Originally published: October 26, 2023
Updated: August 27, 2026
Form and function come together exceptionally in our Samue a collection, Zen-inspired meditation clothing made right here in the Pacific Northwest. Here’s how to choose the right samue for you.
Originally designed for labor around Zen monasteries, today the samue is a simple, dynamic outfit that can be worn for a variety of occasions, including work, meditation, and relaxation. Still Sitting offers a range of beautiful, durable samue in a variety of patterns and fabrics. We are as comfortable in our samue as wearing jeans and a t-shirt – but if you’ve never worn a samue before or just aren’t sure what fabric and weight to choose, we’ve created this simple guide on how to pick the right samue for you.
At Still Sitting, each samue is carefully crafted to combine the essence of traditional design with contemporary comfort. Our samue are designed and sewn in-house and consist of a jacket top and pants bottom that can be purchased individually or together as a pair. When choosing a samue there are four characteristics to consider:
- Fabric – the makeup and construction of the garment
- Weight – how thick and warm the fabric is
- Color – the pattern and color of the fabric
- Size – the size of the garment (XS – XL)
A quick overview of all our samue clothing options:
- 6.5oz cotton twill
- Our everyday choice: great indoors or outdoors
- Simple and minimalist
- Pre-shrunk and machine washable
- 8.5oz Brushed Cotton
- Great for fall or cooler climates
- Warm without feeling heavy
- Pre-shrunk and machine washable
- 5oz French cotton twill
- Our lightest garment yet
- Designed for warmer climates
- Pre-shrunk and machine washable
- 5.37oz lightweight cotton
- 100% cotton textiles from Japan
- Inspired by Zen aesthetics
- Pre-shrunk and machine washable
- 5.5oz European linen
- Lightweight and breathable
- Sustainably sourced European flax
- Durable and eco-friendly
- Pre-shrunk and machine washable
- 8oz indigo cotton denim
- Rugged but soft
- A traditional garment crafted from an iconic material
- Pre-shrunk and machine washable
Read on to learn about each samue in our collection in-depth and how to choose the right one for you and your lifestyle!
The Complete Guide To Samue from Still Sitting
Everyday Samue
The Everyday Samue is designed with simplicity and breathability in mind. Crafted from 100% lightweight cotton twill, it’s an ideal choice for a range of climates and activities. It offers roomy comfort, whether you’re running errands or working in our garden. The pants don’t bunch or pinch, and offer you both comfort and range of movement.
This dynamic garment is our go-to, everyday wear.
- 6.5oz tight-weaved cotton twill
- Made for a range of climates and activities
- Wear indoor or outdoor
- Crafted from lightweight and breathable cotton twill
- Simple and minimalist design
- Pre-shrunk and machine washable
- Runs large
- Zippered outside pocket and hidden inside pocket (jacket)
- Elastic and drawstring waist (pants)
Everyday Samue
Our Everyday Samue Jacket is a stylish jacket that will last a lifetime. Samue (or Samu-e or Samu-gi) is traditionally the work jacket for a Buddhist monk or nun in Japan.
Lightweight Samue *New*
Our lightweight samue, introduced in 2026, is the lightest garment in our collection. Crafted from 5oz French cotton twill, it is airy and perfect for warmer climates. The fabric is micro-sanded for an exceptionally soft, almost silky feel from the first wear.
We created this samue with active individuals in mind. Whether you are working in your garden or sitting through a hot day in the meditation hall, our lightweight samue will help keep you cool.
The jacket closes with traditional ties and includes a zippered front pocket. The pants feature roomy front pockets, a zippered fly, an elastic-and-drawstring waist and adjustable ankle cuffs. Like all our samue, it is preshrunk, machine washable and made here in Seattle.
- 5oz French twill micro-sanded cotton
- Our most lightweight garment
- Designed for warmer climates and active people
- Zippered outside pocket and hidden inside pocket (jacket)
- Elastic and drawstring waist (pants)
Lightweight Cotton Samue
We make our Lightweight Samue from 5 oz French twill micro-sanded cotton. Samue (or Samu-e or Samu-gi) is traditionally the work jacket for a Buddhist monk or nun in Japan.
Medium Weight Samue:
Still Sitting’s Medium Weight Samue strikes a perfect balance between versatility and functionality. Made from 8.5oz of 100% medium-weight brushed cotton, it offers extra warmth and durability compared to our everyday and lightweight samue. The medium Weight Samue can be worn throughout the year in cooler climates, and is perfect for when the weather is crisp. (We are based in Seattle and LOVE this samue!) While giving you a little extra warmth, this samue never feels heavy or restrictive. The pants don’t bunch or pinch, and offer you both comfort and range of movement.
- 8.5oz brushed cotton
- Offers versatility suitable for various weather conditions
- Made from medium-weight brushed cotton that provides warmth without feeling heavy
- Perfect for transitional seasons like spring and fall
- Pre-shrunk and machine washable
- Runs large
- Zippered outside pocket and hidden inside pocket (jacket)
- Elastic and drawstring waist (pants)
Medium Weight Samue
Our Medium Weight Samue is a soft and rugged garment, perfect for meditation, gardening, and lounging. Samue are a traditional Japanese garment based on those worn in Zen monasteries.
Indigo Denim Samue *NEW*
Introduced in 2025, our Indigo Denim Samue blends the clean lines of traditional Zen workwear with the dependability and comfort of classic denim. Crafted from 8oz of pre-washed indigo cotton denim, this garment is tough enough for outdoor work, yet gentle on the skin.
This denim version brings a workwear-inspired ruggedness that softens with time. Machine washable and made in Seattle, the Indigo Denim Samue is a versatile piece you’ll reach for again and again.
- 8oz pre-washed indigo cotton denim
- Rugged but soft
- Pre-shrunk and machine washable
- Zippered outside pocket and hidden inside pocket (jacket)
- Elastic and drawstring waist (pants)
Indigo Denim Samue – NEW!
Our Indigo Denim Samue is a soft and durable garment made from laundered 8oz cotton denim. Based on traditional Zen work clothing, it’s perfect for meditation, gardening, or daily life.
Kyoto Collection Samue:
The Kyoto Collection Samue is a nod to the rich cultural heritage and aesthetics of Japan. This collection features 100% cotton twill textiles imported from Japan that feature intricate patterns and designs. Styles include “Kyoto Midnight,” a charcoal weave; “Kyoto Morning,” a light gray weave; and “Kyoto Blue.” These special samue are the perfect blend of comfort and style.
- 5.37oz lightweight cotton
- Inspired by Japanese aesthetics
- Made from 100% cotton textiles imported from Japan
- Intricate designs blend style with comfort
- Pre-shrunk and machine washable
- Runs large
- Zippered outside pocket and hidden inside pocket (Jacket)
- Elastic and drawstring waist (pants)
Kyoto Collection Samue
We make our Kyoto Collection Samue from 5.37 oz. lightweight cotton Japanese fabric to last a lifetime. Samue (or Samu-e or Samu-gi) is traditionally the work jacket for a Buddhist monk or nun in Japan.
Linen Collection Samue:
For eco-conscious individuals seeking both comfort and sustainability, consider the Linen Collection Samue. Made from natural and breathable linen, this samue softens as you wash it. Our linen is sustainably sourced from European flax and finished in the USA. Flax is environmentally friendly; it uses less water than cotton and doesn’t require the use of pesticides. Flax is also stronger and more durable than cotton.
- 5.5oz European linen
- Lightweight and breathable
- Sustainably sourced from European flax
- More durable and eco-friendly than cotton
- Pre-shrunk and machine washable
- Runs large
- Zippered outside pocket and hidden inside pocket (jacket)
- Elastic and drawstring waist (pants)
Linen Collection Samue
We make our Linen Collection Samue from 5.5 oz European linen, dyed and finished in the USA. Samue (or Samu-e or Samu-gi) is traditionally the work jacket for a Buddhist monk or nun in Japan.
Choosing the right samue for you
Our Samue are durable and dynamic, and while we are happy to recommend all of our different styles available, ultimately the right samue is the one that meets your specific needs. If you need something cool and comfortable, then try our traditional lightweight or everyday samue. If you need a little more warmth and want a jacket that will carry you through the chillier months, our medium weight samue will serve you well. Meanwhile, if you want a statement piece, our Kyoto Collection offers a selection of beautiful fabrics without any sacrifice in durability or comfort. Finally, our Linen Collection samue offers a durable, sustainable, eco-friendly option, while our Indigo Denim samue is rugged but soft.
These garments are designed and made right here in Seattle, and we at Still Sitting are proud to offer the best, hand-sewn samue in the USA. No matter your style or budget, you’ll find in our samue a comfortable, durable garment that will last you a lifetime. Move over, jeans and t-shirt!
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Lightweight Cotton SamueFrom: $99.00 -
Indigo Denim Samue – NEW!From: $139.00
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Product on saleLinen Collection Samue Pants
$149.00$139.00 -
Product on saleLinen Collection Samue Jacket
$159.00$149.00 -
Kyoto Collection Samue Jacket$119.00
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Kyoto Collection Samue Pants$109.00
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Everyday SamueFrom: $99.00
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Medium Weight SamueFrom: $110.00
