61+ useful Japanese Clothing Vocabulary

From modern wear to traditional attire, Japan offers a rich variety of clothing vocabulary. We’ll explore the essential Japanese clothing vocabulary, from everyday outfits to formal and traditional wear. 

Common Clothing Items in Japanese

Understanding the basic clothing vocabulary in Japanese is crucial when navigating through stores, attending events, or simply discussing your wardrobe. Here’s a list of common clothing items in Japanese:

• Shirt – シャツ (しゃつ) – Shatsu

• Pants – ズボン (ずぼん) – Zubon

• Jacket – ジャケット – Jaketto

• Skirt – スカート – Sukāto

• Dress – ドレス – Doresu

• T-shirt – Tシャツ – T-shatsu

• Sweater – セーター – Sētā

• Shorts – ショートパンツ – Shōtopantsu

• Suit – スーツ – Sūtsu

• Coat – コート – Kōto

• Blouse – ブラウス – Burausu

• Vest – ベスト – Besuto

• Jeans – ジーンズ – Jīnzu

• Pajamas – パジャマ – Pijama

• Hoodie – フーディ – Fūdi

• Socks – 靴下 (くつした) – Kutsushita

Traditional Japanese Clothing

Japan has a rich culture of traditional clothing that is worn during special events, ceremonies, or festivals. Here are the names of traditional Japanese clothing:

• Kimono – 着物 (きもの) – Kimono

• Yukata – 浴衣 (ゆかた) – Yukata

• Hakama – 袴 (はかま) – Hakama

• Obi – 帯 (おび) – Obi

• Jinbei – 寝間着 (じんべい) – Jinbei

• Geta – 下駄 (げた) – Geta

• Zori – 草履 (ぞうり) – Zōri

• Furisode – 振袖 (ふりそで) – Furisode

These are typically worn for formal events like weddings, tea ceremonies, and cultural festivals like Obon or New Year's celebrations.

Fashion Accessories Vocabulary

In addition to clothing, accessories are essential to complete an outfit. Here’s a list of common fashion accessories:

• Hat – 帽子 (ぼうし) – Bōshi

• Scarf – スカーフ – Sukāfu

• Gloves – 手袋 (てぶくろ) – Tebukuro

• Belt – ベルト – Beruto

• Watch – 腕時計 (うでどけい) – Udedokei

• Sunglasses – サングラス – Sangurasu

• Tie – ネクタイ – Nekutai

• Necklace – ネックレス – Nekkuresu

• Earrings – イヤリング – Iyaringu

• Purse – ハンドバッグ – Handobaggu

• Wallet – 財布 (さいふ) – Saifu

• Bracelet – ブレスレット – Buresuretto

Footwear Vocabulary

Footwear is an important part of Japanese fashion, with unique terms for different types of shoes. Here are common footwear terms:

• Shoes – 靴 (くつ) – Kutsu

• Sneakers – スニーカー – Sunīkā

• Boots – ブーツ – Būtsu

• Sandals – サンダル – Sandaru

• Slippers – スリッパ – Surippa

• Heels – ハイヒール – Haihīru

• Flip-flops – ビーチサンダル – Bīchi sandaru

• Loafers – ローファー – Rōfā

• Formal Shoes – 礼服用靴 (れいふくようくつ) – Reifukuyō kutsu

Useful Japanese Words & Phrases for Clothing

Verbs 

• To wear – 着る (きる, Kiru)

• To put on – 穿く (はく, Haku)

• To take off – 脱ぐ (ぬぐ, Nugu)

• To try on – 試着する (しちゃくする, Shichaku suru)

• To fold – 畳む (たたむ, Tatamu)

Adjectives 

• Tight – きつい (Kitsui)

• Loose – ゆるい (Yurui)

• Fashionable – おしゃれ (Oshare)

• Expensive – 高い (たかい, Takai)

• Comfortable – 快適 (かいてき, Kaiteki)

Fabrics

• Cotton – 綿 (わた, Wata)

• Silk – 絹 (きぬ, Kinu)

• Wool – ウール (Ūru)

• Linen – リネン (Rinen)

• Denim – デニム (Denimu)

• Leather – 革 (かわ, Kawa)

• Velvet – ベルベット (Berubetto)

• Nylon – ナイロン (Nairon)

• Polyester – ポリエステル (Poriesuteru)

• Rayon – レーヨン (Rēyon)

• Fleece – フリース (Furīsu)

• Chiffon – シフォン (Shifon)

• Satin – サテン (Saten)

Fashion Styles in Japan:

• Gyaru (ギャル) – A style characterized by light-colored hair, bold makeup, and youthful, trendy clothing. Often associated with a rebellious, bold fashion statement.

• Lolita (ロリータ) – A style influenced by Victorian fashion, with frilly dresses, large bows, lace, and doll-like aesthetics. It often conveys a cute and elegant vibe.

• Kawaii (かわいい) – A style centered around cuteness, featuring soft pastel colors, cute patterns, and generally innocent or playful clothing.

• Harajuku (原宿) – A street style that mixes different subcultures, including punk, goth, and streetwear. It’s all about individuality and expressing one’s personal style in the Harajuku district of Tokyo.

• Visual Kei (ヴィジュアル系) – A fashion style associated with Japanese rock bands, characterized by dramatic outfits, dark colors, heavy makeup, and unique hairstyles. It’s a bold, extravagant fashion.

• Preppy (プレッピー) – A style inspired by classic American college fashion, featuring neat, simple, and elegant pieces like blazers, skirts, and button-down shirts. It's often seen as sophisticated and polished.

Phrases to use 

To help you communicate effectively about clothing in Japanese, here are some useful phrases and words:

• How much is this? – これはいくらですか？ (これはいくらですか, Kore wa ikura desu ka?)
   
• What size do you have? – サイズは何ですか？ (サイズはなんですか, Saizu wa nan desu ka?)
   
• Do you have this in a different color? – これの別の色はありますか？ (これのべつのいろはありますか, Kore no betsu no iro wa arimasu ka?)
   
• Can I try it on? – 試着してもいいですか？ (しちゃくしてもいいですか, Shichaku shite mo ii desu ka?)
   
• I’m looking for a jacket. – ジャケットを探しています。 (じゃけっとをさがしています, Jaketto o sagashiteimasu)
   
• It’s too tight. – それはきつすぎます。 (それはきつすぎます, Sore wa kitsu sugimasu)
   
• I like your dress! – あなたのドレスが好きです！ (あなたのどれすがすきです, Anata no doresu ga suki desu!)

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