The yukata wasn’t initially meant to be worn to festivals; rather it was created to be worn as a sort of bath robe so that it could dry the skin and keep the wearer warm while not in the bath. Originating in the Edo period, the modern day yukata was known as a yukatabira since the Japanese did not use bath towels and the word yu comes from the Japanese word nyuyoku meaning bathing. The material was made of cotton since it was absorbent and cotton was widely harvested during the Edo period. Since the name yukatabira was thought to be too long, they have since shortened it to yukata. The color blue was the most popular color for the yukata and remains so today. This is because it was the easiest color to dye as it stained the cloth very easily. The yukata has a rich history; however, it is not used as it was intended many years ago.

Yukata are popular in anime and are often seen both in their modern and traditional uses. Modern day use of the yukata can be seen as being worn by characters such as when the Ouran High School Host Club dresses up to enjoy a spring party or when Haruka Nanase and his swim club dress up to go to a festival in Free!. A more classic example of the yukata is worn by Yuuna Yunohana in Yuragi-sou no Yuuna-san. Many anime contain examples of the yukata, it is just a challenge to learn to recognize it apart from the classic kimono.