You have bought your yukata, learned to put it on and enjoy it.   Now you're done with it, ... but wait!  Do you know how to fold it?  Do you remember how it came folded neatly in the mail?  This guide will show you how to fold your yukata for neat storage, as well as how to wash and take care of it.

How to Fold a Yukata

Step 1.  Lay your yukata on a clean, flat surface with the collar to the left and the hem to the right.   Fold up the front right panel, keeping the side seam straight.

Step 2.  Take the front right edge and fold it out and down toward you.  At this point, you should be able to fold down the back of the collar toward the hem.

Step 3.  Bring the left front edge of the garment down and over the right side to meet.  Start folding from the hem and move up toward the sleeves.

Step 4.  Bring the left side seam to meet the right side seam.  Again, move from the hem end and up toward the sleeves.

Step 5.  Now your yukata is folded in half length-wise.

Step 6.  Fold the left sleeve (the one on top) up and over the body of the yukata.

Step 7.  Fold the yukata up toward the sleeves.  The crease should be just below the tips of the collar ends that stick out.

Step 8.  Fold the remaining sleeve (right sleeve) up and over the rest of the yukata.  Finish.

You can place your yukata in a traditional paper wrap as used in Japan and put the wrapped yukata in a drawer, or use a rectangular storage box.  Since yukata is obviously different from Western casual clothing, use of Western style hangers is best avoided.  Instead, use a kimono hanger specifically designed for kimono that has an expandable top rod (often seen with an additional rod for obi).  Please note that hangers are for short-term storage only.  For long term, the garment should be folded and stored horizontally.

GENERAL CARE GUIDE

How to Wash a Yukata

MACHINE WASH:  Fold your yukata as instructed above, then place it in a large mesh laundry bag.  Use a gentle soap (such as Woolite) in a "gentle" cycle, using cold water.  Spin and then starch (if desired).

HAND WASH: Fold the yukata as instructed, then place it in a large sink or a tub with cold water.  Use pushing/pressing motion to launder gently.

* Wash dark colored yukata separately. 

How to Dry a Yukata

The Japanese use a long dowel called "mono hoshi" for drying their laundry.  This is ideal for yukata drying since you can hang the garment by putting the dowel through the sleeves.  Before hanging, slap the wet garment (while still folded) to remove wrinkles and give shape.  You can use clothes pins to keep the collar and hem in place to prevent stretching or deviation of lines.  Let the garment dry in indirect sun or shade.

Using a hanger: Use the special "kimono hanger" and air dry.  The Western style hanger will stretch the shoulders of your yukata and misshape it.  So use the designated kimono hanger for best results.

For those of us in the West, I have found the shower curtain rod ( the self-adjusting "tension rod" type) to be a good replacement for the Japanese "mono hoshi".

Ironing

Medium heat (DRY) with extra layer of fabric between the iron and the yukata.  If the wrinkles are excessive, use steam.

After Wearing

Don't fold and store right away.  Your yukata needs to be aired out on a hanger.  If there are sweat stains or odor, spray fine mist of water all over the garment and let it air dry over night.

If It Gets Soiled...

Use a bar soap and spot clean.  Try to take care of it as soon as possible for the best results.

I sincerely hope that this guide is helpful to those who are new to yukata.  If you found the information in this guide to be of use/help to you, please take a moment and answer "yes" to the question, "Was this guide helpful?" found at the end of this article.  Your vote is  much appreciated!  Thank you for reading and please enjoy your yukata for years to come!