Alterations for Men

Completed Garment Measurements

Yukata section Length (cm) Length (in) Comments
Sleeve length 50-53 20-21 This is the length that the sleeve will dangle downward from the wrist. Alter as desired.
Wrist opening 27-28 11
Connection between sleeve and body 40-42 16
Sleeve width 33-34 13 If using a yukata fabric roll, this will be the width of the roll (minus the seam allowance).
Shoulder width 32-34 13 This is the length from the back of the neck to the point where the sleeve attaches to the body. If using a yukata fabric roll, this will be the width of the roll (minus the seam allowance).
Body length 140* 55* There are two ways to measure this. 1) Your height - 11" or 12". 2) Your height * 85%. When worn, it should reach from the base of the neck to the ankles, belted at the waist.
Back panel width at hemline 30 12 The back is constructed of two panels sewn together. This measurement should equal (your hip size) / 4 + 3".
Width of front panel at hemline 25 10 This measurement should equal (your hip size) / 4 + 3/4"
Width of front strip 15 6 This is a strip that connects the front panel to the collar.
Width of collar 5.5-6 2
Length from base of collar to hemline 68-70* 26.5-27.5* This should be either height/2 or height/2 - 1".
* Measurements are intended for the average Japanese man.

When cutting out the pieces for a man's yukata, the measurements should be as follows:

  • Sleeves (2): 36cm X 106cm (14" X 42")
  • Body panels (2): 36cm X 304cm (14" X 120")
  • Front strips (2): 18cm X 135cm (7" X 53")
  • Collar (1): 18cm X 187cm (7" X 74")
  • Collar reinforcement strip (1): 18cm X 83cm (7" X 33")

    Marking the Sleeve

    The sleeve of a man's yukata is marked almost the same as a woman's.

    The main differences:

  • The wrist opening is longer.
  • The length that will be attached to the body is longer.
  • You may want to make the sleeve slightly wider, up to 34cm (13 3/8"), though this will cut into the seam allowance where the sleeve attaches to the body.

    Sewing the Sleeve

    The sleeve of a man's yukata is sewn almost the same as a woman's, with one major exception:

    When you are sewing the curve and you get near the point where the two seam allowances cross, sew a tiny bit past the intersection, go back, turn the sleeve 90° and go back past the intersection a tiny bit again, then sew straight across until you meet the mark that denotes the bottom of the seam that will connect the sleeve to the body. Your seam should look like the red line in the diagram.

    After you have gathered the curve, fold the seam allowance on the far right side inward 0.2cm (kise allowance) past the seam. Next, fold the bottom edge upward 0.2cm past the seam. Stitch the bottom seam allowance to the side seam allowance to hold it in place.

    Proceed to hem the wrist exactly as with the woman's yukata.