Japanese textiles are among the most beautiful in the world. With magnificent hand-dyed silks and exquisite cottons, Japanese fabrics are highly sought after across the globe. Among the most iconic textile items is the kimono, which has become a symbol of Japan’s rich textile industry.
The kimono is Japan’s traditional garment and is still worn today for formal occasions. It is a T-shaped, straight-lined robe that falls to the ankle, featuring a collar and full-length sleeves. The sleeves are often exceptionally wide at the wrist, especially in women’s kimonos, which are typically made of elaborate silk fabrics adorned with intricate patterns and embroidery.
The finest kimonos can cost hundreds of thousands of yen, but more affordable options are widely available in the 10,000 to 40,000 yen range. These are often made from cotton or synthetic materials yet remain extremely beautiful. You can find them in shopping centres, department stores, markets, and arcades. In Tokyo, visit Asakusa, Nihonbashi, or department stores in Ginza for a mix of high-end and reasonably priced kimonos. In Osaka, Shinsaibashi and Umeda offer a variety of options, while Nagoya’s Osu shopping district is a great place to browse for both new and second-hand kimonos. Yokohama’s Chinatown and Motomachi areas also have a selection of traditional garment shops.
Men’s kimonos are generally simpler in design, featuring subdued, dark colours. A formal men’s kimono is traditionally plain black with five kamon (family crests) displayed on the chest, shoulders, and back. A slightly less formal version has three kamon and is typically worn with white undergarments and accessories.
In everyday life, Japanese fashion is quite modern by global standards. People commonly wear jeans, slacks, and T-shirts, often featuring English phrases—some of which don’t always make much sense! Fast-fashion retailers like Uniqlo, GU, and Muji dominate the clothing market, offering stylish yet practical outfits at affordable prices. Most major train stations and shopping districts, such as Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Ikebukuro in Tokyo or Namba in Osaka, are home to a vast selection of fashion retailers, making it easy to shop for Western-style clothing.
Due to differences in average body size, Japanese clothing sizes tend to run small compared to those in Western countries. For example, a Japanese XL is often equivalent to a small or medium elsewhere. If you’re unsure about sizing, it’s always best to try on clothing before purchasing, as returns and exchanges may be limited in some stores. However, many shops, particularly larger retailers, now have fitting rooms available for customers to check their fit before buying.
