Yukata VS Jinbei

Some of you may be familiar with yukata (浴衣) due to its close resemblance to kimono (着物), or perhaps because you have worn one during your onsen (hot spring) trip in Japan. But how about jinbei (甚平)? Are they the same thing? How are they different? When do you wear them?

Historically, yukata was worn mainly by the nobles in Japan in the Heian period (794 to 1185). Yukatas were modified from kimonos. In those days, kimonos were formal wear that was worn daily. Comparatively, jinbeis was originated from jinbaori (陣羽織), a combat dress for samurai in the Sengoku period (the year 1467 to 1615). Because jinbaori was meant to be worn during a battle, it was easy to wear, take off, and move around in.

In this article, we will answer all the questions you may have about these amazing Japanese traditional clothes: yukatas and jinbeis. As a bonus, we will also share where and how you can get your own set of yukata or jinbei (or both!) at a cheap and affordable price, directly from Japan. So, make sure you read until the end!

Modern Day Yukata

As stated previously, the yukata was modified from the kimono. Kimonos have several layers, mainly used in formal settings such as wedding ceremonies, and are more challenging to wear. It was not particularly comfortable to move around in. Even breathing and eating were a struggle when one was wearing a kimono. On the other hand, yukata has only one layer, mainly worn in a more casual setting, and is a lot easier to wear. Yukatas are mostly worn in the summer, because of their large similarity to kimonos, some people refer to yukata as the summer kimono. 

Nowadays, yukata is most often worn at summer festivals; or as loungewear at a ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn (usually with hot spring) all over Japan. 

Modern-day Jinbei

Unlike yukatas, jinbeis come as two sets of clothing. The top is a side-tying tub-sleeved kimono while the bottoms are similar to western trousers. Modern jinbes, similarly to yukatas, have a large range of textures and patterns. Jinbei is not gender or age-specific and can be worn by everyone. In Japan, jinbeis worn by women tends to be brighter in color compared to their counterparts. The jinbei is sewn loosely for ventilation. Because of this, it's perfect leisurewear for the summer months. Even though jinbeis are used as leisurewear it does not mean you can't wear them out. (source)

For some, a jinbei can be interchangeable for a yukata at summer festivals. Although yukata and jinbei were commonly worn as loungewear by the nobles and the commoners, respectively; nowadays, they are more popular among youngsters and kids to wear during summer festivals. Some older generations, however, still wear jinbei as everyday clothing.  It is also very common for infants to young children to wear jinbei as a type of pajama.

Yukata vs Jinbei

Now, to the showdown! Which one is better, yukata or jinbei? Which one should you wear, yukata or jinbei? Well, unfortunately (or fortunately), there is no correct answer. Many different factors, such as your mood on that particular day or what kind of looks you wish to achieve, may affect your choice. 

The yukata falls under what is called the Y-silhouette. A Y-silhouette is when a clothing item makes your silhouette wide on the top and goes narrower down at the bottom. This will create an elegant and stylish look. The yukata is often paired with a traditional wooden sandal called the geta. Wearing this with the yukata makes the wearer inevitably move in a more careful manner, thus making one seem more graceful. On top of the elegance that comes with a yukata, the long designs help to make the wearer look taller. 

Jinbei, on the other hand, is more recommended if you are feeling wild and playful. The jinbei falls under what is called the A-silhouette. Which, in a sense, is the opposite to the Y-silhouette and gets sightly wider down at the bottom. This creates a more masculine vibe to the wearer.   The short pants allow one to move freely. And as opposed to yukata, which is usually worn with a pair of geta, the footwear for when you wear a jinbei is not fixed, so you can rock your favorite sneakers, and it won't seem weird at all! 

One great thing that both yukata and jinbei share is the fact that they are rather loose-cutting, so anyone regardless of body type can wear them and look absolutely stunning.

Where can you purchase Yukata and Jinbei?

You might not know this, but you can actually get your own set of yukata and jinbei directly from Japan at a cheap and affordable price! On average, a pretty decent yukata and jinbei can be bought at 2000 yen (around 20 USD) from many of the Japanese online marketplaces such as Rakuten Japan, JDirectItems Shopping Japan, ZOZOTOWN, and Amazon Japan.

Rakuten Japan: Rakuten Japan has a variety of Yukatas in men's. They do mostly come in darker colors and simple patterns but if you search a little more you will find more bright colors and patterns. There are some on Rakuten Japan that have floral patterns and even east Asian style tigers and dragons. Rakuten Japan of course sells Jinbeis as well! Their colors and patterns are very similar to the Yukatas that Rakuten carries. Rakuten also carries both Jinbeis and Yukatas in varying sizes so there is a fit for every body type. 

(P.S Rakuten offers cashback rewards so definitely give them a look!)

JDirectItems Shopping: The Yukatas and Jinbeis average around 5,000 yen on JDirectItems Shopping. It is also very easy to find getta, for your yukatas, on this site as well. Options for colors and patterns are very similar to Rakuten Japan. They also carry other accessories like fans and bags that will go well with any yukata or jinbei you decide on. The yukatas on JDirectItems Shopping and the jinbeis on JDirectItems Shopping both offer great options! 

Amazon: There is a wide variety of Yukatas on Amazon. There are also undergarments that work well with them as well as accessories!  Amazon carries jinbeis as well. The first few results are pajamas for children, but don't panic! If you scroll just a little you'll find yourself with many options of jinbeis. 

ZOZOTOWN: ZOZOTOWN is a Japanese streetwear site. They have a small selection of Yukatas. ZOZOTOWN'S collection of Jinbeis is bigger and has a fun blend with Japanese streetwear. They carry the traditional jinbei with shorts and others with long pants as well. If you want a jinbei with a more modern twist ZOZOTOWN's collection is the one for you! 

(ZOZOTOWN does not offer international shipping so just copy the URL of the item you want and paste the URL into our search bar on the ZenMarket website.)

※Read a complete step-by-step guide on how to use ZenMarket here.

So, which one are you going to get? Yukata, jinbei, or both?

If you're still looking for more information on Japanese Traditional Clothes we have a few more blogs that might interest you!