À la recherche du temps perdu —Yukata Haute Couture_ The Roundness of the Sleeve—
- Hamanaka Akiko
- Jun 3
- 2 min read
The Yukata is one of the few kimonos where you can play boldly, regardless of your age. While often spoken of as the symbol of summer, its origins lie in the bathhouse as a post-bath robe, historically known as a katabira. Did they simply wipe off the moisture with a tenugui towel, throw it on, and step outside? Or was it worn to elegantly entice someone? Though the bathhouses of today differ greatly from the past, the imagination runs wild.
Here is the second indulgence encouraged by Yukata Haute Couture: The roundness of the sleeve.
If you don't make a request, the wasai (Japanese tailoring) artisan automatically determines the curve. Traditionally, it is set to a 2cm curve known as gobu. Most kimonos are tailored this way. However, the truth is that you can decide both the roundness and the sleeve length yourself.
Not knowing this is simply mottainai (a missed opportunity)!
The general rule is that as you age, the roundness of the sleeve should become smaller. But don't you ever feel like reminiscing about your youth and making it beautifully, dramatically round? Only with a Yukata is this completely forgiven. You can even make it exaggeratedly round like the historical Genroku era sleeves!
If you discover the joy of kimono later in life, you rarely get to experience the charm of a round-sleeved garment. That is exactly why you should experience it now. Why not create a new Yukata in your favorite shape with Yukata Haute Couture?
Next time, we will unveil the finished Yukata Haute Couture piece.
You may never wear a kimono. But you can wear the art of Wasai.
On ne porte pas forcément un kimono. Mais on peut porter l'art du Wasai.
— PASSIONEER
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