Men's Tie-Front Jinbei Set

Relaxed jinbei top with tie closures; set trousers are full and gathered at the ankle.

A jinbei is what Japanese men wear when summer gets serious. A short-sleeve top crosses over and ties shut, and loose trousers come with it. You see it at fireworks, festivals and on porches in August.

Ours has a kimono-style collar, tube sleeves and fabric ties down the front. The top is at least 96% lyocell. It is cool to the touch and falls softly. The set adds gathered balloon trousers in 80% polyester and 20% cotton.

Size

Both pieces are one size. The top is cut relaxed. The supplier gives no chart for it. The trousers have a drawstring waist from 68 to 122 cm, a 150 cm hip, a 46 cm rise and an 85 cm length. The cuff gathers to 51 cm.

Care

Machine wash cold on a gentle cycle, or hand wash cold. Hang to dry. Lyocell likes a cool wash.

How to wear it

Wear the set at home or to a summer event. The top alone goes over shorts or wide trousers. Add sandals or tabi and you are done.

The jinbei stayed popular because it solves the same problem every August: how to stay covered and decent at a neighbourhood festival while letting the air reach the neck, the arms and the legs. Nothing else in a Japanese summer wardrobe does it with less effort.

Pairs well with the pleated hakama style pants and the tie-side wrap pants. Also in the same family: the jacquard jinbei set.

Before you buy, read where to buy a jinbei for prices and fabrics. Traditional Japanese clothing sets it beside the samue and yukata. More relaxed cuts sit in Japanese pants.