Jinbei – The Traditional Japanese Clothing for Relaxation and Lounging

You might have noticed a trend in fashion that includes Japanese influences and aesthetics. If so, you might be interested not only in kimono and yukata but also in jinbei. Jinbei is becoming a popular clothing used around the house and for errands.

But if you don’t know what jinbei are yet, read along – in this article, we’ll cover what these clothes are, where and how they originated, and how they’re used today worldwide.

To start you off, jinbei are pronounced ‘jin-bee,’ The word is used grammatically similarly to pajamas. Jinbei are a clothing set similar to PJs.

And although they didn’t originate as nightwear, today they’re making waves in the housework and bedtime fashion industries even though they can be worn for some special occasions in summer.

So, grab your pair, tie the strings on your left side, and snuggle up or get a duster. Here’s everything you should know about jinbei clothes.

What Does the Jinbei Outfit Look Like?

The jinbei is like a short jacket tied in front with knee-length, coordinating pants. The coat is tied like a robe or left open on men’s versions in lounging settings.

Traditionally, jinbei were made of cotton or hemp. Today they’re often found in organic cotton or linen. The clothes are dyed one color, generally in dark hues, and sometimes with a dull pattern or print, like floral. Women’s jinbei versions are typically in brighter colors than the men’s versions and might be printed with cultural motifs.

Given its light fabric and easy wear, the jinbei is often used for beach activities.

What Is the History of Jinbei Outfits?

One thing’s for sure about the jinbei Japanese outfit is that the garment has stood the test of time and cultural change! The clothing was first used in the Edo period in Japan, which began in 1603.

The garment was initially created for wear by Samurai who were just entering the ranks.

The outfit has since undergone tremendous changes – its use today is far from its traditional purpose.

Today, these clothes are used not for war or training but for relaxation and light work around the home.

Is the Jinbei Still Acceptably Worn Today in the US and Japan?

The recurring theme for using jinbei and similar garments is that they are for dressing up for low-key, daily tasks and lounging. Though the garment originated as Samurai wear, it’s common today in Japan and the US for lounging and a fashion statement.

Review the ideas below for wearing your jinbei.

How Many Different Style Options Are Available?

In terms of the garment’s style options, jinbei is limited. However, one piece can take on many different looks depending on the garment’s color and the accessories added. This means there are still plenty of options for those searching for one that speaks to their personal style.

Add personal touches and accessories to the outfit, so you can even further customize your look.

Jinbei Fashion in Cold Weather

Jinbei isn’t recommended for wearing in the cold. The great thing about the clothes is that the outfit’s fabric is super breathable and gives coverage while remaining comfortable. The cotton or linen fabric is light and airy and doesn’t insulate.

However, if you’re set on dressing in jinbei fashionably in the cold and want to warm up the outfit, add silk stockings, a light scarf, and a sweater that matches.

Or, better yet, opt for a samue instead of jinbei – a similar outfit that also fits chilly weather.

Jinbei Fashion for Men and Women

For the most part, the style of jinbei doesn’t differ between the male and female iterations. However, you can find fabric designs that are distinctly more masculine or feminine.

Lounging

Lounging is one of the most common reasons people wear jinbei and similar outfits. The garment pair allows for a free range of motion while still fitting snugly.

The lightweight cloth makes it especially popular during the summer when coverage needs to be light. Many people feel so comfortable in their clothes that they also use this outfit instead of pajamas to sleep.

Generally, the most common use for the outfit is to wear it around the house or out to town to do mundane activities or light errands.

Daily Wear 

Some people prefer to wear the jinbei as an easy-on, easy-off jumper around the home and for going out for quick errands.

It’s hard to beat the comfort this style offers. The outfit works well for busybodies because it’s comfy, easy to put on and take off, and the fabric doesn’t typically get too hot or become binding or heavy throughout the day.

Don’t be surprised if your outfit becomes quite the conversational piece when you go out – it has been locked culturally for some time, and not many people know its origin or its widespread fashionable use.

Take the opportunity to share the simplicity and beauty of Japanese culture when you wear your jinbei!

Beach Clothing

Besides wearing the jinbei as a casual costume for daily life, like relaxing and doing light tasks around the home, the outfit has recently grown in popularity as a costume worn over a bathing suit at the beach.

The light fabric makes the outfit comfortable for lounging in the sand and the sun and is easy to put on and take off for a dip in the ocean, lake, or pool. The outfit is considered in most communities to be modest enough to be polite but not difficult to put back on later.

Festival Wear

If you’re into Japanese festivals, you will likely see many people wearing traditional jinbei there. While the garment is typically worn as casual wear and not worn to summer festivals, it may be recognized at some informal festivals – just don’t wear this outfit to a formal Japanese event!

Where Can I Buy Jinbei?

Jinbei are most readily available at online stores that sell Japanese clothing and Japanese aesthetic. Look for stores in your local area, and follow their online presence to stay updated on new fashions within the Japanese style.

Some garments are unavailable year-round due to climate and seasonal changes that would make wearing them uncomfortable.

When shopping for your jinbei, look for a 100% organic cotton set with organic dyes for the most comfortable and healthy fit.

Some stores and locations offer various jinbei styles, including the shijira style, which features an uneven fabric texture to better suit hot weather without sticking to your skin.

You can find the outfits on Amazon or search for local stores, like Muji, that have US-based locations and online stock available.

What Is the Difference Between a Jinbei and a Samue Outfit?

The jinbei outfit looks similar to the Japanese work clothing, the samue, but the two are specifically distinguished. Japanese monks traditionally wear Samue for working in the temple or field, and they are also commonly worn by anyone doing house or garden work.

Samue are a cotton or linen top and bottoms garment set with long sleeves and pants and can come in various colors, like white, indigo, or brown.

Even though the samue was traditionally used for work and the similar jinbei outfit was traditionally relaxation wear, both can be worn for fashion. The samue is more appropriate to cold weather, as it’s longer than the jinbei.

Jinbei Outfits and Japanese Culture

Jinbei outfits were traditionally worn in Japan as loungewear, and they’re still commonly worn today by traditional Japanese at home. It’s also worn by people who appreciate Japanese culture and want to bring everyday Japanese aesthetics into their homes.

However, today, the outfit is still reserved as a casual garment and isn’t accepted as formal wear for a formal event. If you wear jinbei to a traditional Japanese event, you may be seen as though you are insulting the event.

How Do I Wear My Jinbei?

Putting on the jinbei isn’t complicated, but it’s easier than you might think to put it on incorrectly. Some Japanese cultural aspects of wearing a jinbei also dictate how to wear it.

1. Pants First

Putting on your jinbei pants first makes the most sense because putting the long jacket on second is easier.

2. Wrap On the Jacket

Put your arms through the outfit’s jacket sleeves, then wrap your right side across your torso, followed by your left jacket panel.

3. Tie the Jacket Closed

The jinbei jacket has two strings, one attached to the either front panel. Tie these strings together in a bow, the internal strings first (if your outfit has them), with the ties on your left side. In Japan, tying on the right side is reserved for the deceased.

The men’s outfit jacket piece can alternatively be left open when lounging, at the pool, or at the ocean.

How Do I Wash and Dry My Jinbei Outfit?

Always invest in authentic jinbei, and don’t waste money on cheap brands that don’t wash well and wear out quickly. The cheap jinbei material doesn’t withstand washing well, so you’ll have to buy a new pair soon.

Taking care of your jinbei just enough but not too often keeps it looking nice and saves you money, so you won’t have to keep buying a new pair.

Make sure to wash the outfit gently because the fabric is delicate and loosely sewn for ventilation, which gives the garment its popularly light, airy feel.

And remember the following:

• Wash the Garment Only Occasionally. If the jinbei cloth colors look dull, it’s probably dirty and needs to be cleaned. Just wash your jinbei when it’s really dirty.
• Hand-Wash. The jinbei should be hand-washed in cool water and never washed in the washing machine, especially with other garments.
• Hang-Dry. To keep your jinbei in the best condition, hang the outfit to dry it naturally after hand-washing it. Never dry your jinbei in the dryer.

Is There Anything Else I Need to Complete My Jinbei Outfit?

Accessorizing clothes is common, but it’s not unacceptable to wear the outfit plain. You’ll need to add a few specific accessories and follow recommendations for the male and female versions to replicate its traditional look.

Traditional rules aside, you can wear what feels suitable for the look you’re going for.

Unisex Accessories

The jinbei wearer often carries a hand fan in both male and female outfit versions. However, men prefer darker and cooler colors, while women carry a fan with soft pastels.

Male Accessories

The type of sandals a man wears with jinbei varies from those a woman wears. Male sandals for the outfits are called setta, which are a kind of zori thong. The bottom of the setta is flat, rectangular, and has a wooden appearance. Traditional setta straps resemble string, but they can also come in different designs.

Female Accessories

The most notable piece that completes a female jinbei outfit is a hairpiece to give homage to Japanese culture.

If you want to pay tribute to the style’s most traditional form, use a hairpin adorned with floral and/or jeweled decorations. You can pick any color you want for these accessories, but a combination of softer shades, in pink and peach, is one of the most popular looks.

Women’s sandals, or geta, can be worn with the look. The slightly-heeled sandals come in various styles and pattern types so that you won’t be short on options.

The Quintessential Casual Wear

The jinbei is accommodating to nearly every aspect of life. It’s the most comfortable casual wear in warm weather but can easily be dressed up as formal wear and for comfort in chilly weather.

Look for your favorite outfit in a color that suits you and your lifestyle.

Whether you want to celebrate a holiday based in Japan or attend a festival, choose the jinbei – it can meet all those needs.