Japanese Fashion Terms: Words for Describing Fashion Styles and Trends

In the world of fashion, Japan is known for its unique and diverse styles, from traditional kimonos to avant-garde streetwear. Here are some Japanese terms associated with fashion:

  • ファッション (Fasshon) – Fashion
  • トレンド (Torendo) – Trend
  • デザイン (Dezain) – Design
  • スタイル (Sutairu) – Style
  • ブランド (Burando) – Brand
  • モデル (Moderu) – Model
  • 衣装 (Ishou) – Outfit or Costume
  • 着物 (Kimono) – Traditional Japanese clothing
  • 浴衣 (Yukata) – Casual summer kimono
  • ハイファッション (Haifasshon) – High Fashion
  • ストリートファッション (Sutori-to fasshon) – Street Fashion
  • ヴィンテージ (Vinte-ji) – Vintage
  • カジュアル (Kajuaru) – Casual
  • フォーマル (Fo-maru) – Formal
  • 和服 (Wafuku) – Traditional Japanese clothing
  • 洋服 (Youfuku) – Western-style clothing
  • コーディネート (Ko-dine-to) – Coordinate or Outfit
  • アクセサリー (Akusesari-) – Accessory
  • ファッションショー (Fasshon sho-) – Fashion show
  • メンズファッション (Menzu fasshon) – Men’s Fashion
  • レディースファッション (Redi-su fasshon) – Women’s Fashion
  • ユニセックス (Yunisekkusu) – Unisex

Beyond these general terms, there are also specific Japanese fashion styles, such as:

  • ロリータ (Rorita) – Lolita, a fashion subculture from Japan that is highly influenced by Victorian and Edwardian children’s clothing and styles from the Rococo period.
  • 原宿系 (Harajuku-kei) – Harajuku style, referring to the quirky, avant-garde street fashion popular among youths in the Harajuku district of Tokyo.
  • ヴィジュアル系 (Vijuaru-kei) – Visual kei, a movement among Japanese musicians characterized by the use of make-up, elaborate hairstyles, and flamboyant costumes.
  • 刺青系 (Irezumi-kei) – Tattoo style fashion, often associated with the Yakuza.

Understanding these terms will help you navigate the vast and colorful landscape of Japanese fashion.

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