25 Japanese Fashion Trends you Must Know Right Now

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Centered around culture, community, and self-expression, Japanese fashion combines traditional haute couture with the latest fashion trends into unique styles and fashion statements.

Inspired by Tokyo’s everyday life and fashion styles, such as Kawaii, Japanese fashion is colorful, experimental, clashing, and tactile.

In this article, I’ll introduce you to the 25 most popular Japanese fashion trends right now to inspire you to give your wardrobe a unique Japanese-inspired look.




1. Modern Kimono Look

Custom Made Traditional Japanese Couture
Image courtesy: @_mi1016yu_

As the local designers never gave up on their heritage, traditional Japanese outfits such as Kimonos and Yukata are returning to the Japanese fashion scene.

Fashion-forward Japanese designers such as Chitose Abe – SACAI’s founder – and Yohji Yamamoto are reviving Japanese kimonos in androgynous clothing and gender-neutral looks.

Alice+Olivia Koko reversible Japanese kimono jacket

3/4 Sleeve Japanese Kimono

2. Japanese Goth Style

Goth Grunge Japanese Fashion
Image courtesy: @tokyofashion

This year, we see a trend of Japanese streetwear designers adopting Gothic fashion aesthetics to create unique Goth-style garments, footwear, and accessories.

The trend is noticeable in both traditional and streetwear attire.

 

Comme Des Garçons 1999 crochet-insert midi dress (Pre-Owned)

Jordan Air Jordan 1 High Comme Des Garçons

3. Oversized Rainbow Hoodies

Bold Colors Oversized Hoodies
Image courtesy: @rikarin0526

The baggy clothes mania started on the streets of Tokyo as a symbol of the American hip-hop revolution.

In Japan, we see the return of oversized clothing spearheaded by streetwear brands like BAPE and HARE.

Easy to match with skinny pants, tight-fit dresses, or even muscle-hugging shirts, loose hoodies in rainbow and neon colors are the way forward.

Come Back As A Flower drawstring tie-dye hoodie

Paco Rabanne Lose Yourself tie-dye hoodie




4. Y2k E-girl Style

E Girl Japanese fashion trends
Image courtesy: @tokyofashion

Emerging around the 2000s fashion decade, the Y2K combo with elements of E-girl style is growing fast in popularity.

The concept reflects the modern lifestyle of the early ‘electronic girls,’ but through the lens of Y2K style and even a touch of Y2K Cyber aesthetics.

Khrisjoy Khris Vellus Puffer Jacket

Nike Ambush colourblock tapered trousers




5. Techwear Outfits

Japanese Techwear fashion style in Tokyo
Image courtesy: @tokyofashion

Japanese techwear brands are booming on Reddit and social media.

And it makes a lot of sense as Japanese designers are excellent at using innovative materials to create avant-garde aesthetics.

Y-3 zipped cropped top

Adidas BY Stella McCartney white Vento sneakers

6. Oversized Printed Shirts

Loud Print Shirt Japanese fashion
Image courtesy: @tokyofashion

In the past, Japanese designers adorned shirts with boho-chic style florals and traditional aesthetics like snakes, dragons, cherry trees, and bamboo sticks.

More recently, the prints include a unique blend of Western cultural elements with traditional motifs and patterns.

Anything but subtle, the louder, the better – so this is a year of vibrant prints, crazy patterns, and solid statement pieces.

Ports V graphic-print long-sleeve shirt

Aelfric Eden Short Sleeve Japanese Harajuku Shirt




7. Grunge Look

Plaid on Plaid Japanese fashion trend
Image Courtesy: @heihei_official

Known for mixing and matching prints, Japanese street fashion designers prove there’s no such thing as clashing.

The best example is plaid-on-plaid Grunge-style outfits, which look impressive if you complement rather than compete in colors and styles.

Pair with platform shoes for a unique Grunge-streetwear combo of a powerful visual effect.

R13 Blue Plaid Pieced Shirt

The Ragged Priest mom jeans in mixed plaid

8. Retro-Futuristic Outfits

Silver and Metallic Japanese fashion trend
Image Courtesy: @miyu__0829

Influenced by the retro-futurist aesthetic, metallic and silver (materials and colors) are fast-rising Japanese fashion trends.

Picture a blend of metallic tops, shimmering pleated skirts, paillettes, cropped pants, mini skirts, metallic shoes, shiny clutches, metallic makeup, silvery eyeshadow, and sparkling hair.

Gucci metallic effect bodysuit

MM6 Maison Margiela silver metallic triangle tote bag

9. Dalmatian Prints

Dalmatian Dots Japanese Fashion Trends
Image courtesy: @tokyofashion

It’s no secret that Japanese designers draw much inspiration from Great Britain’s history and heritage.

And, as a country that often blurs the lines between reality and fantasy, anything British, even cartoons or movies, matters.

Such is the case with Cruella, a movie follow-up on Disney’s 101 Dalmatians animation.

Daisy Street Plus relaxed Dalmatian spot knit cardigan

Burberry Dalmatian print pumps




10. Colorbloking Looks

Japanese Block Colour Fashion
Image courtesy: @tokyofashion

We’ve got to thank Yves Saint Laurent for the colorblocking design concept: two or more colors combined or stacked in ‘blocks’ in a single garment.

Inspired by the rise in androgynous and gender-free fashion, current Japanese fashion is bathing in rainbow hues.

Prada color-block nylon hooded jacket

Color block slant pockets corduroy jacket

SweatyRocks Long Sleeve Block Color Print Hoodie

11. Camo Queen Look

Japanese Camo fashion style in Tokyo
Image courtesy: @tokyofashion

From the boots to the sleeves…Japanese youth adore dark-colored camo outfits and military-based hues, showcasing concise and flamboyant personalities ready to stand out.

Maje camouflage-print cargo trousers

Khaki Ripped Pocket Denim Camo Cargo Jeans

Camo Stitch Detail Catsuit

Women's Casual Camouflage Jacket Japanese fashion trend

12. Deconstructed Trench Coats

Japanese fashion Deconstructed Trench Coats
Image courtesy: @ppg_dnc

Timeless and practical, trench coats are a staple in everybody’s closet and a vestimentary garment impossible to go wrong with.

This year, though, Japanese street fashionistas have found ways to reinvent the ever-so-classic trench.

Taken apart, reversed, upside-down, with supersized elements and logos over logos, this year brings the Japanese fashion trend of deconstructed trench coats.

Burberry panelled trench coat - Japanese Deconstructed Trench Coats fashion trend

Maison margiela Deconstructed trench coat

Asos Design check spliced oversized trench coat




13. Bubblegum Denim

Japanese fashion Bubblegum Pink Denim Jeans
Image courtesy: @rikarin0526

Bubblegum is a pink hue with a striking, bright, and vibrant feel.

Denim in bubblegum pink must be worn at the extremes: either the soft, crowd-pleasing hue or the statement-making powerful shade.

With Kawaii styles influencing Japanese fashion trends, bubblegum is always a choice to create a powerful visual message.

MSGM logo-print pink denim jacket

Andrea Bogosian flared leg pink bubble jeans

Tommy Jeans pink mom jean

14. Comfortable ‘Coatigans’

Japanese Coatigans & bold cardigans
Image courtesy: @tokyofashion

A look reserved in the past for school librarians and grandmas, a ‘coatigan’ is a hybrid between a coat and a cardigan.

Described as full-length sweaters, coatigans are made of thick yarn and are heavier than a sweater or a pullover but lighter than the outerwear layers.

To create a cozy and chic look, wear your coatigan over colorful blouses or patterned dresses and a trace of dark lipstick if you’re into Gothic fashion.

Versace La Greca pattern cardigan

ASOS DESIGN edge to edge wavy pattern cardigan

Apbondy V-neck button down cardigan

15. Graphic Athleisure

Graphic Athleisure & Jogger Refresh in Japanese fashion trends 2021
Image courtesy: @rikarin0526

As a nation that has never let go of athleisure wear since its inception, the Japanese love joggers, bottoms, track pants, and runners.

Another quick and easy way to recreate Tokyo’s graphic athleisure look is to experiment with neon colors, oversized accessories, and ‘flatform’ boots.

Koral Maddox infinity bra

P.E Nation Fadeaway tonal-logo track pants

Puma Downtown sweatshirt in off-white




16. Oversized Designer Trench Coats

Over-The-Top Trench Coats Japanese Fashion
Image courtesy: @ppg_dnc

While not for everyone, the oversized designer trench coat look is super cool in Japan right now.

Created for military purposes back in 1912, the appeal of trench coat has lasted through decades of dressing codes.

Thrown over everything, from trendy jeans to athleisure and slinky evening dresses, over-the-top trench coats have a unique and undeniably cool look.

Ganni oversized belted trench coat

Nerazzurri Autumn Oversized long leather trench

17. Designer Clogs

Japanese Designer Clogs
Image courtesy: @tokyofashion

In the 13th century, feudal Japan initially used the clog as a wooden flip-flop.

A few centuries later, the clog resurfaced in Europe as the 19th-century shoe of Dutch farmers.

Clogs are more popular than ever when climbing down staircases and Harajuku’s streets, edging toward Tokyo’s café tills, and moving across gallery floors.

Unfailingly cool, clogs signify a life where one does as one wants and submits to nobody else’s will – corporate uniform and male gaze be damned!

Stella McCartney tan daisy heeled clogs

Sandro Paris Hayden leather clogs

18. Camel-Toe Boots

Japanese Square-Toe Boots
Image courtesy: @ppg_dnc

Love or hate them, this season is all about the square-toe boot.

From the classic comfy block-heel ankle boots to a fierce flat-heel thigh-high style – and everything in between – this year’s Japanese fashion looks are all about square-toe boots.

Get a pair of black leather square-toe ankle boots for a timeless and endlessly versatile look.

Style them best with straight-cut trousers (denim), free-flowing tops in bold shades, and jackets or coats in animal prints, and amp up your off-duty attire.

Japanese fashion Maison Margiela Tabi boots

Japanese fashion trend - Split Toe Air Cushion Ankle Tabi Boots

19. Slouchy Outwear

Japanese fashion slouchy outerwear
Image courtesy: @tokyofashion

Gone are the days when outerwear garments were created and used only to keep you warm.

Slouchy outerwear is characterized by super oversized coats or jackets, worn through the sleeves to the elbows – and then stopping there.

Worn lazily, slouchy outerwear adds depth and rebellious character to your overall look.
Japanese Slouchy Outwear fashion trend - Valentino x Undercover VLOGO Lovers print jacket

Japanese Slouchy Outwea ASOS DESIGN oversized hero quilted maxi coat




20. Anime Accessories

Japanese Fashion Anime Harajuku Accessories
Image courtesy: @tokyofashion

Over-structured and unique, Harajuku-inspired anime accessories have always been part of Japanese fashion.

There’s no one popular accessory but a combination of accessories from the many facets of the Japanese anime fashion scene, complete with dramatic makeup, knee socks, and dyed hair.

6% logo pochette/primal pop pastel

Ainiel unisex Kawaii cat ears cap

21. Wide Leg Pants

Wide leg pants Japanese fashion trends
Image courtesy: @tokyofashion

This season, Japanese outfits are moving away from skin-tight pants and skinny-leg jeans, opting for free-flowing wide-leg bottoms.

And, truth be told, when it comes to wide trousers, nobody does it better than the Japanese designers.

Pinko cropped palazzo trousers

+J wide leg pink pants

22. Patent Leather Jackets

Patent Leather Jackets Japanese Fashion
Image courtesy: @tokyofashion

Put aside your bombers and fuzzy faux-fur toppers and get to the core of this year’s main repertoire: patent leather jackets.

Affordable and sleek, patent leather jackets are popular in Japan, given their power to depict an expensive look that anyone could score.

Helmut Lang patent leather trucker jacket

Monki Rori brown patent leather belted jacket

23. Full White Outfits

White on white Japanese fashion
Image courtesy: @ppg_dnc

Japan’s fashion influencers scouting the underground scene brought the complete white look back to life.

From breathable linen to vintage laces and soft and flowy chiffon to flattering denim, white-on-white shades work best with matching handbags, statement headwear, and chunky sneakers.

Baserange white ribbed-knit organic cotton set




24. Vegan Shearling Jackets

Shearling Jackets Japanese fashion trends
Image courtesy: @ppg_dnc

Shearling is the skin of a lamb – tanned, processed, and dyed with the wool still intact, popular in luxury coats, jackets, hats, and gloves.

Japanese stylists love nostalgic glamour that never goes out of style, as the luxurious shearling jacket brings the punch to your outfits on colder days.

However, most Japanese use faux or vegan leather alternatives and logos for an updated take on the shearling jacket.

Stella McCartney Luna faux-shearling coat

Urbancode Siris reversible faux shearling coat

25. Designer Face Masks

Designer face mask Japanese street fashion
Image courtesy: @tokyofashion

In a country that puts community at its core, wearing a mask is another way of protecting and caring for others.

Yet, the Japanese have turned the face mask into a fashion statement with unique cutouts, logos, and colors, matching them with all sorts of aesthetic clothes.

Marine Serre designer face mask

Off-White jacquard Arrows motif face mask




Conclusion

There you have it: the top 29 Japanese fashion looks, curated by Japan’s best fashion designers, to keep you ahead of the stylistic game.

If anything, these daring stylistic ensembles prove that there’s a formula one has to follow to nail the latest Japanese fashion ideas and looks.

Japan is undoubtedly a leader in unabashed, fashion-forward, innovative, and trend-setting individualistic clothing styles.

And fortunately for us all, Japanese clothing is no longer limited to Japan.

For those of you still exploring and trying to create a personal style, remember that the scene of Japanese clothing brands is something else.

It is fun, exciting, outrageous, and even crazy (at times).

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After years of managing hundreds of fashion brands from London's office of a global retailer, Mandy has ventured into freelancing. Connected with several fashion retailers and media platforms in the US, Australia, and the UK, Mandy uses her expertise to consult for emerging fashion brands create top-notch content as an editorial strategist for several online publications.

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8 COMMENTS

  1. These are fashion styles from an area of Tokyo known for outlandish and extreme fashion. These are not trends, more niche styles these people are following. This year popular fashion trends are t-shirts over hoodies, chef style jackets and trousers, oversized hoodies in light browns, pinks and blues, vintage and new skate/surf brands (Santa-Cruz, Carhart, Nike SB, RVCA, etc) as well as outdoor clothing companies (North Face, Jack Wolfskin, etc). Long skirts for girls with long knitwear on top, wooly hats and berets worn high on the head, New Balance, Vans, and AF1 are very popular still but chunky shoes in general seem to be making a come back.

  2. I love Japanese streetwear designers, especially the rare ones that have not yet left Japan and found some very good ones here. Can I send some streetwear designer names I’ve discovered myself on my last trip in Tokyo

  3. Apart from Harajuku, what other relevant Japanese fashion trends or styles are out there? Can you guys do an article about these Japanese trends or styles for all of us to understand and shop accordingly? Thanks a lot, Max

  4. The “clogs” first shown are also ‘rocking horse shoes’ that are typically worn by the Lolita Fashion community and they’ve never fallen out of style. They’ve been worn for a long time, many love the style so much.

  5. I’m big on Japanese fashion, in particular the minimalistic aspect of it, as we have it here in the Western World – think of Yohji Yamamoto, Demir Doma, etc and I find this article inspirational with excellent shopping sources.

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