Taking proper care of your yukata after wearing it is just as important as wearing it beautifully.
In particular, knowing how to fold it properly not only helps prevent wrinkles but also allows you to enjoy using it comfortably year after year.
In this article, we’ll walk you through a simple folding method for yukata that even beginners can follow—complete with step-by-step photos.
It’s also useful for storage and long-term care, so why not take this opportunity to learn the basics?
🔶 Before You Fold: Preparing Your Yukata
Taking a little time to prepare beforehand makes all the difference in how neatly your yukata can be folded.
▶ Never Fold Your Yukata Right After Taking It Off
It’s important not to fold your yukata immediately after wearing it.
Instead, hang it in a well-ventilated area to let the moisture evaporate.
This helps wrinkles smooth out naturally and makes it easier to remove sweat and odors.
Especially in summer, when you’re likely to sweat, letting your yukata air out thoroughly can also help prevent mold and yellowing.
💡 Tip: For 1–2 Wears, Airing It Out May Be Enough
If your yukata isn’t heavily soiled—for example, after just a short wear—it’s often sufficient to simply hang it on a kimono hanger and air it out in the shade.
Be sure to smooth out the shoulder lines when hanging it to prevent wrinkles.
▶ When to Wash Your Yukata—and How to Do It
If your yukata has noticeable dirt or sweat, it’s best to wash it before folding.
Many people wonder, “Can I wash it at home?”—and the answer is yes.
As long as you pay attention to the fabric and follow the proper steps, home care is perfectly doable.
🔹 Spot Cleaning:
If only certain areas are dirty, gently hand-wash the stained sections.
🔹 Overall Cleaning:
If the entire yukata is damp with sweat or body oils, lightly fold it and place it in a laundry net.
Use a gentle cycle on your washing machine.
After spinning, remove it promptly and hang it up, smoothing out the fabric to keep its shape.
After it has dried completely, you can iron it as needed to remove any remaining wrinkles before folding it neatly.
▶ Smooth Out Wrinkles Thoroughly After Airing
After hanging your yukata to air out and release moisture and odors,
it’s important to carefully smooth out any wrinkles before folding.
This is especially true if you plan to reuse the obi,
as creases and distortion tend to form around the knot area.
We recommend using a “hand ironing” technique—gently smoothing the fabric with the palms of your hands.
Doing this while the fabric still retains some body heat makes it easier to restore its original shape naturally.
If wrinkles still remain, go ahead and use an iron to finish the job.
At this point,
- Be careful not to apply the iron directly to the fabric.
- Always use a pressing cloth, and if using steam, spray the cloth—not the yukata—lightly with water beforehand.
Taking these precautions helps preserve the fabric and ensures a neat finish.
With proper aftercare, you’ll be able to enjoy wearing your yukata again next year in perfect condition.
▶ Quick Spot Cleaning for Sweat-Prone Areas
Sweat tends to accumulate around the collar, underarms, and waist of a yukata—making these areas more prone to staining.
Even if the sweat has dried, leaving it untreated can lead to odors or discoloration over time.
In such cases, even a simple spot cleaning can be highly effective.
🔹 Simple Spot Cleaning Method
- Place a clean, dry white towel behind the stained area on the inside of the yukata.
- Using another towel that has been dampened and wrung out well, gently blot the fabric from the outside.
- The key is to press gently so the sweat transfers to the towel—avoid rubbing.
As certain fabrics may be prone to color fading,
we recommend testing on a hidden spot first to ensure safety.
🔶 Photo Guide: Easy Yukata Folding Steps
There is a proper way to fold a yukata.
Learning this method helps prevent wrinkles and keeps your yukata in good condition until the next season.
The basic folding style is the same as for kimono, commonly known as “hon-datami” (traditional folding).
This method is widely used for both women’s and men’s yukata.
Since the yukata needs to be laid out flat while folding, it’s best to secure a spacious area to work in.
Note: Folding in a tight space may cause unwanted creases, so be careful.
Lay the yukata flat as shown in the left image,
then fold the lower front panel inward along the okumi seam (dotted line).
STEP 2
Spread out the collar and shoulder area so it lies flat.
STEP 2-1
Fold the collar inward toward the inside.
Place the upper front panel over the lower front panel you folded earlier,
making sure the okumi seams and collars are aligned.
Align both the collar tips and hem corners carefully—
just like matching the same-color star marks in the diagram.
Fold along the center back seam,
then align and overlap the side seam of the upper front panel with the lower front side seam.
Fold the upper sleeve inward from the sleeve attachment point,
and place it neatly over the body of the yukata.
Fold the body of the yukata in half.
Note:
Be careful not to fold the collar tip.
If you’re folding it into thirds, make sure not to crease the sleeve.
Carefully flip the yukata over,
making sure not to disturb its shape.
Fold the remaining sleeve inward to complete the fold.
You’re done!
Once folded, gently press down on the yukata with your hands
to release any trapped air and smooth it out.
When placing it into a tatoushi (kimono wrapping paper),
make sure the collar tip is facing to the left.
🔶 Tips for Storing Your Yukata Neatly and Safely
When storing your yukata at the end of the season,
be mindful of moisture, wrinkles, and insect damage.
Even a neatly folded yukata can develop mold or yellowing if not stored properly.
A little extra care now will help ensure you can wear it again next season in perfect condition.
Wrap in a Breathable Material
Ideally, yukata should be stored not in plastic bags, but wrapped in tatoushi (kimono wrapping paper) or non-woven fabric garment bags.
These materials allow air to circulate while protecting the fabric from dust and moisture.
You can find tatoushi at many stores—including budget shops like 100-yen stores.
Add a Moisture Absorber
When placing the yukata in a storage box, it’s a good idea to include a moisture absorber designed for clothing.
This is especially important in closets or storage spaces that tend to trap humidity—be sure to replace them regularly.
Air It Out to Prevent Mold and Odors
Even if you didn’t wear your yukata much during the year,
we recommend airing it out at least once a year in a shaded, well-ventilated place.
This helps eliminate excess moisture and odors, which keeps the fabric in good condition for longer.
🔶 Summary｜Learn to Fold Your Yukata and Keep It Beautiful for Years
How you fold your yukata can make a big difference in how it looks the next time you wear it.
By folding it properly, you can prevent wrinkles and distortion, allowing you to enjoy your yukata comfortably year after year.
Just a small habit can go a long way in preserving your cherished garment.
We hope this guide helps you incorporate proper yukata care into your routine.
