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A wide variety of Japanese fashion culture and history of Japanese fashion

Last updated: 11 July 2018

When it comes to fashion in Japan, you may think of kimono, hakama (a traditional Japanese trouser), and yoroi-kabuto (an armor and a helmet). You may also think of colorful clothing worn by Harajuku girls. Let me introduce you to a variety of Japanese fashion culture.

In ancient times, Japanese people used skins of animals they hunted to make them into simple clothes. Later, along with the development of civilization, Japan was influenced through interaction with other countries to dress in clothing made of fabrics. As entering the Middle Ages, the clothing gradually changed into something unique to Japan, which we believe is an original form of kimono. Among people of nobility, layered clothing became popular, and a beautiful clothing called juni-hitoe (twelve-layered ceremonial kimono) was created. Juni-hitoe portrayed different seasons and scenes by layering fabrics with different colors. Among commoners, linen-made kosode (short-sleeved kimono) with cylindrical sleeves was widely popular.

How people dressed was influenced by technological developments and changing times. Entering the war-torn era, people started wearing clothes that were easy to move. Regardless of sex or social status, people started wearing kosode. When Japan began to be influenced by western culture, colors of kosode also started changing, and it became popular to wear garish kosode with patterns. Around the same time, clothes stated to develop into modern-day kimono which was worn with hard, broad fabric belts around the waist.

There are many types of ladies' fashion including a garish fashion worn by teens commonly seen in Japan's pop culture scene. Everyone enjoys their favorite kind of fashion.
A body type of Japanese does not vary much, so you will see many people, men and women alike, in unisex clothing.

There are many women in their 20s who like to use brand-name items. Fashion varies among individuals, but even working women like to add some cute items to their fashion. As for men, it is a trend during the summer for them to wear shorts with the length just above their knees, and narrow trousers are preferred when it comes to long trousers. It is also unique to Japan that Japanese men like layered clothing.

Fashion for people in their 30s tones down as their life changes. Women dress in fashionable clothing that hide their figures, instead of those that reveal their figures. As for men, they like to wear jackets or business shirts even when they are not working. They like to wear clothes that suit their body types, but make a favorable impression at the same time.

Many people in their 40s do not know what to wear. Clothing and body types of people at this age start showing some differences. Many people at this age do not care much about fashion, and you often see these people dress in over-sized clothing. Those who are fashion-sensitive add some brand-name items or trendy items to their chic fashion. It is common for both Japanese men and women to use anti-aging products. Also, so many people at this age wear clothes that are meant for younger people.

People in their 50s are settled in terms of life and money. People in this generation went through the bubble economy, and many are fashion savvy. Fashion with distinct characteristics is popular, such as a luxurious fashion from the west, and natural-style clothes made of organic materials. However, there are many who claim that they have lost their interests in fashion, and they, especially men, simply dress in whatever their partners picked for them.

Japanese people are known for their modesty. That can also be said to clothing worn by senior people in their 60s and above. They prefer to wear something in quiet, low-profile colors like gray, beige, and brown. However, many senior people have begun to enjoy fashion lately. Not many people wear Japan's traditional kimono now, but some senior people wear kimono as daily clothing.