Top 20 Best Japanese Clothing Brands Popular You Should Know

I have a confession to make. I’m kinda addicted to clothes shopping. But not just any kind. I get specifically fixated on high-quality Japanese clothing from online stores. Nothing quite compared to the clothing items that manufacturers and brands supply exclusively for the Japanese market. I almost can’t contain myself whenever a new collection of my favorite brand gets launched.

But this doesn’t mean that buying Japanese clothes online is simple. The Japanese market is a discerning market with many quirks. Many brands don’t actually focus on selling online since most of their income comes from offline retail. This means that sometimes you would have to depend on Japanese resellers to get your favorite pieces shipped to your front door. As the shift to selling online becomes more and more inevitable, we would like to give you our online brand recommendations when buying Japanese clothes online.

1. Uniqlo

Uniqlo – The retail famous chain in Japan

Uniqlo! How this list would be incomplete without mentioning this fashion empire! Uniqlo is a lifestyle fashion brand that focuses on selling casual clothing items. What sets Uniqlo apart from other brands is its wearability. They are known for making and designing pieces that look great now as well as ten years down the line. This transcendental quality is what makes them truly stand out. Uniqlo’s timeless aesthetics are why they are so successful and have a cult following.

This doesn’t mean that the brand is stuck in its own way. Uniqlo always experiments with new product categories and forms new collaborations with household names and other talents. Some notable collaborations include Walt Disney, local anime artists, and other artists to put out all sorts of clothing one could wear.

Not only can people rest assured with the style when they pick a reliable brand like Uniqlo, but their clothing quality is also second to none. If you ever put on Uniqlo t-shirts or trousers, you will get what we are talking about. The brand has super consistent high quality and their fabrics are always skin-friendly. Comfortable casual wear with high-quality execution that doesn’t break the bank is the very key to their continuous success.

As a game-changer in the field, Uniqlo embraced online selling very early on. Uniqlo loves selling online but apparently, Uniqlo online stores in each country only serve their domestic market. This is why if you really need any items that are only available in the Japanese market, you will have to rely on a buying service.

2. Wego

WEGO – a combination of casual and Harajuku-style fashion.

When we think of a Japanese street style, we think of the juxtaposition of chic minimalist style and surreal Harajuku style outfits. Inspired by these styles, WEGO is famous for its electric combination of casual and Harajuku-style fashion.

Found in 1994 in Osaka, this brand’s mission is to supply young people in their 20s with the trendiest apparel. Since they are so attuned to the pulse of fashion, they have risen to become a top name for all the youngsters, opening up to over 150 stores across Japan. 

WEGO is known for its partnership with other fashion empires like Kappa and Disney. These merchandise are sold exclusively at WEGO and attract much attention from both fans and the industry. Due to these original collaborations, fashion fans have kept coming to WEGO so they can own these limited edition pieces.

Recently, WEGO launched its own e-shop and so you don’t have to physically get to the store to own the pieces of the latest collections. Just go to their websites and place your order within the bat of an eye. However, WEGO doesn’t deliver internationally themselves. Users can find many workarounds, one of them is to use the bundled package forwarding platform.

>> See more: How to buy from Beams Japan?

3. ZOZOTOWN

Zozotown – a Japanese fashion E-commerce store staple

Founded in 2004, Zozotown has been a Japanese fashion E-commerce store staple. They help brands sell their own products through Zozotown and this is their main expertise. It’s like walking into a virtual department store with all the brand names you know and love (ie. Adidas and Nike).

While most people think of Zozotown as a site for the Japanese to buy International brands, many people forget that they also help international fashion fans access Japanese brands.

While Zozotown does offer international shipping, you need to have a clear distinction in mind. The Japanese site only offers Nationwide shipping to all of Japan prefectures while the US sites cater to many other countries around the world.

4. BAPE

A Bathing Ape – Japanese streetwear companies

BAPE is a brand that may slip your radar, but they are widely known amongst the fashionista enthusiast community. If you love the modern lifestyle and the cool streetwear look, then BAPE will really tickle your fancy. With 19 stores nationwide, their success can be traced to its founder’s vision and business sense. Nigo, who founded the brand in 1993, has been studying fashion in college and already achieved landslide success in those early days.

While BAPE might be remembered by international shoppers with their much-awaited collab with Kanye West, A$AP Rocky, or Kid Cudi, no project can really outshine their partnership with the Hello Kitty brand.

Unfortunately, BAPE doesn’t fulfill international orders so fashion fans outside of Japan would need to rely on other shipping platforms that bridge this gap.

>> See more: How to buy Bape from Japan?

5. Mercari

While the sites listed above are B2C sites, this site is unique in that the sellers can be just about anybody. This marketplace app allows people to trade used goods and set flexible shipping options so they are perfect for selling new and used clothes. What makes many fashion lovers obsessed with Mercari is the Japanese culture of preserving goods and products. You can buy many used items without any visible issues at a fraction of the retail price.

There are two versions of Mercari: the Japanese site and the US site. Each only serves their domestic market and doesn’t facilitate international shipping. If you want to buy something from Japan, go on Mercari Japan, get the link and ask an international shipping service to take care of the rest.

6. Rakuten

Rakuten – Japan’s biggest e-commerce giant

It might seem strange to the outside world but Rakuten is like the ultimate mashup between Amazon and eBay. Many Rakuten sellers have established businesses with big marketing budgets while some sellers are just consumers wanting to sell things on the side.

Rakuten is truly Japan’s biggest e-commerce giant since you can find so many different things on here besides clothing. If you fancy Japanese cosmetics, electronics, or home appliances, or literally any other sorts of goods, you can rest assured that you can find something to your taste. Rakuten’s goods are reasonably priced and have very good quality.

Due to their healthy mix of wholesalers, manufacturers, and small resellers, Rakuten’s products are always sought after. The international version of the site includes all the resellers who are willing to fulfill orders globally. While this version might be more limited than the original Rakuten, it is still a reasonable choice when the goods you are after don’t have a satisfactory alternative or local sellers.

7. SALZ Tokyo

Salz Kimono – Japanese clothing items as souvenirs or gifts

If you love the Japanese culture, then one part of Japan’s culture will likely captivate your interest – their traditional clothing. Luckily for us, there is a wonderful website out there to help us get all of our needs met when it comes to vintage kimono and yukata. Not only do they sell authentic Japanese clothing items as souvenirs or gifts, but there‘s also a robust collection of graphic t-shirts, dresses, and accessories. 

If you feel their current offering doesn’t seem to suit your style, you can absolutely order your own kimono with your own twist. SALZ Tokyo’s made-to-order service can be an absolute godsend for anybody who wants to create their own version of this special Japanese Attire Form.

SALZ Tokyo’s online store ships globally and the best part is that their shipping services are rather speedy.

8. Amazon Japan

As this e-commerce giant has already dominated much of America’s online shopping experience, Amazon also has a big presence in Japan. Amazon Japan, however, has a local twist to them and operates very much the same way as Rakuten. Amazon Japan also has many products that you can only get from Japan and nowhere else. If you are seeking Japanese clothes or seeking resellers with a variety of products, you can absolutely seek out Amazon Japan.

While not every seller on Amazon Japan has their listings ship internationally, you’ll be surprised at what is available on here. So if you are seeking something from the Land of the rising sun, be sure to toggle the filter for “International shipping” before making your search.

9. COMME des GARÇONS

COMME des GARÇONS – avant-garde designs

One of the biggest Japanese brands in the fashion industry, COMME des GARÇONS was founded by Rei Kawakubo in the 1970s in Japan. The brand strikes a fascinating balance between avant-garde fashion and utilitarian everyday wear. They continue to receive a lot of attention and affection from fans and critics alike due to some of the notable achievements that no other Japanese brands have reached.

Even though the CdG clothing line was designed in Japan, its original birthplace, they showcase their best work during the Paris Fashion Week. The audience will be overwhelmed by the sculpture-like garment and theatrical presentation if they closely follow the brand’s show.

However, jaw-dropping runway clothes might not be very practical in day-to-day life. If you need something more casual and wearable, you can check out their Play line. Get all the expertly crafted T-shirts, sweatshirts, and sneakers and experience the affordable entry-level luxurious CdG brand. You can get all the clothes with the famous heart logo from resellers or stockists in Japan as it is not very easy to get ahold of much-sought-after COMME des GARÇONS Play line items from Japan itself.

10. Peach John

Peach John is the go-to brand for women

Mika Noguchi founded her new company, Peach John, with her husband Shoji Noguchi in Tokyo in 1994. Their vision for the company in the early day was to sell imported American lingerie, esp. the Bomb Bust bra. This padded bra from America was an overnight success that helped propel Peach John into producing their own original bra and lingerie. All of this started in 1998.

Nowadays, Peach John is wholly owned by Wacoal, another major Japanese lingerie producer. With various shop locations all across Japan, Peach John is the go-to brand for women who like cute high-quality lingerie at an affordable price. Even though PJ doesn’t have a big online presence, you can likely get your hands on these cute items through some resellers on various eCommerce platforms.

11. Beams

Beams has always been a prominent brand of Japanese clothing and we think that they deserve a mention when you are seeking a good brand to buy Japanese clothes online.

However, when people think of Beam they also think of clothing stores that carry the namesake brands as well as other brands. While not as big as Uniqlo, Beams is a mini fashion chain that has a widespread network of shops all across Japan. Some flagship Beams department stores occupy almost 7 floors with so many types of goods and products. We’re talking interior goods, decor, furniture, arts, clothing, and all kinds of sports gear.

Beams brand of clothing carries many different types of products such as shoes, bags, trousers, shirts, casualwear, classic wardrobe pieces. The artwork that goes with Beams clothing is funky and cartoonish in nature which helps make the process of discovering items become so much fun. Beams targets young Japanese consumers and stays away from practices that make them look like luxury goods. In fact, one can attribute their success to their impeccable quality at a very reasonable price.

If you are wishing to get Beams clothes from another country, please remind yourself to use their bundled World shopping service as per the website instructions. Another option is to pick your own buying service and make payment directly to this service.

12. United Arrows

A new name for people who love Japanese unconventional brands

United Arrows might not be a new name for people who love Japanese unconventional brands. This high-end brand specializes in both men’s and women’s clothing. One of the great perks when shopping on their site is the option to use other languages. Currently, consumers can choose English, Japanese or Chinese to navigate the site and make a purchase.

If there is a phrase to describe United Arrows’s client base it would be: “an unconventional free spirit who stays away from trends”. United Arrows clothes, while very selective in their wearer, have a long history and a lot of thought invested into their design and function. If you are a sartorially advanced person who loves shopping around for a unique personal piece, then UA would be your literal heaven. While not being sold widely in the west except for one small sub-brand, you can get your UA product delivered by a trusted forwarder.

13. GU

The Japanese fast-fashion chain GU has more than 400 locations nationwide. The parent firm, “Fast Retailing,” also owns the well-known apparel label UNIQLO,  is also popular in Japan. 

Unlike UNIQLO, whose simple yet high-quality clothing appeals to all sexes, GU caters mostly to women in their teens and early thirties. Instead of focusing on delivering the highest quality apparel, GU’s product line caters to the demands of young girls by being both inexpensive and fashionable.

Due in part to catering to a younger and thus less affluent population than Uniqlo, GU is one of the most reasonably priced Japanese clothing brands in Japan. Their fashions are more geared toward a younger demographic, yet everyone of any age can find useful staples there.

Not only adapting to the trends of comfortability and convenience, but the Japanese fashion brands are also now expanded into wider categories, such as GU Baby, GU-cuteness style, and even feminine-care products. Recently, they have established the GU’S YOUR FREEDOM collection, based on the idea that everyone should have the liberty to be or become who they want to be, which has attracted many youth customers and been well-recognized.

14. Junya Watanabe

If Kawakubo’s avant-garde is a disruption of the visual parts of fashion, then Watanabe’s might be claimed to disturb the utilitarian.

JJunya Watanabe, a member of the CdG family who established his own label in the early ’90s, is widely regarded as one of the world’s best designers of modern menswear. Watanabe, often credited as the man who kicked off the Japanese avant-garde fashion movement, is known for his daring reinterpretations of traditional menswear silhouettes and fabrics.

At the core of Watanabe’s work is the brand’s desire for online customers to be able to identify its Japanese clothing brands based on the wearer’s style and manner of use. Classic pieces are recreated with modern cuts and, in some cases, inside-out wearability.

15. Yohji Yamamoto

Besides Junya Watanabe, Yohji Yamamoto is arguably the most famous Japanese fashion designer of the 20th century in Japanese clothing brands. Yohji Yamamoto is a Japanese fashion designer who has been creating magnificent pieces for the past 35 years. His creations are a fusion of traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern Western influences.

Asymmetrical cuts, dropped crotches, and draped layers are just a few of Yamamoto’s signature touches that have become ubiquitous in this Japanese clothing brands’ designs. Despite this, the only consistent feature of Yamamoto’s work is black, which is ironic given the number of his characteristic motifs. 

Beyond his own label, Yamamoto has also worked with Adidas Originals to generate a hugely successful Y-3 line. The collection mentioned to be the birthplace of the Qasa, was one of fashion’s most coveted sneaker designs.

16. Mastermind JAPAN

Karl Lagerfeld, notorious Creative Director of Chanel, once cited mastermind JAPAN as one of his favorite labels, and it is one of very few Japanese clothing brands to have collaborated with historic French luggage manufacturer, Maison Goyard. 

Established in 1997 by Masaaki Honma, mastermind Japan is a luxurious streetwear brand hone in on using premium fabrics and designing Japanese clothing brands that you haven’t seen before. Once mentored by Yohji Yamamoto, a Japanese designer Masaaki Honma decided to launch mastermind JAPAN (often shortened to mastermind or just MMJ) in 1997 that utilized expensive materials like cashmere, leather and silk.

While so few elements might sound limited on paper, mastermind demonstrates how far you can push the envelope and has created one of the best Japanese clothing brands ever. Fundamental inspirations come from punk and goth aesthetics, but highly technical production techniques such as form-hugging silhouettes, and multiple-layered T-shirts, have culminated in a brand that creates the pinnacle of streetwear cool at eye-watering high prices.

16. Visvim

One of the largest Japanese clothing brands in US, Visvim is a fashion brand that focuses on delivering timeless pieces by using artisanal techniques to their seasonal collections. 

The company’s headquarters are located in Tokyo, Japan, and its products can be purchased in retail locations in both Japan and the US. Nakamura also designs the women’s line WMV and the men’s line F.I.L. Indigo Camping Trailer, both of which are conceptual takes on the visvim aesthetic.

Nakamura left his position at Burton to start Visvim in the year 2000. He attempted to make dyes from indigo, mud, and cochineal beetles and applied to textiles. Originally a footwear-only company, Visvim now offers a wide range of garments as well. Since these well-known Japanese labels aim for a high-end image, the prices you’ll find in their stores will seem outrageous at first. 

Intricate as silk blends, then treated with modern technologies such as Gore-Tex, this Japanese clothing brands aim to find the perfect balance between the functionality of modern manufacturing and the timeless appeal of traditional techniques. He endeavors to blend natural, modern techniques with pioneering contemporary perspectives to create the pinnacle expression of classic clothing.

18. ASICS

ASICS is probably a familiar brand you’ve come across among many of Japanese clothing brands. According to ASICS’s business strategy, their ultimate goal is to make it so that people of all ages can participate in physical activity and sports without jeopardizing their mental or physical health.

Founded in 1949 by Kihachiro Onitsuka, ASICS has grown to become one of the leading names in the world of Japanese clothing brands’ sportswear, above all for its range of footwear. With the “Sound Mind, Sound Body” – the brand motto stresses on the joy that sports can bring to everyone, so that they can live happier, healthier lives. ASICS’ running trainers constitute the company’s biggest focus, consistently ranking among the top running models of the year.

In recent years, ASICS has succeeded in breaking the lifestyle boundary in Japanese clothing brands by pushing silhouettes which acted as the blank canvas for a number of high-profile collaborations with names like Ronnie Fieg, Afew, Atmos. With sneaker tastes shifting further in favor of utilitarian, running, and hiking styles, ASICS looks set to dominate both technical and lifestyle markets in the coming years.

19. Blue Blue Japan

In the early 1990s, Tokyo introduced Blue Blue Japan that quickly became iconic for its Japanese clothing brands’ style. To ensure that each garment acquires its own unique patina, we use time-honored methods of dying and sewing. 

Known worldwide for its original natural indigo, Blue Blue Japan takes inspiration from classic workwear styles and classic dyeing processes using only indigo. We can even trace the tradition of indigo dyeing (Aizome) back to ancient times when kimonos that displayed the deep blue hue that ties together all of the label’s clothing were treasured.

20. Sacai

Best known for its sneaker collaboration with Nike, Sacai is another high fashion brand that reinterprets what design and style mean. Although it has its Japanese clothing brands’ flagships stores based in Asia, Sacai is available in boutique department and specialty stores around the world.

Sacai was established in 1999 as a Japanese fashion label by Chitose Abe. Her signature look is a fusion of athletic and grand luxury, with an emphasis on deconstructing traditional silhouettes and experimenting with subtle shading in three-dimensional design. Having learned from the best Japanese clothing brands, Abe set about breaking boundaries with men’s and women’s collections that blurred the line between formal and casual.

As well respected in high-fashion Japanese women’s clothing brands as it is in the world of streetwear, Sacai has been led to such high praise. Sacai’s main collections look up to androgynous silhouettes with subtle design flairs for impact, whereas Sacai’s collaboration collections often steer more to the world of streetwear.

Best Japanese Clothing Brands to buy

For many firsts when it comes to Japanese clothing brands, which are essential fashion retailers from spring to mind. The Japanese street style is often noted for its over-the-top approach compared to the more minimalist aesthetic seen in Europe. Japanese fashion has always been ahead of the curve when it comes to trend. There is a catalog or list of Japanese clothing brands that every women will love to have it with her, Just have a look:

One of the most widely known names among Japanese clothing brands is COMME des GARSONS. The brand is one of the most exciting names in contemporary fashion today. COMME des GAREONS is one of the few brands that is highlighted in the Paris Fashion Week, which is very known for its expertly draped costumes. The brand has a timeless collection of trend-defining for any woman’s wardrobe that makes it the best. Thanks to the brand’s focus on staple clothing manufactured with an offbeat edge.

Juna Watanabe is another name in the fashion industry. The brand is known for its experimental approach to design and focus on incorporating innovative, technical textiles into its work. For the best brand experience, you can check on Ejbuy, which will help you buy goods worldwide especially branded ones.

Japanese clothing brands, such as Sacai is the biggest name for many seasons of the Paris Fashion Week schedule and one of the good reasons. Sacai, a name since 1999, a notable female-first luxury brand that combines street wear sensibility with high-end design notes. It is the brand’s unique approach to brand and collaboration like Pendleton and the North Face.

Yohji Yamamoto, another Japanese clothing brand, reinvigorates any wardrobe with the most stunning yet wearable clothing that maintains its appeal for decades. It is no surprise that the majority of its offering is in completely dark, or black and white, options, especially ones with tailored blazers laid-back, street-inspired inspired shawl lapels and drawstring detailing arriving in a boxy silhouette. Yamamoto’s cropped tailed trousers are the essence of modest looking and style, whether a formal shirt or similar.

Fusion America, styled with high-quality design and clothing, Japanese clothing brand Visvim products are designed to focus on longevity rather than trend bicycles. Keeping this in mind, the brand has built a cult following of fanatics who crave calm and thoughtful design, with quality construction ensuring that garments will stand the test of time. The love for Visvim is 100%, especially when it comes to cotton jeans in the spring green color, made in Japan from hand-spun denim. Their high-rise fit and straight leg cut are an ideal companion for casual, everyday T-shirts as well as a tailored shirt or blusher.

Why Choose Japanese Clothing Brands?

In my opinion, it’s safe to assume that every single one of us owns at least one item of American- or European-made apparel. Most of the world’s most recognizable names originate on these two continents. Only recently have Japanese clothing brands begun to achieve similar levels of popularity. So, the big question is, what makes Japanese fashion labels so special? Then why should we even care about them? 

The truth is that if it’s japanese clothing brands in USA, we have to pay more money. The reason is straightforward: when it comes to durability and style, Japanese apparel manufacturers are unrivaled. Most Japanese brand ideas are steeped in history and tradition, and the overarching principle of Japanese aesthetics (which deserves its own article) is to keep things clean, simple, and elegant. You can shop at Japanese brand clothes with confidence knowing that whatever you purchase in 2021 will still be relevant and wearable in 2031. 

It is often known without saying that the world is aware of how trustworthy Japanese craftsmanship is when it comes to quality. If they aren’t made and sourced locally, they’re sent to reputable factories overseas. All of the items from Japanese labels have been through multiple cold washes and tumble dries can still be just durable without a single sign of wear.

Frequent Asks & Questions

What Clothing Brands Are Cheaper in Japan?

Even if you have access to the brand in your home country, it is likely that you will save a significant amount of money by purchasing it in Japan. Among the brands we discussed in our Japanese clothing brands list, GU, Uniqlo, Zara, H&M, WeGo, and others may be preferable as cheap Japanese clothing brands due to their lower prices.

Could it be said that Japan is a fashion leader?

Since Japanese culture is at the cutting edge of luxury goods, Japanese clothing brands stand to reason that the country would be a prime location to unveil the latest trends and seasonal releases in the fashion industry. When talking about unique and exclusive designer goods, Tokyo is often cited as a crucial market.

Why is it that Japanese people always look so put together?

The Japanese, on the whole, have a good sense of style, as doing so is a frequent strategy to stand out in otherwise similar societies. High-conformist societies, like Japan’s, are generally considered more stylish than others because of the importance they place on clothing as a means of self-expression.

Conclusion

To sum up, in this article, we have included the top Japanese clothing brands  that you should look for before doing your next purchases. If you enjoy reading those top-list articles like this, don’t forget to comment below to let us know.