~All girls are rivals~ Yukata shop hiyori style: one step ahead in yukata coordination
Did you know? Japanese yukatas actually sell for over 12 billion yen each year! According to makers, there are years when the number of people buying yukatas increases every few years. The most recent example was 2016, but even last year (2017), when people's shopping appetite subsided, sales still reached 12.7 billion yen. Some people rarely wear yukatas except for two or three times a year, such as for fireworks displays or festivals. Those who only own one may be surprised, but with the recent kimono boom, more and more people are choosing to own several yukatas and obi sashes, changing their outfits and mixing them up as they go, just like everyday clothing. Today, I'd like to introduce some tips on yukata coordination from Yukata Shop Hiyori, which will be useful for everyone, whether you buy a new yukata every year, are thinking about buying a new one this year, or are just going with the usual.
Yukata Trends
Let's start by looking at recent yukata trends. One current trend is toward classic and retro-style patterns. This trend is not limited to yukata, but extends to kimono as well. Classic and retro patterns are popular for furisode (long-sleeved kimono) worn at coming-of-age ceremonies and hakama (traditional Japanese hakama) worn at graduation ceremonies. Online shopping sites and kimono shops in train stations are also stocking trendy colors and patterns. Essentially, kimono-like (colored) yukatas are in fashion. In addition, vivid colors and Western-style patterns are emerging as trends for 2018. Another trend is an increasing number of people choosing high-end yukatas in the ¥30,000 to ¥50,000 price range. As mentioned at the beginning, for those who wear multiple yukatas, naturally, their second and third yukatas become more discerning and they do a lot of research, so it's easy to imagine that more people are choosing a high-quality first yukata. Like with clothing, adding a single luxurious element can significantly enhance the overall look. Of course, there are plenty of cute yukatas available at reasonable prices! Many people seem to be finding nice yukatas for around 4,000 yen on online shopping sites.Coordinate your outfit at Yukata Shop Hiyori
Now, to get to the main topic, the Yukataya Hiyori style of coordination suggestions are suggestions for coordinating outfits that match motifs of different parts. Yukataya Hiyori's yukatas are an advanced fashion technique that involves combining yukatas from sister brands, allowing you to sprinkle one common motif throughout your outfit! Most classic yukata motifs can be coordinated, so it's easy to find pieces that can be matched with the yukata you already have. Today, we'll be introducing three of these.Part 1: Jellyfish
The jellyfish motif is very summery and very typical of Yukataya Hiyori, but sister brands Obidomeya Wargo and Kanzashiya Wargo also carry accessories with this jellyfish motif. While not many people associate jellyfish with cuteness (lol), they are actually underwater jewels. While the jellyfish we encounter at the beach are all white, there are actually many colorful jellyfish in colors like red and yellow, and their floating in the water is truly mystical and beautiful. If you have the opportunity to visit an aquarium, be sure to take a look at the beautiful jellyfish that captivated the designer.
Number 2: Jewels
Yukata itself is a uniquely Japanese garment, so the motifs used in its design are not limited to typical Japanese ones. This yukata has a jewel motif! It's a unique design that you won't see anywhere else, but it's so cute! And you can coordinate with the same motif using this jewel!
3. Goldfish
This yukata, selected by hiyori's buyers, features a texture similar to that of a high-end yukata called "Cotton Kobai," which has a unique texture created by weaving threads of different thicknesses in a grid pattern. Goldfish are a classic summer motif, so many people probably have one. hiyori also offers goldfish designs for Japanese accessories such as basket pouches, which are typically decorated with traditional floral and hemp leaf patterns.
What did you think? All girls are rivals! You can't be the only one to miss out on the trends! This year, if you see your friends or girls in yukata walking around town, be sure to check out what kind of yukata outfits they're wearing, and get ready for the real summer.
