Japanese Clothes

[Shii]

What is the main style of Japanese Teenagers? Is it just western clothing?

When I think of Japanese teenagers I think of lots of elaborate clothes and accessories...

Maybe something like this:

http://www.magnet-holic.net/crosses/glkodona.jpg

http://www.avantgauche.co.uk/glb5/glb531.jpg

http://www.avantgauche.co.uk/glb6/43.jpg

http://www.avantgauche.co.uk/glb2/71.jpg

This style is called Elegant Gothic Lolita and it is very new to me. I reaaally like it.

Do you normally see teenagers dressed up like this?

Also... Does anyone have a website that has a bunch of pictures of schools or random people in the streets? I don't really know how to explain what I am looking for. I basically want to know what teenagers are like in Japan and if they are like American teenagers. I want to know what to expect before I go there as an exchange student.

[Henjin]

From my observances in Kobe, they all dress pretty normal, but they do seem to dress nice... not a lot of sweatshirts and torn jeans and stuff. Nothing outrageous like that gothic stuff, though. The kids who dress like that are a minority.

And for pics like that, check out http://www.japanesestreets.com/
I don't know about regular people on the street pics, though. But IMO, it's pretty normal. If you dress nice here, it'll carry over in Japan... I'm not in style here, so I wasn't instyle there. Heh.

[Shii]

Thanks so much for that link, Henjin! That was exactly what I was looking for.

[mediocre]

I lived close to tokyo and found japanese fashion (for men) to be slightly effeminate on average. But I viewed males there on the whole to be slightly effeminate; of course having lived in south Florida, their build/fashion resembled more the 'over-the-top'-metro/homosexual crowd that I would see in Florida.

As for female fashion, I don't have a clue. I just noticed alot of layers, but, again, having lived in south florida seeing layers was kinda... new.

[Henjin]

No prob. Just keep in mind that those don't really represent the average Japanese person... at least not to my knowledge...

EDIT: Ditto on the effeminate guys. Saw that too.

[Fallen Angel]

EGL is pretty cool... I wish I could find the websites I had in my favorites, they had a lot of pictures of EGL clothes in it... ^^;;

Thanks Henjin, I losted that website a while ago and I really liked it!

[PopCulturePooka]

Yeah Gothic Lolita is an underground thing. And not really a lifestyle thing like being goth is in the west. Many gothic lolita types are very mundane normal girls except sundays, when they dress up.

[Shii]

I also noticed, by looking at those pictures, that they have taken a lot of photos of cell phones! Apparently they like to dress up their cell phones too. Hehe. That is so neat! I love trends...

[mediocre]

I think most japanese people accessorize their cellphones to some degree.

[atomiton]

and you will find the women's make-up kit... beside the men's make-up kit in Japan.

But Overall, Japanese fashion is imho, ahead of here... they dress really nice too and nice clothes are relatively inexpensive.

[Henjin]

Yeah, it seemed like everyone had something hanging on/strapped to/covering their cell phone.

[nice gaijin]

I was at the goth bridge in Harajuku and it was dead, maybe only a handful of people wearing stuff like that. I find it excessive and ridiculous and about a half-step above cosplay.

[Henjin]

I don't get it myself... But then again, there's a lot about 'popular culture' even in the US I just don't get...

[悲しいパンダ]

I was wondering...how come no one is talking about the "ghetto clothing" people wear in Japan. Please, please, I'm begging you, PLEASE, include pictures so I may laugh 'til I cry.

[Henjin]

I didn't actually see any. My friend was the one in the FUBU. lol

[nice gaijin]

The people I saw wearing hip hop clothing in Japan were mostly black; which I found neither extraordinary or worth taking a photo of.

[Henjin]

I think we saw a black guy... That was something.

Hey, out of curiosity, those of you guys near Kobe, have you ever been in that Irish pub across from Sannomiya eki? I was sitting in there wondering if any of the gaijin at the bar had accounts here. :p

[Nessa]

I was looking through a Japanese girl's fashion magazine the other day and nearly every other pair of jeans was ripped and had rather large holes in them!o_O

That was the style over here, several years ago!

[Henjin]

I saw a story on Fujisankei where the reporter went to the factory where they 'distressed' jeans. (rock tumbler, razor blades and a sand blaster if you were wondering). Then, she went to this girl's house where they cut holes and rips in a cheap pair of jeans to make some 'kawaii' torn jeans. At the very least, it amused me.

[Darkblade]

I still have, and wear, Cross Colours.
:D

I like all fashion types, the whole Gothic Lolita thing is interesting.

[I ARE 1031]

Shii the funny thing is those pictures do tell you what the "norm" is in Japan, clothing wise. I have never been there, nor am I into fashion or fashionable, but I AM into common sense. All you have to do is just look in the background of those photographs and spot the people that are just walking along. That gives you the answer to your question. Funny how people focus on the guy/girl in the picture wearing all those weird clothes and forget that they are surrounded by thousands of normal people passing by. It isn't a set....those were pictures on the street. Hope that helps.

[mediocre]

But Overall, Japanese fashion is imho, ahead of here...

Can't say I agree. Japan is well behind. In addition, most of their (originated in japan) fashion will never migrate or extend beyond japan -- it is either too weird or too 'japanese' in taste.

[Dai]

What is the main style of Japanese Teenagers? Is it just western clothing?

When I think of Japanese teenagers I think of lots of elaborate clothes and accessories...

Maybe something like this:

http://www.magnet-holic.net/crosses/glkodona.jpg

http://www.avantgauche.co.uk/glb5/glb531.jpg

http://www.avantgauche.co.uk/glb6/43.jpg

http://www.avantgauche.co.uk/glb2/71.jpg

This style is called Elegant Gothic Lolita and it is very new to me. I reaaally like it.

Do you normally see teenagers dressed up like this?

Also... Does anyone have a website that has a bunch of pictures of schools or random people in the streets? I don't really know how to explain what I am looking for. I basically want to know what teenagers are like in Japan and if they are like American teenagers. I want to know what to expect before I go there as an exchange student.


what is western clothing exactly?
Jeans, t-shirts and those highschool-sportjackets come originally from America, but it is today a global, modern piece of clothing. It didnīt originate in any country in Europe or Asia, should they see it as american clothing?
I rather call it modern clothing.
But the modern style of clothing these days is formed by a lot of different influences.
Did you know the sandals or slippers are originally from Japan, Japanese designers created new fashion-styles, like black in everyday fashion, minimalism.
Japanese people are like you and me, one likes colorful, funky clothing, the other elegant, simple clothing. They all have their own tastes.
But they donīt wear western clothing, or american clothing, they wear modern clothing. Donīt forget that all countries take one or another thing from another country.

[Roxie]

I still have, and wear, Cross Colours.
:D

I like all fashion types, the whole Gothic Lolita thing is interesting.
OH GOD. NO.

You DO NOT wear Cross Colors. Those things are for flashback parties, ONLY!!

[kitsunepixie]

I saw a story on Fujisankei where the reporter went to the factory where they 'distressed' jeans. (rock tumbler, razor blades and a sand blaster if you were wondering). Then, she went to this girl's house where they cut holes and rips in a cheap pair of jeans to make some 'kawaii' torn jeans. At the very least, it amused me.

Ripped jeans were coming back in style when I left the States this summer too.

[nice gaijin]

I would like to point out two things:

洋服 (youfuku) is the word for western clothes, and is pretty much all-encompassing for modern clothes fashion.

and the only clothing I saw that I would consider "inexpensive" outside of a uniqlo were the used clothing shops in harajuku, and everything they were selling...


was from america...






10 years ago.

[Kaji]

How many other people have seen Black men peddling "New York Culture" on the streets of Tokyo? I found at least 2 or 3 different spots in Ikebukuro alone that did that (take the most direct route from Ikebukuro Station to Animate if you want to find them).

Personally, I saw a number of weird styles amonst the teens, although a few among the adults as well. Saw one elderly gentleman on the train coming back from work one night who was dressed in nothing but a tan leather blazer, red leather pants, and shoes (no shirt, open blazer). Back to the teens, I once saw someone in a white plaid blazer, pink pants, and a Slayer shirt with a black baseball cap. Saw a girl in her early 20s wearing jeans, a short brown skirt over said jeans, a knit shirt with flowing sleeves, and a pink baseball cap (with fake fur all over the front and brim, and a logo embroidered into the fur).

Perfectly normal dress, no?

[kitsunepixie]

I must say, I LOVE Japanese clothes. My pirate boots (which look best when worn with a dress) are a big hit with my Japanese and Western friends alike. These babies are definitely coming home with me, though whether I'll be brave enough to wear them around my hometown in the Midwest is a completely different story. Since I'm in Japan, I have this philosophy: "If people are going to stare at me anyway, then I may as dress however I like!" For Halloween I'm going as a ganguro. :p

[Henjin]

For Halloween I'm going as a ganguro. :p


lol Are you gonna start loading up on the self-tanner now, or just use some orange body paint?

[spaik]

Cross Colours....damn, I wish I still had mine.

Fashion is fashion. Most people wear 'normal' shit.

You just get more crazy exhibitionism in Japan for most fashions. That and to them, its clothes, not a lifestyle. Over here, the clothes are there to go with the lifestyle, whether its goth, hiphop, punk, emo, prep, gq, whatever. To them, it's just clothes.

[I ARE 1031]

Cross Colours....damn, I wish I still had mine.

Fashion is fashion. Most people wear 'normal' shit.

You just get more crazy exhibitionism in Japan for most fashions. That and to them, its clothes, not a lifestyle. Over here, the clothes are there to go with the lifestyle, whether its goth, hiphop, punk, emo, prep, gq, whatever. To them, it's just clothes.

Why would you generalize like that? There are people here who think "just clothes" (aka ME) and there are people there who dress for the "lifestyle" (as you call it). :D

[noriko118]

You guys might also :bwitch: be interested in the many many outrageously quirky Japanese streetwear stuff this site has to offer
http://stores.ebay.com/planet-walrus

[grace_enyi]

I really would not consider Japan "behind" in fashion. Some of their stuff is different, but my Japanese American friend pointed out that she's seen trends in Japan that take hold in the U.S. months later because the clothing here is more conservative. But of course, Tokyo is probably the most fashionable place in Japan, and in the U.S., CA girls seem to be more high-maintenance than, say, Boston girls.

I tend to examine fashion magazines pretty closely (even if I don't buy :knockout:), and I see some Japanese stuff that I really wouldn't buy, but I also see that in magazines like Marie Clarie, Lucky, Glamour, etc. The makeup shades seem more pastel in general; the hairstyles have more layers & waves; and the clothing is sometimes more on the cute side. What I found amusing was the work-casual-evening section in More where I couldn't tell how the evening outfit was significantly sexier...I think the girl's neckline was an inch lower, and maybe her eyeshadow was a tiny bit darker? Haha... ^_^;

[Sbabbari]

If you go to Harajuku in Tokyo, specifically Takeshida (ta?) dori, you'll see some of em gothic lolitas. Also, go to Akihabara on a sunday around 3-5pm you'll see some, and theyll hand out flyers (some dont want their picture taken though). I also have to agree with the whole "effeminate man" thing. Just the style and cut of the stuff they wear is very femenine. And about the "New york/hip hop" fashion- why do these african guys think that an American comes to Japan to buy American clothes? It's baffling. Ive seen a lot of people (Japanese) sporting this fashion, it kind of bothers me how this is turning into a country of poseurs. On that subject, there are a lot of Rasta wannabes with very expensive dreads and all sorts of Jamaica-garb.

[six-eight-ten]

Guys being effeminate.... it's the purses that do it. So many guys here carry what is essentially a purse.

Then again, there are a lot of flower patterns in shirts, too. And pink is something they will wear.

[Crowley]

Western men get far too hung up on being "manly".

Having said that, I'm as camp as a tent, so hey.

[six-eight-ten]

Except for the French. Sorry, cheap shot.

Crowley- Birmingham? I was there for a year of University back in 1992-3. Loved it. Central location was very convenient for travelling, met a lot of great people.

[Crowley]

Well, it has its up and downsides. Downsides: grim weather, stupid accents, horrible architecture, industrial nightmare, chav culture. Upsides: er, good buses?

[Marqs]

I really would not consider Japan "behind" in fashion. Some of their stuff is different, but my Japanese American friend pointed out that she's seen trends in Japan that take hold in the U.S. months later because the clothing here is more conservative. But of course, Tokyo is probably the most fashionable place in Japan, and in the U.S., CA girls seem to be more high-maintenance than, say, Boston girls.

IMO - when i was in tokyo for about 2 weeks the people didn't seem to dress as sharply as Kyoto people. And i'm the only one to notice this.

OTOH Osaka also seems more down to earth (more like Tokyo) compared to Kyoto. Maybe it's the local kids from the old fancypants-families or something :D..

[laggedreaction]

Then again, there are a lot of flower patterns in shirts, too. And pink is something they will wear.

Floral prints and pink are quite acceptable on men in the west...unless you're talking about 'wild west', like Wyoming or whatever.

[Crowley]

Yea right. Wear a flowery pink shirt to a football match, why don't you.

[laggedreaction]

Yea right. Wear a flowery pink shirt to a football match, why don't you.

You obviously have the wrong idea. You're thinking of something that's just plain tacky itself. Pink or flower prints can used in way that are perfectly tasteful. When was the last time you guys went to a real department store? Do you even have dress shirts? I kind of get the impression that your closets are filled with oversized black silky shirts featuring prints of flames, dragons and anime characters.

[Crowley]

Heh, not me! I wear very plain clothes indeed!

Maybe for your city metrosexual, pink and floral patterns are A-OK, but for average joe in the street - the plumber who comes to fix your sink - the guy who works in the government office - the postman. Floral is right out. It's not considered "manly".

At least, in England. But then, I'm not particularly manly, maybe I have a complex =)

[sophisticated_monkeys]

I use to think the Japanese were ahead of American fashion. After coming here, I still think it's true, but only about the girls. They dress very nice, and not just the young ones with the eccentric styles. The older women who wear "normal" clothes are pretty snappy dressers, too.
The young boys my age, though, I hate just about everything they put on. Part of it is most of them are too skinny and/or effiminate which is a turn off. The rest wear such miss-matched clothes that I think they'd be better of wearing nothing but jeans and white shirts.

I think most japanese people accessorize their cellphones to some degree.
There was a girl in the English club with a Pooh doll the size of my fist hanging off her phone. That wasn't all she had on there either. I've had my phone for six months, and I only just now put a small strap on there. That was only because it was omiyage from a friend.

[six-eight-ten]

You obviously have the wrong idea. You're thinking of something that's just plain tacky itself. Pink or flower prints can used in way that are perfectly tasteful.

True, there are tasteful, non-effeminate ways of using flower prints, but the stuff I was referring to, being the way flower prints are used in Japan, does not fall into that category. This may require a trip to the local Posful and some surreptitious photography with my cell phone... and then figuring out how to put the pictures up.

Let's just say for now that 90% of Japanese floral print mens shirts would equal homosexual in the eyes of the average western male.

A former co-worker once claimed that if you didn't look at the mannequins' heads, you couldn't tell the difference between mens and womens clothing in Japan. I think that's a bit of an exaggeration, but there is something to it.

[Crowley]

Hehe. Well, frankly, good for Japanese men :)

If you want somewhere to host your pictures, you can upload to imageshack easily, or email them to me and I'll host them for you :)