Japanese fashion is based on a rich vocabulary, blending traditional garments, aesthetic concepts, and urban influences. This lexicon of Japanese fashion gathers the most commonly used and sought-after terms to clearly understand the styles, pieces, and clothing philosophies of Japan.
Traditional Japanese clothing
1. Kimono
Traditional Japanese T-shaped garment, worn during ceremonies, formal events, and festivals.
2. Yukata
Light cotton kimono, worn in summer and during matsuri.
3. Noragi
Traditional Japanese work clothing worn by artisans and farmers, now reinterpreted in streetwear.
4. Samue
Comfortable outfit of Buddhist origin, worn by monks for daily work.
5. Haori
Traditional Japanese jacket worn over the kimono, often adapted to modern fashion.
6. Jinbei
Light indoor outfit, consisting of a crossover top and shorts, worn in summer.
7. Happi
Traditional short jacket worn during festivals and community events.
Japanese urban and streetwear
8. Japanese streetwear
Japanese urban style blending loose clothing, utilitarian influences, and local cultural references.
9. Japanese urban fashion
All styles worn in major Japanese cities, influenced by the street and youth.
10. Oversize
Deliberately loose cut favored in Japanese fashion for comfort and freedom of movement.
11. Layering
Layering technique, widely used in Japanese style.
12. Workwear
Style inspired by workwear, focused on functionality and durability.
Japanese aesthetics and philosophies
13. Wabi sabi
Japanese philosophy valuing imperfection, simplicity, and the passage of time.
14. Shibui
Aesthetic based on discreet, sober, and timeless elegance.
15. Japanese minimalism
Approach favoring simple forms, neutral colors, and sustainable clothing.
16. Ma
Japanese concept designating space, emptiness, and balance between elements.
Materials, techniques, and know-how
17. Natural materials
Fabrics made from fibers like cotton, linen, or hemp, widely used in Japan.
18. Japanese indigo
Traditional dye historically used on work clothing.
19. Japanese craftsmanship
Traditional craftsmanship passed down through generations in textile manufacturing.
20. Boro
Japanese textile technique of repair through fabric layering.
Modern styles and contemporary influences
21. Modern Japanese fashion
Current fashion in Japan blending tradition, innovation, and global influences.
22. Japanese avant-garde fashion
Experimental trend playing with deconstruction, volumes, and asymmetry.
23. Japanese techwear
Functional style using technical materials and utilitarian clothing.
24. Japanese Y2K fashion
Style inspired by the 2000s, blending futurism, pop culture, and visual boldness.
Clothing details and uses
25. Fundoshi
Traditional Japanese undergarment worn during festivals or rituals.
26. Tabi
Japanese socks with a separation for the big toe, worn with traditional sandals.
27. Geta
Traditional wooden Japanese sandals.
28. Zori
Traditional flat sandals, often worn with the kimono.
Concepts related to style and identity
29. Japanese clothing culture
Cultural relationship to clothing in Japan, where style expresses identity and values.
30. Japanese aesthetics
Japanese artistic vision prioritizing balance, simplicity, and meaning.
FAQ - Popular questions about Japanese fashion
What is Japanese fashion?
Japanese fashion encompasses the clothing styles developed in Japan, blending tradition, streetwear, and avant-garde.
What are the most famous traditional Japanese garments?
The kimono, yukata, noragi, and haori are among the most well-known.
What is Japanese streetwear?
It is a Japanese urban style focused on comfort, volume, and local cultural influences.
Why is Japanese fashion so influential?
Because it offers a free, functional, and culturally strong fashion.
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