Cultural Influence On Japanese Fashion
Japanese fashion is a fascinating blend of tradition and modernity. It is heavily influenced by the country’s rich cultural history and its ability to embrace global trends. Japan’s fashion has always reflected its unique cultural values. Here’s a look at the major cultural influences shaping Japanese fashion.
- Historical Influence Traditional Japanese attire, such as the kimono, has had a huge influence on the country’s fashion. The kimono represents the core of Japan’s cultural heritage and continues to inspire modern fashion designers. Even today, elements of traditional clothing like the obi or the use of silk fabrics are often reinterpreted in contemporary styles.
- Minimalism And Aesthetic Philosophy The Japanese aesthetic philosophy of “wabi-sabi,” which emphasizes simplicity and the beauty of imperfection, has influenced fashion design in Japan. Many Japanese designers like Yohji Yamamoto and Issey Miyake are known for their minimalist designs, clean lines, and innovative fabric techniques that celebrate the collaboration of simplicity and creativity.
- Street Fashion Japanese street fashion, especially in areas like Harajuku, has become a global phenomenon. Subcultures like Lolita, Gyaru, and Visual Kei have emerged as vibrant expressions of individuality. They are influenced by Western styles but are uniquely Japanese in their execution.
- Pop Culture And Technology Japanese pop culture, including anime, manga, and technology, plays a huge role in influencing fashion trends. Characters from popular media inspire fashion styles, while Japan’s cutting-edge technology leads to innovative fabrics and futuristic designs. Japan continues to innovate while preserving its rich cultural heritage, making its fashion scene one of the most unique and influential in the world. Here are the top Japanese clothing brands to choose from that offer a wide variety from minimalist aesthetics to bold street fashion.
Top 12 Japanese Clothing Brands
1. Uniqlo
Uniqlo tops the charts when it comes to Japanese brands. And if you have been looking for Japanese apparel, you must have definitely heard of it. Founded in 1949, Uniqlo is an inexpensive brand that does not compromise on its quality. With over 900 stores spread across Asia, USA, and Europe, it is one of the most sought-after brands in the world. Whether it is activewear, casual, or formal – their style is preppy and great value for money.
2. United Arrows
United Arrows spread the spirit and taste of Japan to the world, and that continues to be the epicenter of their business model. If you are someone who appreciates out-of-the-box fashion and looks for classy pieces when you are out shopping, you need to check out United Arrows. United Arrows also has other sub-brands under its label that sell beauty and lifestyle products, so it takes care of all your needs. Shop Their Collection Here
3. Comme des Garçons
Comme des Garçons is all about avant-garde fashion. It is considered to be the epitome of stylish, bespoke, and couture clothing in Japan. Let me give you a perspective of how big this brand is – the theme of the Met Gala in 2017 was based on Rei Kawakubo (its founder) and Comme de Garçons. The brand was founded in 1969 and has extended into men’s apparel since then. Even though it’s a luxury line, it started launching affordable collections a few years ago to expand its customer base. Fashion Stylist, Eleonora Fiano, adds “Comme des Garçons is renowned for its avant-garde and conceptual fashion, often pushing boundaries with unconventional silhouettes and materials.” Shop Their Collection Here
4. Beams
Beams was started in 1974 and is more than just an apparel store. It designs interior decor, furniture, accessories, shoes, and (of course) clothing. Its clothes lean towards casual and street style, making it a bit hit in North America. With over 140 stores spread across Japan, New York, China, Hong Kong, Milan, and Paris, Beams is a hot favorite worldwide. Neighborhood is a street-style Japanese brand that is famous for edgy motorcycle apparel. Shop Their Collection Here
5. Tsumori Chisato
Tsumori Chisato started her eponymous label in 1990 after her successful apprenticeship under Issey Miyake. She headed the ‘Issey Sports’ division before starting her own company with the encouragement of her mentor. Her unique way of blending luxurious textiles with intricate designs, embroidery, and prints that are created from scratch has won her numerous awards. With over 40 stores across Asia, USA, Russia, and Scandinavia, Tsumori Chisato is one of its kind and a discerning choice. Shop Their Collection Here
6. WEGO
When it comes to fast fashion, no one does it better than WEGO. This fashion retail brand was first established in Tokyo and has over 150 stores in Japan today. It is especially popular among young adults due to its hip and trendy designs and super-affordable prices. If you’ve always wanted to try out the uber-cool Harajuku style, you need to head to WEGO. Carly, a fashion blogger, shares her experience of doing a photoshoot with WEGO shoes in her personal blog. She recounts, “I really think these [WEGO LED Sneakers] are the coolest shoes I’ve ever owned. Not only do they light up in 7 colors, they also have a mode where it flashes through all 7 like a disco (i)!”
7. Issey Miyake
Issey Miyake is a brand most of us already know of. The designer launched his self-named brand in 1970 and presented his first collection in New York in 1971. Fashion Stylist, Eleonora Fiano, says “Issey Miyake is known for its innovative and artistic approach to clothing, incorporating pleats, geometric patterns, and architectural shapes into their designs.” Issey Miyake is known for bringing art, nature, and fashion together with his impeccable taste in fabrics. He remains one of the most influential designers in the world with a futuristic view of making clothes. Apart from clothes, Issey Miyake is also widely known for his perfumes. Shop Their Collection Here
8. Cecil McBee
We can’t talk about the best clothing brands from Japan without talking about Cecil McBee. This store has been around for more than two decades and continues to be a top contender. It is one of the most sought-after brands amongst youngsters and is equivalent to contemporary Western brands like H&M, Forever 21, and Zara. Shop Their Collection Here
9. Snidel
If you describe your personal style as feminine and minimalistic, Snidel is the brand for you. Its designs are a beautiful blend of delicate cuts and street style, which is what every urban woman dreams of. Undercover and A Bathing Ape are Japanese brands that blend street style with high fashion. Shop Their Collection Here
10. Peach John
Peach John is the Victoria’s Secret of Japan with its exceptional designs, quality, and style. It started off as a mail-order brand, became an instant hit, and went on to open more than 40 stores over the next few years. It makes lingerie, loungewear, and intimates to match every woman’s needs. Its motto is ‘Healthy, Happy, Sexy,’ which is what women should feel inside out.
11. Gelato Pique
Soft, cozy, and cottagecore are the words to describe Gelato Pique’s comfortable loungewear and casual clothing. Their luxury designs are inspired by sweets and their vision is to create “wearable desserts” for their young and adult consumers. Their collections are regularly updated and always aligned with the current trends. Check out their website for laid-back yet expensive-looking clothes. Shop Their Collection Here
12. ADEAM
Celebrated designer and founder of ADEAM, Hanako Maeda, created this brand with the vision of “East Meets West” inspired by her upbringing between New York And Japan. The brand is committed to blending traditional Japanese craft with contemporary accents for styles that are familiar yet have a unique ethnic flavor. In 2021 they released their first gender-neutral collection called ADEAM ICHI, largely inspired by Tokyo street fashion. Shop Their Collection Here What is the most popular luxury brand in Japan? Issey Miyake, Comme des Garçons, Junya Watanabe, Visvim, Sacai, and Yohji Yamamoto are some of the most luxurious Japanese luxury brands. Other Japanese brands, such as Uniqlo, Muji, WEGO, etc., offer a wide range of good quality casual and basic garments at different price ranges. What are the most affordable clothing brands? Some of the most affordable brands in Japan are Uniqlo, Muji, GU, Wego, Shimamura, and Ingni. Are Japanese clothing brands expensive? Japanese clothing brands are usually cheap in Japan and even outside Japan. Uniqlo and GU are two of the most inexpensive Japanese clothing brands. How can I incorporate Japanese fashion into my personal style? Japanese fashion offers a lot of diversity and variety. You can pick a style that resonates with you. Try layering your clothes, like tees with tank tops, vests with shirts, etc. You may include patterns like stripes, plaid, and gingham in your personal style and opt for wide-legged bottom wear like palazzos, paper bag waist pants, etc. You may refer to the brands discussed above to get a better idea of Japanese fashion. What are some iconic Japanese fashion pieces? Some of the most iconic Japanese pieces include ruffled, laced dresses with bows paired with Mary-Jane shoes and stockings, oversized tops, loud, vibrant shirts or suits, and plaid shirts or tops and trousers. How does the sizing of Japanese clothing brands compare to Western sizing? For women, a US size is five sizes larger than a Japanese size. For example, a dress of U.S. size 4 will be a Japanese size 9. For men, for each half-size of the US, the Japanese size increases by one. For instance, for US size 14.5, the Japanese size equivalent is 37. What are some Japanese streetwear brands? Neighborhood, BAPE, Undercover, and Comme des Garcons are some Japanese streetwear brands. Are there any ethical or sustainable Japanese clothing brands? Casa Fline, Muji, Oblekt, People Tree, and Tennen are some sustainable Japanese clothing brands. Can I find traditional Japanese clothing at Japanese clothing brands? Many Japanese clothing brands sell fashion items made by recycling vintage kimonos. Some of the Japanese clothing brands that sell traditional Japanese traditional dresses are Takahashi Hiroko, Harajuku Chicago, and Y and Sons. Check out this video for a list of must-buy Japanese brands! From clothing to footwear, there’s something for everyone. Get ready to explore the best of Japan!
