pulls the cloth between the legs and through the belt, letting the remainder hang as an apron. Such was issued to Japanese troops in World War II, and often were the sole garb of Allied POWs in tropic areas. The best material for this is white linen or white cotton. Silk crepe may be used according to one's taste, but plain silk is not suitable. In winter it may be lined with similar material, but in other seasons it is always single. Both ends (or front and back) are hemmed to put cords through. One of the cords forms a loop to suspend the front end from the neck, and the other secures the back end by being tied in the front. Variations There are many other varieties of as there are many variations on the principle of a loincloth. For example, the (literally "earth-basket loincloth" because it looks like the traditional baskets used in construction), is made like the but without a front apron; the cloth is secured to the belt to make a bikini effect. The (literally "black cat ") is like the except that the portion that passes from front to back is tailored to create a thong effect. are not typically worn as everyday clothing. is mainly worn on specific, traditional occasions, particularly when participating in . During February, nearly 10,000 men will gather at Saidaiji Temple in Okayama wearing only to participate in the festival in hopes of gaining luck for the entire year. The samurai wore as underwear with armor, combined with a shirt. Sumo wrestlers also wear a form of this garment, the . are often worn with a or (a short cotton jacket with straight sleeves) during summer festivals by men and women who carry (portable shrines) in Shinto processions. Outside Japan it is perhaps best known from the drumming groups Ondekoza and Kodo, who appear dressed in only a white and a headband. is sometimes used as traditional swimsuits. In some high schools, boys swim wearing . The present Emperor of Japan also swam in in his childhood. In the pools and beaches of Japan, -wearing swimmers occasionally can be seen. In late 2008, the Japanese firm Wacoal began marketing for women and have had greater than expected sales. The loincloths for women come in seven different colors and two designs—plain and chequered. Cultural comparisons The Japanese idiom ('tighten your loincloth')