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The 15 Best Japanese Clothing Brands
Japanese fashion is all about attention to detail and creativity. Tokyo’s fashion district of Harajuku is full of fun finds and we can’t get enough! Let’s explore the colourful streets of Japan and uncover the top Japanese brands of all time.
1. A Bathing Ape
This is the brand that put Japanese street fashion on the map! The man behind BAPE goes by the name of Nigo: a sci-fi Otaku who started a clothing line inspired by The Planet of the Apes. He collaborated with lots of big names, including Pharrell Williams for his ice cream collection. Nigo became so popular in the Hip Hop community that they would shout him out in their lyrics!
The essentials: If you see anything with their signature camouflage ape print, then it’s a must cop! They’ve slapped the pattern onto items like hoodies, shirts, caps, bags, shades, and sneakers. You can also spot their iconic mascot BABY MILO on their playful apparel and merch!
Average price: AUD$75 to AUD$800
Where to shop: Bape Online & Underrated Melbourne
2. Louis Vuitton Japan
The iconic LV bags are a staple among Japan’s working-class women and fashionistas. Not only is the monogram a symbol of class, but it’s also one of the most trusted brands in the world. If it’s good enough for Kanye West (the Louis Vuitton Don), it’s got to be worth every dollar.
The essentials: Check out their collabs with Japanese artist Takashi Murakami and streetwear giant Supreme! They also sell ready-to-wear outfits, jewellery, and shoes to go with your bags.
Average price: AUD$200 to AUD$1000
Where to shop: Louis Vuitton Sydney & Modsie
3. Gucci Japan
If you want luxury, you’ve got to be part of the Gucci gang! They used powerful marketing campaigns to remain relevant in pop culture with celebrities and style icons endorsing their products.
The essentials: If you’ve got the cash, why not spend it in style? Besides their luxurious leather goods, they also have lots of shirts, jackets, shoes, suits, jewellery, and accessories to choose from.
Average price: AUD$300 to AUD$4000
Where to shop: Gucci Australia & Shop Style
4. GU
Popular for its low prices, cute designs, and pastel colours, GU is owned by the same company behind Uniqlo. They have simple yet versatile pieces that are easy on the eyes!
The essentials: While their most iconic product is a pair of denim jeans, you can find other timeless pieces like long dresses, long-sleeved tees, knitwear, and skirts.
Average price: $AUD20 to $AUD50
Where to shop: White Rabbit Express
5. Superdry
Based in the UK, Superdry is inspired by Japan’s culture and vintage Americana designs. They prove that the fusion of East and West go together perfectly!
The essentials: Specialising in washed jeans, faded denim, and different layered looks, Superdry also has a wonderful selection of varsity-type hoodies and footwear.
Average price: AUD$40 to AU$300
Where to shop: Superdry Australia & The Iconic
6. Chanel Japan
If you’re here for some high-end haute couture, this brand is the epitome of Parisian glamour. Most of their customers are upper-class individuals who know they deserve the best of the best!
The essentials: If you’re looking to splurge and treat yourself, Chanel is the ideal place to go for broke. From clothes and handbags to accessories, fragrances, and makeup, Coco’s got it all for you!
Average price: AUD$300 to AUD$5000
Where to shop: Chanel Australia
7. Addict Clothes
You’ll find yourself addicted to this brand’s badass designs! Inspired by British biker fashion, the leather pieces add an edgy touch to your look, helping you stand out from the crowd.
The essentials: Biker gangs are a huge part of Japanese culture, and nothing represents the lifestyle like vintage leather goods! They have boots, gloves, hoodies, belts, and pants in dark, muted colours.
Average price: AUD$300 to AUD$2000
Where to shop: Addict clothes website
8. Kenzo
Kenzo Takada combines Japanese and European taste with clothing you can wear to the jungles, beaches, or snowy mountains!
The essentials: They offer a wide variety of knitwear, outerwear, along with other accessories like scarves, caps, and coats.
Average price: AUD$200 to AU$600
Where to shop: Myer store & Shop style
9. Neighborhood
This Japanese streetwear brand is a fashion legend. The clothing has a punk attitude, giving customers rugged styles with a premium touch!
The essentials: Neighborhood’s clothing takes its cues from workwear and military-style attires. They’re also known for their wild prints and their large selection of graphic tees, cargo shorts, and button-up shirts.
Average price: AUD$150 to AUD$450
Where to shop: Supply store & Shop style
10. Undercover
Founder Jun Takahashi took the best chaotic elements of pop culture and flipped them onto clothing. Staying true to their motto: “We Make Noise, Not Clothes” – their clothes bring out the rebel in everyone.
The essentials: The hype was crazy for their collab with Off White! Their capsule collection features varsity jackets, hoodies, and tees with prints or typography.
Average price: AUD$700 to AUD$2000
Where to shop: Undercover AU stockists
11. Avail
Contemporary fashion is all the rage these days and Avail caters to any lifestyle you can think of! They have a loose-fitting, oversized look that makes it great if you’re on the hunt for affordable, plus-size clothing in Japan.
The essentials: Keep it simple from head to toe with their wide range of coats, pants, skirts, sneakers, and super kawaii accessories!
Average price: AUD$20 to AUD$50
Where to shop: Avail webstore & Avail Japan stores
12. Osaka World
While the hockey influence is strong, its Japanese minimalist style provides practical but fashionable choices for any sport!
The essentials: Their apparel features a selection of basic tees, jerseys, activewear, tracksuits, and footwear for men and women.
Average price: AUD$100 to AU$150
Where to shop: Osaka World online shop
13. Issey Miyake
Looking for something traditional with a modern twist? Then you’ll love Issey Miyake’s structured style! His geometric patterns and shapes have made him one of the most respected high fashion designers of all time.
The essentials: You can buy their popular Bao Bao bags in Australia – but not their clothing. Make sure to check out their turtlenecks, suits, watches, and perfumes when you visit Japan!
Average price: AUD300 to AUD1500
Where to shop: Issey Miyake store & Elizabeth K
14. Uniqlo
Uniqlo’s LifeWear concept has become a global success for its simplicity. They recently partnered up with Nigo of BAPE to run their UT printed shirts, contrasting with their minimalist basics.
The essentials: If you want cheap casual wear for any season, you’ve found the right place! Uniqlo has tons of shirts, underwear, outerwear, and accessories to mix and match.
Average price: AUD$15 to AUD$150
Where to shop: Uniqlo Australia
15. Forever 21 Japan
Fast fashion has had a place in Japan for decades, but the Forever 21 actually went bankrupt just this year. It’s reported that they’re closing most of their stores in Asia and Europe, including stores that failed in Australia. So get it now while you still can!
The essentials: Most of their clothes are affordable and change as the latest trends come and go. They have the reputation of going on frequent sales for items like tops, jackets, dresses, shoes, and swimwear.
Average price: AUD$3 to AUD$150
Where to shop: Forever 21 webstore
You Are What You Wear
If there’s one thing we’ve learned from Japanese fashion brands, it’s that you can pull anything off with your own style. Don’t be afraid to get experimental with your wardrobe because confidence is the only accessory you need to make it work!
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