Is It OK to Wear Shorts in Japan? (And More Dress Code Questions) – Escape to Asia (2024)

FAQs

Is It OK to Wear Shorts in Japan? (And More Dress Code Questions) – Escape to Asia? ›

There are no legal or social rules against wearing shorts in Japan. It is very common to see other tourists wearing shorts in the major cities, especially in the summer; due to the sometimes extreme Asian heat.

Casual clothing is common in Japan outside of Tokyo's business district. Shorts, jeans, and camisoles are perfectly fine to wear as long as you don't plan on attending religious sites.

While there is no strict dress code when visiting shrines and temples, it is recommended to be appropriately dressed to show respect at a place of worship.

As for crop tops, you'll have to use your own judgment. Women are supposed to be conservative with cleavage in Japan, in that showing even a hint is often not regarded as appropriate. If you have a low-cut crop top or one that could reveal your bra from underneath, it's best to leave it at home.

If you're visiting Japan you can basically wear what you like but if you'd like to embrace and respect the culture as much as possible during your visit, it's important to take note of the areas you should be covering and the times where your clothes may be causing unnecessary offence.

Men should wear a black suit with a white shirt, black tie and black shoes–avoiding patent leather. No shiny belt buckles or jewelry, other than a wedding ring, should be worn. Women should keep their shoulders covered and wear a dress or skirt, making sure the hem of the skirt covers their knees even when seated.

Don't bring sweat pants or jump suits, unless you plan to only wear it in your hotel room. Japanese people only wear them to the gym and you'll be very underdressed.

If your kimono is patterned as most are, pick a solid colored top to go underneath. Since you are layering, it is easiest to pick a sleeveless or short sleeve top to avoid bulk. Plus, you do not want your sleeves underneath to be longer than your kimono sleeves.

Genderless uniforms

Historically, school uniforms in Japan are decided on the basis of sex, with trousers for male students and skirts for female students. However, in April 2019, public junior high schools in Tokyo's Nakano Ward began allowing students to choose their uniform regardless of sex.

While tattoos are not illegal, they can prevent people from getting the full Japanese experience. When using public transportation in Japan, such as trains, tourists with visible tattoos will want to keep in mind that their ink may be offensive to some of the locals.

Is it OK to show stomach in Japan? ›

If you're walking around temples and shrines, it is a good idea to be respectful and have a top layer with sleeves and no tummy or cleavage showing. However, it is not a rule and you'll sometimes see Japanese people not following these dress-code standards.

While Japan is a relatively conservative society, wearing ripped jeans is generally acceptable, especially in casual settings like on weekends or in urban areas.

Shoes. Sneakers are a modern fashion staple in Japan and are versatile enough to mix with casual, sporty or even formal clothing. But go with something minimalist (Converse or Superga are good choices) and make sure your kicks are well worn in and comfortable before you hit the streets.

In Japan, crossing your legs in formal or business situations is considered rude because it makes you look like you have an attitude or like you're self-important. In Japan, sitting with your back straight and your legs together with one hand on each knee is taught from childhood.

Even though many Japanese girls wear mini skirts, it's actually illegal to expose your thighs or buttocks in public according to the Light Crimes Act passed in 1948.

Your age, gender and country of origin don't matter, because if you are travelling in Japan, you have to respect the cultural aversion to PDA. Holding hands is okay. In smaller towns, you might get a dirty look if you're walking with an arm around your partner.

At the end of the 2019 school year, it began allowing girls to wear pants. At the end of 2021, girls were given the option of wearing neckties, no longer limited to bow ties.

Japan Dress Code for Women

On some days, however, the desire for comfort trumps the concept of jeans or any type of limited clothes. Unfortunately, wearing tracksuit bottoms or leggings outside of the gym is frowned upon and considered a sign of laziness here in Japan.

In short: Yes. While red does have a deeper meaning in Japanese history and culture, there's actually no specific stigma around wearing the color in Japan; in fact, it is considered one of the luckiest and happiest colors you can wear and is popular in modern Japanese fashion.

If you are not wearing socks, it is polite to bring a fresh pair of socks to wear after removing your outdoor shoes because entering someone's house barefoot is not considered well mannered, although acceptable in informal situations. Slippers can generally be worn anywhere except when entering rooms with tatami floor.

Can you wear bright colors in Japan? ›

Pant suits or skirt suits are acceptable, while skirts are recommended to be around knee length. Blouses should be pale colors as bright clothing pieces are not work appropriate in Japan. In regards to shoes, opt for closed toe shoes as sandals or open toed shoes are too casual.

There is no one answer to this question as every school girl in Japan has different personal style. However, many school girls choose to wear shorts or leggings under their skirts to keep themselves modest and comfortable.

While choosing shorts to wear under dresses and skirts, opt for opaque, soft, breathable, and lightweight material. As you will be layering the shorts with dresses or skirts, it is best to opt for cotton or cotton blend. If you want a snug fit, you may also opt for spandex, nylon, or microfiber.

There's no right or wrong answer to this question - it's entirely up to personal preference! Some people might feel more comfortable and confident wearing shorts under their dresses, while others might prefer to go without. Ultimately, it's whatever makes you feel your best!

Wearing spandex shorts under your skirts and dresses can help you feel less exposed and more comfortable while still feeling cute in a skirt or dress. They are very useful for keeping anything from showing under the skirt or dress that is not meant to be seen (underwear).

Women should wear dresses or skirts, preferably knee-length. Avoid showing your shoulders; if the dress is sleeveless, add a shawl or bolero. White should be avoided, although at a more casual wedding you may be able to wear black.

Most anime girls wear short skirts for fan service reasons. A lot of anime fans, maybe even the majority, are teenaged to middle aged men, who are more likely to watch an anime or read a manga if it has a lot of cute girls wearing skimpy outfits in them.

The kimono is the traditional dress of Japan. It's got long sleeves and reaches from the shoulders all the way down to one's heels. Different types of kimono are worn depending on the occasion; kimonos for everyday wear are a lot simpler than those for formal occasions.

Ear piercings are against Japanese school dress code, along with any other forms of jewelry and even painted nails. In fact, piercings of any kind are very uncommon in Japan, even for older people. Usually the people who get ear piercings in Japan are rule-breakers, or people who are trying to look tough.

In some cases, you can get away with covering your tattoo. However, you will be required to wear long sleeves or other accessories whenever you are working or going to and from your place of work.

Do I have to hide my tattoos in Japan? ›

Rules are very important in Japan, and as there is a no tattoo rule in nearly all pools, onsens and gyms, a foreigner walking up to the desk with tattoos showing is bound to cause concern. Just cover up and keep those tattoos covered and that is acceptable. If you can't cover up, don't go to those environments.

Anyone with a BMI of 22kgs/m2 and above is considered fat in Japan. Women in Japan consider themselves overweight if their BMI is above 23kgs/m2. On the other hand, the Japanese say their men are fat if their BMI exceeds 25kg/m2. In Japan – The obesity rate is less than that in other countries.

Times-Union readers want to know: Is it true that a Japanese law makes it illegal for citizens of that country to be overweight? Well, it is true that the country requires that companies and local governments measure the waistlines of citizens between the ages of 45 and 74 as part of their annual checkups.

Plus Size in Japan starts at the Japanese size 2L. For reference, a size 2L is about a US size Medium, or 8/10. Women with a bra cup size larger than an American C are considered plus size. Other words for Plus Size in Japanese fashion are “Big Size” and “Queen Size”.

The traditional dress of Japan is the kimono. Kimonos, which are generally made of silk, have large sleeves and reach from the shoulders all the way down to the heels. They are tied with a wide belt called an obi.

On average, Japanese are fashionable as fashion is a common way for an individual to distinguish themselves in hom*ogenous societies. High-conformist Societies like Japan are often seen as more fashionable as greater attention is placed on fashion to express an individual's personality.

The correct way to bow in Japan is to bend at the waist, keep your back and neck straight if possible, feet together, eyes downward, and have your arms straight at your sides. Women often bow with their fingertips together or hands clasped in front at thigh level.

Wear slip-on shoes

While flip flops are a big no-no for most occasions (save for a trip to the beach or a midnight run to the conbini), comfy ballet flats, loafers, boat shoes, or even a nice pair of slip-on sneakers are practical options. You might also notice that open-toed shoes and sandals are uncommon.

Consumers in Japan wear athletic clothes and shoes in everyday life for the style. Thanks to the revival of fashion trends from the 1990s, the Air max series from Nike, for instance, boasts a high popularity with the young generation across the country.

As long as your Crocs aren't a really loud colour & will co-ordinate with your clothes you'll be fine...even the co-ordination won't be a problem.

Do they shave their legs in Japan? ›

The Japanese do shave their faces, arms, legs, and pubic areas. Those with hairy pubic areas are considered sexy. However, as the Western culture has influenced the country, this practice has become more accepted in Japan. A Japanese woman who is hairless is not considered sexy – she is like a neutered man.

Note: It is very rare for anyone to acknowledge a sneeze in Japan, and it is customary not to say anything at all. After multiple sneezes, they use these words. "Are you all right?" "Sorry." or "Excuse me."

In Japan, people greet each other by bowing. A bow can ranges from a small nod of the head to a deep bend at the waist. A deeper, longer bow indicates respect and conversely a small nod with the head is casual and informal.

The prevalence of hair removal salons for both men and women, and in recent years, even for children in Japan reflects a commonly held belief in Japanese society that hairless bodies look better than hairy ones. In Japanese, body hair is often referred to as ムダ毛 mudage, meaning "unwanted hair."

The amendments will also criminalize sex with children under the age of 16 by raising the legal age of consent from 13. Japan's current age of consent has remained unchanged since its enactment in 1907 and is one of the lowest among developed nations.

In Japan, the legal adult age is 20. Japanese law prohibits individuals under the age of 20 to drink alcohol or smoke. Regardless of age, you must not force anyone to drink or smoke as it may cause serious health and social consequences.

Never hugging or kissing

In Japan, touching another person's body is considered rude, even with friends or family. Hugging and kissing are mostly for couples.

Narcotics such as opium, cocaine, heroin, MDMA, magic mushrooms, stimulant drugs (stimulant drugs contained in an inhaler or items containing stimulant drug ingredients), cannabis, opium smoking paraphernalia and psychotropic drugs are not allowed in Japan.

In Japan any type of physical contact, such as hugging, kissing, holding hands or even just patting somebody on the back is known as Skinship or in Japanese pronounced “Skinshippu“(スキンシップ).

There is no set dress code in Japan for tourists; however, you will fail to see many Japanese citizens revealing much of their bodies when out in public. Depending on which part of Japan you are visiting, temperatures in the summer months can reach highs of up to 90°.

What do Japanese girls wear in summer? ›

If you want to fit in with the festival crowd, consider picking up a yukata: a summer version of a kimono worn by both men and women. It's a casual piece of traditional Japanese clothing loved by locals young and old. The yukata is loose, breezy, easy to wear and comes in an endless selection of fashionable prints.

In short: Yes. While red does have a deeper meaning in Japanese history and culture, there's actually no specific stigma around wearing the color in Japan; in fact, it is considered one of the luckiest and happiest colors you can wear and is popular in modern Japanese fashion.

While Japan is a relatively conservative society, wearing ripped jeans is generally acceptable, especially in casual settings like on weekends or in urban areas.

Today, the vast majority of people in Japan wear Western clothing in the everyday, and are most likely to wear kimono either to formal occasions such as wedding ceremonies and funerals, or to summer events, where the standard kimono is the easy-to-wear, single-layer cotton yukata.

Don't put your foot in it

Crossing your feet in some cultures is considered very rude. In Japan you are expected to sit erect with both feet on the floor and never cross your ankle over your knee. In Singapore, as in many Asia cultures, the foot is thought to be unclean and should not be used to point at someone.

Prolonged eye contact (staring) is considered rude. Don't show affection, such as hugging or shoulder slapping, in public. Never beckon with your forefinger. The Japanese extend their right arm out in front, bending the wrist down, waving fingers.

Pointing at people or things is considered rude in Japan. Instead of using a finger to point at something, the Japanese use a hand to gently wave at what they would like to indicate. When referring to themselves, people will use their forefinger to touch their nose instead of pointing at themselves.

At the end of the 2019 school year, it began allowing girls to wear pants. At the end of 2021, girls were given the option of wearing neckties, no longer limited to bow ties.

The sailor f*cku (セーラー服, sērā f*cku) ( lit. 'sailor outfit') is a common style of uniform worn by female middle school students, traditionally by high school students, and occasionally, elementary school students.

Japanese girls like guys with kindly heart who can also read between the lines. Guys who can tell what the conversation partner hopes them to do without words and can respond to him/her look very attractive.

Are bras worn under kimonos? ›

The Japanese people didn't wear bras or underwear in the past. They wore Hadajyuban (肌襦袢) and Susoyoke (裾よけ) just to hide their skin and body shape. Nowadays, many people hesitate to obey the so-called "No Bra, No Underwear" rule, they normally wear ordinary bras and underwear.

You could just leave it down if it's a short hair. Typically, it's does not look clean when you put your hair down. You will also notice from many of pictures that people use hair accessaries to make it prettier as well.