When summer comes, you want to go out in a yukata! People wear yukata to fireworks displays, summer festivals, and recently, even theme parks. Because yukatas can only be worn in the summer, it's easy to get carried away, but summer is so hot that your favorite yukata can get soaked with sweat... If you don't take proper care of it, the color will fade and it will lose its shape. This time, we'll introduce the correct way to care for a cotton yukata.
Do you wash your yukata every time?
First of all, should you wash your yukata every time you wear it? While washing frequency varies, unless it's heavily soiled, washing it every time is not necessary. If you only wear it two or three times a season, it's sufficient to wait until the season is over and you realize you won't have another opportunity to wear a yukata this year before dry cleaning or washing it. In that case, we recommend hanging it on a hanger overnight after wearing it once to remove any sweat, which will help prevent stains and mold. Washing it repeatedly can weaken the fabric and cause discoloration, so be careful not to overwash it. However, there are exceptions: even if you haven't worn it many times, if the yukata has absorbed a lot of sweat over an extended period of time, or if you've been to a crowded or dusty place like a summer festival and it has noticeable stains, we recommend washing it immediately after wearing it. Leaving it for too long can cause stains that would normally be removed to set and become more difficult to remove.
What is the back side of the lily of the valley?
So, what are the best ways to care for your yukata? Our top recommendation is to leave it to the professionals! The most reliable option is to have your yukata cleaned at a kimono shop. Most kimono shops offer dry cleaning, so feel free to stop by. Yukata are a type of Japanese clothing, and their shape and tailoring differ from everyday Western clothing. You can safely leave your yukata with them, as they offer specialized dry cleaning to prevent them from losing their shape. We especially recommend dry cleaning at a kimono shop for elaborate, high-quality yukata, such as those dyed with natural dyes, hand-sewn, or shibori. You can clean your precious yukata without damaging it! If you're too brave to go to a kimono shop, try your local dry cleaner! Recently, many regular dry cleaners offer "yukata dry cleaning," so it's best to choose a shop that has a "yukata dry cleaning" sign. Some shops offer multiple pricing plans. Choose the option that best suits your yukata's level of dirtiness. Be careful with yukatas with base colors such as black, navy blue, or purple. There are many cases where fading is more noticeable due to the dark color. If there is a plan that says "fade-resistant," it may be a good idea to choose that.
Introducing the lily of the valley patterned yukata
If taking your clothes to the dry cleaners is a hassle or you don't want to spend that much money, wash them at home using the correct method. When washing at home, hand washing is generally recommended. Washing too vigorously in a washing machine or similar may cause the clothes to lose their shape. When washing by hand, fill a large washbasin with water and press the clothes down. We recommend washing with water only, but if the clothes are heavily soiled or sweaty, use a neutral detergent. We do not recommend using alkaline detergents, as they are harsh and can damage the fabric and cause color fading. Also, when washing, be sure to use water, not hot water. Using hot water will cause the fabric to shrink and lose its shape.
If using a washing machine, keep your yukata folded, place it in a large laundry net, and wash it on a gentle cycle such as "delicate wash." Avoid washing too many items together to prevent wrinkles and maintain its shape. Also, set the spin cycle to a short time. Hand wash areas that are prone to getting dirty, such as the collar and hem, separately to clean them. Whether washing by hand or in a washing machine, hang the yukata on a hanger and dry it in a well-ventilated area after washing. If you have a kimono hanger, using one will prevent wrinkles in the sleeves and shoulders, resulting in a neater finish. On sunny days, turning the yukata inside out will help prevent fading. Dry thoroughly until all moisture has evaporated from the fabric. If wrinkles do occur, place a pressing cloth over it and iron the reverse side. Once you've finished, fold it neatly. Since yukatas tend to be stored in closets all day except in summer, store them in a place with as little humidity as possible. Everyone, enjoy your favorite yukata for a long time with proper care!
