Short answer: a jinbei is the Japanese summer set of a short-sleeve, tie-front top and loose shorts or trousers. A men's jinbei costs about $60 online in a cotton blend, and $85 to $140 for one made in Japan from Kurume cotton. Buy one sized loose, and check whether the shop sells shorts or long trousers with it.
These prices sit inside our wider survey of Japanese clothing prices, which compares 837 listings across 15 stores.
We sell a jinbei, so this guide is written by a seller. It names the other shops worth looking at, with the prices on their own pages on 29 September 2026, and says plainly where ours is not the right choice.
What a jinbei is
A jinbei (甚平, also spelt jinbe) is a two-piece set. The top has a kimono-style collar, short or elbow sleeves and fabric ties instead of buttons. The bottom is a pair of loose shorts or, less often, long trousers. It is what Japanese men wear at home in summer, to a summer festival (matsuri), or to the fireworks. It is cooler and quicker to put on than a yukata, which is a full-length robe tied with an obi.
| Jinbei | Yukata | Samue | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pieces | Top + shorts or trousers | One robe + obi belt | Top + long trousers |
| Sleeves | Short or elbow | Long and wide | Long |
| Closes with | Fabric ties | Obi belt | Ties or a toggle |
| Worn for | Summer, home, festivals | Summer festivals, ryokan | Work, temple chores, lounging all year |
Where to buy a men's jinbei
Prices below are the listed price for one set in US dollars, checked on each shop's product page on 29 September 2026.
| Shop | Jinbei | Fabric | Sizes | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KimuraKami | Men Jinbei, top and shorts | Lightweight cotton | S to L (US), runs small | $59.99 |
| Maruhisa USA | Cool & Comfortable Jinbei, three stripe colours | 65% polyester, 32% cotton, 3% rayon | M to 3L | $60, or $85 in 4L and 5L |
| Japan Avenue | Men's Jinbei Kuro, made in Kurume | 100% cotton, Kurume kasuri weave | M to XL (160 to 200 cm) | $87 to $140 |
| Amaji | Tie-Front Jinbei, top or set with balloon trousers | Top at least 96% lyocell, trousers 80/20 polyester-cotton | One size, drawstring 68 to 122 cm | $39.90 top, $79.90 set |
If you want a jinbei made in Japan, Japan Avenue's Kurume cotton set is the one to pick, and it ships from France. KimuraKami and Maruhisa USA are the budget cotton and cotton-blend sets with shorts, the traditional pairing. Ours is different in two ways: the trousers are long balloon trousers rather than shorts, and you can buy the top on its own for $39.90 to wear over jeans or wide trousers.
How to choose a jinbei
- Shorts or trousers. The classic jinbei comes with shorts. Long trousers make it easier to wear outside the house.
- Fabric. Cotton and linen breathe best. Kurume and chijimi (crinkle) cottons stand away from the skin in humid heat. Polyester blends dry faster and crease less.
- Sizing. Japanese sizes run small against US sizes. KimuraKami says to size up one. Check the chest measurement, since the top should hang loose.
- Where you will wear it. At home or to a festival, any jinbei works. For the street, a plain dark top over trousers looks less like sleepwear.
Ours, in detail
The Men's Tie-Front Jinbei Set is black. The top has a kimono-style collar and closes down the front with fabric ties, and it is at least 96% lyocell, which drapes and feels cool. The set adds gathered balloon trousers in 80% polyester and 20% cotton with a drawstring waist from 68 to 122 cm. It is one size and cut relaxed. Garments are made by our manufacturing partners in China. Shipping is free over $45 to 32 countries, and you have 30 days from delivery to return it.
For the other half of Japanese workwear, read where to buy a samue. For the wider family of garments, see traditional Japanese clothing.
Further reading
The Wikipedia entry on jinbei covers the history of the garment.