Yukata is a light summer outfit worn directly on the skin, and men usually do not need to wear a haori (jacket). Kimono is worn with an inner layer underneath.

The obi adds an accent with a decorative cord. Compared to kimono, the yukata uses a lighter obi, tied in a more decorative style.

Yukata is usually worn barefoot with wooden sandals (geta), while kimono is worn with tabi socks and zori sandals.