.
Yukiwa (雪輪) — snowball — is as often on yukata as blue colour, the pattern itself is as refreshing for hot summer.
Seigaiha (青海波) — ocean, an ornament depicting waves — is often not only on clothes, but also on many household items and decor. It means a long peaceful life.
For a traditional yukata, you need a belt (not as heavy and dense as for a kimono), geta sandals, a handbag made of fabric or furosiki, and a fan.
However, as with a kimono, the Japanese do not mind wearing yukata in a modern Western manner.
Well, if summer is cold, you can wear a yukata at home. It is incredibly comfortable.