New designs and cool fabrics are part of the updated apparel arsenal.

Just as the samurai were renowned for their single-minded loyalty, so too does Kyoto-based design house Wazigen Shizukuya tirelessly devote itself to providing fashions that are unlike the offerings of any other label. While its apparel may take inspiration from Japan’s feudal period past, Wazigen Shizukuya is always looking to keep its clothing lineup fresh, so following its winter and spring ensembles, the company is rolling out a new collection of summer clothing for modern-day samurai.

With the weather becoming hot and humid, the designers have made extensive use of cool colors and lighter materials, such as the cream and pale gray of this polyester kosode short-sleeved kimono and polyester/cotton blend billowy hakama pants.

Of course, the bright summer sunshine lends itself to vibrant hues as well, as seen in this breezy viscose kimono with hemp hakama, and the unabashedly pink blended polyurethane/cotton/hemp kimono with acrylic/rayon/cotton hakama, the latter set perfect for those who want a little of everything in the fabric realm.

Alternatively, you can dial things back with chicer, more subdued looks, which make use of cotton, polyester, acrylic, hemp, and rayon, to varying degrees.

And while the scorching sun may be an unavoidable aspect of summer in Japan, you can keep some of those harsh UV rays, as well as over-powered air conditioning, off your skin with Wazigen Shizukuya’s summer hasode wraps, light capes, and robes to wear as an outermost layer.

As always, it’s best to keep in mind that samurai occupied a somewhat exalted position in Japanese society, and Wazigen Shizukuya’s garments are priced accordingly. The kimono seen here range from 42,000 to 47,000 yen (US$380 to US$425), the hakama pants from 40,000 to 45,000 yen, and the coats and other coverings from 45,000 to 75,000 yen. If the local daimyo provincial lord you’re in the employ of has been generous with you this year, though, you can find specific per-item prices here on Wazigen Shizukuya’s website.

Source: Wazigen Shizukuya via Japaaan
Images: Wazigen Shizukuya (edited by SoraNews24)