Best Online Stores to Buy Harajuku Fashion

Traditional Japanese wear is ordinarily known to exist a kimono and the accessories that go along with the kimono style. Japanese article of clothing has a long and rich history with a unique mode style and various well known Japanese vesture brands. Present not many people vesture a kimono on a daily basis, but there are many apparel for sale that tin can exist worn casually in daily life. From the kawaii Harajuku girls style, to sophisticated(and sometimes expensive) Japanese designer wearing apparel, there's something for everyone in Japan. Find out almost pop Japanese fashion stores and trends before you visit Japan! This is our list of popular Japanese wearable stores.

Table of contents

Shopping in Japan
Sales period in Japan
Types of Japanese style
- プチプラファッション (Petit-pura manner)
- セレクトショップ (Select shop)
- Designer clothes
Online shopping
Pop affordable wear stores in Japan
- 1. UNIQLO
- two. GU
- three. MUJI
- 4. Shimamura
- v. WEGO
- 6. BEAMS
- 7. United Arrows
- eight. Journal Standard
- 9. Honeys
- ten. nano universe
College end/ designer vesture stores
- 11. Comme des Garçons
- 12. A Bathing Ape(Bape)
- 13. Surreptitious
- 14. Yohji Yamamoto
- 15. Sacai
Outlet Shopping in Japan
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Shopping in Nihon

Earlier nosotros swoop into the wonderful world of fashion here in Nihon, we'd like to permit y'all know about a few things. Japan is ane of the biggest fashion hubs in the world and definitely has something to offer for anybody. Whether y'all are looking for cheap, functionable clothes, limited designer items or something super kawaii, Japan has got you covered. But before going on a shopping spree, let u.s.a. explain a little bit about shopping in Nihon and how it might differ from shopping in your dwelling land.

The kickoff thing you will detect, or maybe the second affair subsequently the style here, is that the sizes tin differ a lot from other countries, especially if you come from a Western state. Typically, Japanese clothing is smaller, so pay attending to the length of sleeves and trouser legs and the so-called 'Asian fit'. When you hit the shops, staff generally follow y'all around, but don't worry this is normal in Nihon! They are trying to bring you impeccable service and then don't get uncomfortable and feel free to ask them anything you might be wondering.

Side by side, when you want to try on clothes, be aware that it is super common to accept off your shoes in the dressing rooms. Woman are likewise asked to comprehend their face with a white sail to prevent makeup from ruining the dress. When you are done, it is considered very rude to get out clothes in the dressing room. So when you are finished trying on dress, the staff and other customers would appreciate it if you returned the clothes to them.

Lastly, ever try to check the return and exchange policy of each store. In Japan it is not common that the shop will allow you to return your purchased appurtenances. When yous are an overseas resident, also make certain to ask for the revenue enhancement-free shopping options! Equally an international tourist you can salvage a corking amount of money shopping tax-gratis.

Sales period in Nippon

Japan has a reputation for existence expensive, but despite this, there are some means to save a few yen and store cheaper. The best time of year to get shopping is either December or January, when virtually Japanese stores have their winter sales. The peak for summer sales in Japan is from late June to mid July. As well these two major sales periods, the first week of January(for holiday shopping and the famous lucky bags) and Golden Week(for bound sales) are too proficient times to go shopping.

Types of Japanese fashion

Recently, two types of Japanese fashion have been gaining popularity among both Japanese people and people all over the world, "プチプラファッション(Petit-pura manner)", and "セレクトショップ(Select store)". Let's run into what kind of stores they are.

プチプラファッション (Petit-pura way)

Nowadays, functional and stylishly designed clothes that you lot tin can buy at reasonable prices are very popular in Japan. Stores that sell such clothes are called "プチプラファッション (petit-pura fashion)" in Nippon. "プチ(Petit)" means "little" in French and "プラ(pura)" is an abbreviation of "price". Petit-pura fashion has gained a huge following among Japanese students and families, regardless of age. Not merely are they cheap, but a variety of dissimilar kinds of clothes, from coincidental clothes for daily life and sports, to formal wearing apparel for lunches and dinners, are sold.

セレクトショップ (Select shop)

There is another type of style stores chosen "セレクトショップ(select shop)" in Japan, which sell products from multiple brands in improver to their ain brand. Select shops are basically scaled-down departments stores. Their prices are often higher than those of petit-pura fashion. Simply in the case of select stores, products of other brands are displayed in improver to their ain brand. Their original purpose was to be a place where you could get to discover new brands and see them combined together in a refreshing way by people that understood and followed the trends. This was, of course, earlier magazines and the cyberspace made their advent. The biggest entreatment of select shops nowadays is that you can find products from a diverseness of brands and get inspired by the latest global fashion trends at one shop.

Designer clothes

Japanese designers are known for their distinctive trends and minimalistic style. Recently, Tokyo has become 1 of the biggest manner cities in the world with many local designers trying their luck. Tokyo Fashion Week is, different other big way weeks around the earth, known for their smaller label exhibitors that can be quite expensive and exclusive.

Online shopping

With COVID19 affecting all of us, the whole world has shifted to doing a lot of its shopping online. Similar everyone else, Japan has moved in this direction as well. There are lots of Japanese habiliment stores online where you tin exercise your shopping and I'yard sure there is a store that has what yous're looking for. At that place are even some stores that take a service where they will exercise a video phone call with you and prove you their selection also every bit how each particular fits and looks when tried on. It'south a pretty amazing world we are living in! Many of the habiliment stores on our listing also have an online shop and some even have stores in other countries every bit well. Have a look at their official websites for all of the details!

Popular affordable vesture stores in Nippon

Not long ago, Japanese fashion was a well-kept clandestine, but that is not the case anymore. Popular Japanese fashion shops and brands are available worldwide, while others are sectional to Japan. Permit'southward learn a bit about Japanese mode stores and brands to shop at while you lot are Nihon.

1. UNIQLO

The leader in petit-pura fashion in Japan is UNIQLO. As of November 2020, UNIQLO had a total of 2,298 stores worldwide. Of these stores, ane,483 are located overseas, in places such equally the United States, the United Kingdom, French republic, People's republic of china, and Australia. UNIQLO's clothes are characterized past their low prices, uncomplicated design, and high functionality. Kei Nishikori, a famous Japanese professional tennis player, often wears UNIQLO clothes to his matches. Other Global Brand Ambassadors include Roger Federer, Ayumu Hirano and Gordon Reid among others.

UNIQLO'southward standard product line includes are "AIRism" and "Heattech". AIRism is a series of highly functional under wear that uses ultra-fine fibers to absorb sweat, keeping yous dry out and comfy especially in the hot summertime. On the other hand, Heattech is a way series that uses fibers that generate heat, making information technology perfect for the cold winters. Merely at UNIQLO can y'all buy dress that make apply of Japanese engineering science for such a depression cost.

ii. GU

GU is a petit-pura brand launched in 2006 by the same company that operates UNIQLO, with the concept of "making mode more free." If UNIQLO is known for its high performance Japanese habiliment, GU is known for its low-cost trendy style, and is popular mainly among the younger generations. When you want to buy the latest trendy mode at a reasonable price, GU is the identify for you to go.

3. MUJI

MUJI, pop for its retort foods such as butter chicken curry all well equally interior goods, has besides entered the world of Japanese fashion brands! MUJI offers a large selection of clothes with elementary, natural designs that never go onetime and that you can easily match with other clothes. They accept besides focused on using high-quality materials for their dress, such as organic cotton. If you like clothes in calm colors, MUJI is a great option for you.

Kim Ahlström, CC By 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

4. Shimamura

Shimamura, another petit-pura brand, has recently been gaining rapid popularity in Nihon. They now take over i,300 stores nationwide. The brand is quite affordable and has been involved in many collaborations with various anime characters and celebrities, which has been attracting a lot of people, especially anime fans. This manner brand is more than localized than urban, and mostly targets families with children. For this reason, they have a large selection of children's clothes and clothes that are easy to wear in everyday life.

5. WEGO

If you are interested in Harajuku style or Japanese street fashion, WEGO is a great identify to get them at an affordable price! WEGO is a popular fashion brand among students and immature people, mainly in their teens and twenties. WEGO has 148 stores nationwide, including an online shop. Their fashion is full of original designs that can be coordinated with in cool ways. If yous are looking for a quick and easy style to try out the current younger generations Japanese fashion, check out this brand.

6. BEAMS

BEAMS is a fashion brand that offers imported and original products, and is said to be a pioneer of select stores. Therefore, y'all can find a variety of brands other than BEAMS at each store. The store was started by Etsuzo Shitara with a single small shop in Harajuku chosen American Life Shop BEAMS. The wearing apparel sold at BEAMS represent a mix of American looks from the 1960s and Japanese adroitness. The stylish interior of BEAMS stores is very appealing, and it is sure to become yous in the mood for fashion shopping.

chinnian, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

7. United Arrows

United Arrows is a must mention if we are talking nearly famous Japanese select stores. The Japanese wearable brand was founded in 1989 and has since collaborated with popular international brands like New Remainder, The North Face up and Dr. Martens. The founding members of United Arrows were mostly former BEAMS employees who envisioned a shop where you could not just buy wearing apparel, but also create ideas for a more than fashionable lifestyle. Their overall design is stylish and luxurious and quite popular among people of all ages. Their prices tend to be higher than others, but their apparel are perfect for parties or a appointment.

eight. Periodical Standard

Journal Standard is another select store in Nihon that sells a wide variety of products from Japan and abroad. It is a pop brand and their American style casually designed clothes accept attracted Japanese teenagers, immature adults, and academy students akin. Dress available at Journal Standard are known for their loftier-quality materials. Their contemporary designs are neat for everyday outings or a day out with friends.

9. Honeys

Honeys is a petit-pura fashion make that is pop amid Japanese teens and women who like designs typically made for adults. Honeys has collaborated with many anime characters such as Sanrio, Disney, Moomin, etc, so if you lot're a collector of anime character goods, you should check it out. If you lot are having trouble coordinating your outfit with Honeys clothes, don't worry. You lot can bank check out the professional coordination page past the shop stylists on the official online store for help. They will give you lot some fashion tips.

10. nano universe

Known as a select store that started in Shibuya, nano universe is a fashion make that targets people in their teens to thirties. Their designs are more often than not cool, and recommended for those who want to article of clothing clothes with a slightly formal but relaxed vibe. They also sell a unique fashion series chosen "Anti-soaked", which is specially manufactured to cut UV rays and reduce sweat, making it perfect for the hot summer season.

Higher end/ designer wear stores

11. Comme des Garçons

Akitoishii, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Comme des Garçons(also known as CDG) is a Japanese fashion label founded by the famous Rei Kawakubo in 1969 which officially became a company in 1973. The name of the company is French and translates into "like boys". The brand got big in Nihon in the 1970'south and had its debut fashion show in Paris in the early 1980'southward. Throughout the 20th century their clothes were oft idea of as punk oriented and viewed fairly negatively. However today they have become extremely popular and are well known around the world. In the past the brand was known for its use of blackness distressed fabrics and unfinished seams just nowadays they're more famous for their casual luxury line "Play". Y'all might have seen their red centre motif on T-shirts or shoes. They now have stores not simply throughout Nihon but also in places like London, Melbourne, Hong Kong, and New York Urban center to name a few.

12. A Bathing Ape(Bape)

You may have heard of the legend Nigo, who is famous worldwide as a manner designer, DJ, record producer and entrepreneur. Nigo started A Bathing Ape in Harajuku in Tokyo in 1993, simply little did he know it would get a global powerhouse. He got inspiration for the name of the company from the flick "Planet of the Apes" that he loved watching from a young age. At the showtime, due to Nigo'southward depression budget, their product quantity was very low, meaning the clothing was pretty rare and hard to obtain. Equally the company got bigger he connected using this sectional strategy, which allowed him to sell his production for a higher toll. The utilise of cartoony prints, vivid colors, and the famous military machine patterns became not only pop in Nihon but in other countries as well after diverse hip hop stars started wearing the brand. Now Bape is massive throughout the world and can nevertheless exist hard to get depending on where you lot alive. If you're ever in Tokyo(or nearly any other big metropolis in Japan), it might be worth checking out the local A Bathing Ape store. Their products are much cheaper in Japan than in other countries!

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13. Undercover

Undercover, started past the Japanese fashion designer Jun Takahashi around the same fourth dimension Nigo started Bape, is a high finish streetwear brand designed for men, women and children. Undercover made its fashion evidence debut in 2002 at the Paris Style Week in France. This is ane of the just brands out there that can pull off both streetwear and designer style clothes that appear in fashion shows. They started as a punk streetwear brand that was inspired by The Sexual activity Pistols, and now take grown into a full on mode label. Recently Undercover has become even more famous for their collaborations with brands like Supreme and Nike, which are sought after all over the globe.

14. Yohji Yamamoto

Similar to the previously mentioned Rei Kawakubo, Yohji Yamamoto became a big name in the early 1980's at the Paris Way Week where he showed the world his unfinished garments that appeared to be in tatters and thrown together terminal minute, just were actually just a part of his own unique style. Now with the three famous labels "Yohji Yamamoto", "Y's", and "Y-iii", he is 1 of the about famous fashion designers in the world. Yous may have seen the well known Y-3 collaboration with Adidas that is quite sought after in the sneaker and streetwear globe. Yohji Yamamoto stores can be plant throughout Nihon and in other countries like the U.k. and France. Similar any other designer stores, the clothes aren't exactly cheap, but they are well made and are definitely worth checking out.

15. Sacai

Sacai is a luxury fashion brand in Nippon that was founded by Chitose Abe in 1999. Growing up, Abe's female parent worked as a seamstress and Abe learned how to brand apparel for her own dolls from a immature age. Abe worked for both Comme des Garçons and Junya Watanabe, gaining feel before starting Sacai. The brand is breaking the barriers of what normal article of clothing and coincidental wear are, creating dress that tin be worn on whatever occasion. The make has really started to gain popularity recently, collaborating with big companies similar The Due north Face, Beats, Apple and Nike.

Outlet Shopping in Japan

Outlet malls offer better deals and discounts throughout the year, which makes them an ideal shopping spot for everyone at any fourth dimension. Some of the to a higher place mentioned shops are also located at the outlet shopping malls in and around Tokyo, but also nationwide. Here you can score your new Japanese wardrobe for a bargain! These outlet malls offer not only not bad shopping experiences but also a wide range of services and helpful facilities. Well-nigh of them take information desk services operated by multilingual staff, playgrounds for kids, free parking and much more!

We talked about 15 Japanese clothing stores in Japan, have you found one you might want to check out? Each store has established its own targeting age grouping and has its own manner. Some brands may have stores overseas, and so check their official websites to run into if you can shop for their wearing apparel in your country as well. Depending on the fourth dimension of year, in that location may be sectional collaborations with characters or discounts, and then don't miss out! Have fun shopping for Japanese clothing!

Happy traveling!