Jinbe

Lore & Background

Jinbei typically come in a matching set of a top and trousers that are either short or long. Although the trousers resemble Western trousers, the top resembles a kimono, with a wrapped front and a long collar set on a diagonal angle. However, unlike kimono, jinbei typically do not have an overlapping front panel (known as the okumi), and feature two sets of ties – one inside and the other outside – to fasten the top shut. The top is roughly hip-length, and is wrapped left over right, with the internal ties fastened before the external ones. Traditional jinbei are made from hemp or cotton, and are typically dyed a solid colour – such as indigo, blue or green – with either a muted or nonexistent pattern. Modern jinbei frequently feature prints ranging from simple textures to complicated and colourful floral patterns. Ladies' jinbei tend to be more brightly coloured, and often feature prints of popular culture characters and motifs. Jinbei seams are very loosely sewn to allow for ventilation during hot weather and, from a distance, appear to form a short gap between different fabric pieces.

In Their Own Story

Jinbei are usually worn as a form of nightwear or house clothes, and are considered very informal clothing. Normally, jinbei are typically only worn outside the house when travelling short distances, such as to go on a local errand, collecting the mail or while shopping. The formal use of jinbei, or wearing it outside the house for a long period, is frowned upon. Jinbei can also be used as a substitute for yukata during the summer months, particularly at summer festivals. The whale shark is also known as the jinbei-zame (ジンベイザメ（甚平鮫), "jinbei shark") or jinbē-zame (ジンベエザメ 《甚兵衛鮫》, "jinbee shark") in Japanese, due to its skin patterns resembling those seen on jinbei.

Reader's Guide

Jinbei are a traditional set of Japanese clothing worn during summer as loungewear. They consist of a side-tying, tube-sleeved kimono-style top and a pair of trousers. Originally menswear only, women's jinbei have become popular in recent years. The top is wrapped left over right, fastened with two sets of ties (one inside, one outside). Traditional jinbei are made from hemp or cotton, dyed solid colours like indigo, blue, or green, with muted or no pattern. Modern jinbei often have prints from simple textures to colourful floral patterns; ladies' jinbei are more brightly coloured and may feature popular culture characters. Seams are loosely sewn for ventilation, appearing as short gaps between fabric pieces. Jinbei are informal nightwear or house clothes, typically worn outside only for short errands. They can substitute for yukata at summer festivals.

Did You Know?

• The whale shark is called jinbei-zame (甚平鮫) in Japanese because its skin patterns resemble those on jinbei.
• Jinbei were originally menswear only, but women's jinbei have become popular in recent years.
• Traditional jinbei are made from hemp or cotton and dyed solid colours like indigo, blue, or green.
• Jinbei seams are loosely sewn to allow ventilation during hot weather, appearing as short gaps between fabric pieces.
• Jinbei can be used as a substitute for yukata during summer festivals.