September 11, 2024

What To Wear: Japan Fashion Winter Trends & Outfits

Minute Read

With winter tightening its hold, now is the ideal time to explore the recent Japan Fashion Winter fashion trends emerging from Japan. 

Whether you plan to be in Japan sometime soon or you're just hoping to add a Japanese style to your outfits:

Owning a Japanese winter jacket or heavy coat or puffer jackets this winter season is certainly a good idea to brace the colder months!

In many parts of Japan the average temperature is very cold in winter, and the Japanese people have developed great winter fashion you should try! 

For example, for quite some time already knitwear is trending in Japan!

Knitwear in Japan is intricate, ornate, and laden with a heavy dose of visual storytelling. 

The famous Japanese layered looks are a more recent trend that holds considerable influence in today's fashion world. 

Japanese People who follow this trend use many elements—such as the weight of a garment, the texture of different textiles, and the proportion of parts of an outfit—to create a look that brings together much more than just the sum of its parts. 

Across Tokyo, especially in Harajuku and the nearby Shibuya area, you can find many shops that sell clothes designed to hit the textural and sartorial heights of the overall avant-garde effect. It has now also hit the main street, and you can find this style at Uniqlo and in Ginza.

Check out the best Japan Fashion Winter clothes in today's post!

Love Japan styles and Fashion? Don't forget to also check these articles on Japan Fashion Summer: 17 Best Outfit Style TrendsBest Japanese Sunglasses Brands: TOP Japan Eyewear and Amazing Japanese Sewing Patterns Ideas!

Happy reading! 🙂

Japan fashion winter: stylish

Japan fashion winter: stylish

Introduction to Japan Fashion Winter Aesthetic

Why Japanese Fashion?

Something people adore about the Japanese people's fashion is how it mingles the old with the new, gives it a modern twist. 

When you behold the garments that come out of Japanese design houses, you almost always get the sense of representing a great time long ago.

And then, you see something completely unexpected—a youthfulness and rebelliousness that, in a way, seems impossible next to our own perceptions of what the past was like. 

Cool
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But Japanese designers have managed to pull past year things off for decades.

But if I were to try and sum up "Japanese winter fashion" —my first thought would be "drape" and "tuck."

The world of layering is where Japanese fashion really takes off. 

Layering is just the thing to keep you warm in chilly months, and both independent designers and high-end brands embrace this effortless but chic style.

The first layer is not necessarily complicated (though it can be) but, rather, relaxed and cozy, with a sometimes unexpected grace note in cold temperature.

Think a simple turtleneck sweater or cashmere sweater.

If you examine this outer layer fashion style more closely, you will see that much of its appeal lies in the delicate touches. 

Elaborate designs and well-crafted finishes are a big part of this type of fashion and make it really special for the coldest month. 

Sake Barrel Decoration Japanese Display Sake Barrel M size (36L size) Kikumasamune Made in Japan by Japanese craftsmen
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Japanese Decorative barrels are made in Japan.This is a genuine decorative barrel.

Japanese Decorative Barrels are handmade products so it may take a few days to ship.

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Winter Aesthetics in Japan

The beauty of Japan's winter lies in its distinctive combination of the graceful and the absurd temperature changes. 

And the most enjoyable thing are all the great outdoor activities only possible in winter!

However in order to enjoy the coldest season, the right clothing is a must!

Unlike many other parts of world, where the snow is only a bitter blanket over the landscape, some magical qualities seem to animate the natural features that the snow adorns: think of it as live-action anime. 

For Winter
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At the same time, winter is very much the season to wear the "really fabulous" insulated jacket that Japanese fashion seems to be all about: forget the frilly soft fabrics we wearn in spring for the cherry blossoms season - now it is time to embrace the cold wind and cold winter.

Japan fashion winter: muted colors

Japan fashion winter: muted colors

Importance of Seasonal Trends

The significance of seasonal trends is evidenced bt Japanese winter fashion, and can be really enjoyed on a winter trip to Japan (or really anywhere in the world).

Each year, people eagerly anticipate what winter clothing will become popular; trends take on a life of their own in Japan, with the cold season influencing not just what people wear, but also the society in which they live. 

Warm Tights
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For instance, I cannot help but admire the ubiquitous use of warm different fabrics in contemporary clothing; one can hardly go anywhere without seeing a number of soft warm socks, cozy sweaters, fleece jackets, wide pants, fleece-lined leggings. 

And if the appearance of those warm clothes make us nostalgic for the way we dressed in the 1997s in Japan, all the better. 

Japan fashion winter: Cat

Japan fashion winter: Cat

Must-Have Outerwear

Stylish Coats and Jackets

Getting through the icy weather in Japan requires wearing a warm, fashionable coat or jacket. 

Considered "visible clothing," Japanese fashion is somewhat a function of what people see rather than the marriage of form and function. 

Therefore, "puffy winter wear" has become an important part of the Japanese wardrobe. 

The people here really care about their looks, and they expect their winter "gear" to allow them to move outside without looking like they're totally bundled up.

Cozy
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If you prefer more current styles, there's no better way to stay warm than by slipping into a super-oversized puffer jacket or parka. 

These are cool; let's just call it what it is. 

And they also happen to keep you warm. 

Puffers are not all made equal, meaning they come in a range of styles, colors, and levels of warmth. 

But what on earth are the little things that differentiate one plain, black parka from another? 

Not that you need them, we're just wondering. 

Fortunately, there are a lot of fun, for lack of a better word, features slapped onto nostalgia-free puffers and parkas that keep them interesting, including oversized buttons, wide belts, and faux fur collars. 

They're not your average winter fare. 

And isn't that what we're all after?

Trendy Puffers and Parkas.

Warm Pick
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In Japanese winter fashion, the puffer jacket and the parka are two must-have winter items. 

They give you all the possible warmth you can imagine while also keeping you "on trend"—as the Japanese say. 

The puffer jacket and the parka are both varieties of what might be called a type "winter wardrobe coat." 

They typically have one great thing going for them: The down-filled puffer jacket is super warm without being bulky (especially if you get a slim fit), while the nylon exterior repels moisture. 

The parka, for city or mountain, has a tough outer skin that can range from waxed cotton to smooth or lightly textured water-resistant synthetic fabric. 

But it’s a different from the U.S. urban parka and other related duffles. The Japanese urban parka gives you lots of warmth and isn't so much oversized.

Rainy chic
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Traditional Haori and Hanten

To bestow a traditional and grown-up look to your winter clothes, you simply can't beat the haori and hanten

More than any other item of clothing in Japan today, these two have a historical flavor to them.

And in a touch that may surprise you, they are warm and comfortable in a way that draws on a winter sense of well-being found only in the Japanese traditional cultures these garments come from. 

The haori, for instance, is a hip-length jacket with a cut and appearance not unlike a regular Western jacket. 

But the Japanese don't stop there; sliding into a haori is supposed to be special and, dare I say, a bit Zen.

Top Traditional
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Meanwhile, the hanten is of a briefer length and of a more softly padded substance. 

This traditional Japanese farmer's coat is shielded from chill by thick wadding and is counted on to keep its wearers very warm. 

(Several layers of insulating wadding, actually. In some cases, a hanten can have almost the appearance of being quilted.) 

Although the assembly of traditional hanten from good-quality padded cloth is time-consuming and, these days, something of a luxury, there's no longer any reason you can't have this private hanten tradition for yourself. 

Traditional
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Indeed, by making your own, you can wear it as a private at-home garment or as a stylish conversation piece to be seen in public, and now is as good a time as any to start.

Cozy and Chic Layers

Knitted Sweaters and Cardigans

In Japan, the fashion staple of winter dressing comes down to knits—sturdy, cozy, and stylish. 

Far from the frumpiness of the ill-fated “Christmas sweater” often referred to in the US, the Japanese interpretation of the pullover goes the “more is more” route. 

Shapes still lean toward oversized and androgynous, a look that seems to work well for the more creative types who populate many of Japan’s art and fashion schools. 

Cozy
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Turtlenecks are the overwhelming choice this time of year for women in Japan. 

They appear to be the go-to “uniform” for creative types (and business people alike) who want to look like they have thrown something together effortlessly.

Or how about knitted socks and leg warmers?

For Winter
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Japan fashion winter: knits

Japan fashion winter: knits

Warm Turtlenecks and Pullovers

Layering is a vital part of winter fashion in Japan, and two classic options are the turtleneck and the pullover. 

What makes them work better in our climate is the way we wear them−unlike a turtleneck you may find at a store in the U.S., the Japanese version gives you a sleek, not chunky, look. We also tend to pair our pullovers with almost anything in our wardrobes. 

Cute
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Think frilly thin summer skirt over thermal leggings, knee-high boots, oversized turtleneck pullover, and a down jacket.

These go-to combinations save a lot of time and unnecessary stress in the morning. 

You stay trendy too, since turtlenecks from last fall have extended their one-season lifespan to become a yearlong trend.

Japan fashion winter:Japan

Japan fashion winter:Japan

Accessories to Complete the Look

Elegant Scarves and Shawls

An excellent addition to any winter outfit is a stunning scarf or shawl. 

It's not just a way to stay warm, but—especially in Tokyo—also a way to look good.

Cozy
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Embodying this principle, many Japanese men and women wear a long, plaid scarf that's so big it's practically a shawl. 

It's a versatile piece that can be thrown around the neck, kept closed (and thus kept warm!), or even worn as a shawl when the temperature really drops. 

Regardless of how it's worn, it's an accessory that adds instant style to any outfit.

When it comes to adding a little something extra to an outfit, shawls are very effective. 

Elegant
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This is especially true when they are the kind of shawls that feature complicated, artistic patterns. 

When I see such a patterned shawl topping a plain coat or a vibrant kimono, I think there has to be a story in shoehorning together such a diverse group of images.

And when it comes to fun with the winter wardrobe, shawls and scarves—of any pattern, price, or elaborate knotting sequence—are some of the best.

Fashionable Hats and Beanies

To complete your winter look, you must not forget the hats and beanies, which are also an integral part of Japanese youth culture. 

Is anyone going to argue that a nice, thick beanie on your head isn't mighty cozy when the wind is blowing hard? 

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I'll tell you one thing: they're not going to get that argument from me.

On the other hand, cute styles also exist.

Cute
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No matter if you are in for a casual look or a drastic change, you can easily express your own style with Japanese hats and beanies.

Gloves and Mittens with a Twist

Gloves and mittens do more than provide a practical solution to cold weather. 

They are the finishing touch that pulls a wintertime look together. 

The appeal of gloves in Japanese winter fashion can be summed up in this: they make your hands look good. 

Harajuku and more youthful fashion might not always be super warm, but keeps the winter time look chic.

Stylish
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Trendy
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 If you want a gloved appearance that is mature and feels wise, try a calfskin number. It's an ageless classic.

Top Golf
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Footwear for Winter

Trendy Boots and Sneakers

Stylish and practical winter footwear is a Japanese must-have. 

Tabi
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The country's fashion sensibilities pay as much attention to the looks and uses of one's winter boots and sneakers as to anything else on the body. 

Safety
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While Tokyo might not see the deep snows of Hokkaido (not everyone lives there either), by and large, the same principles of winter fashion apply across the winter months. 

An interesting thing about winter dressing in Japan is that the shoes are very much a part of winter outfits. 

They complete a look and can draw a whole outfit together. 

As in most other cold-weather countries, in Japan, there are boots for everyone and every occasion.

Cities that involve a lot of walking are ideal places to don sneakers during the winter months. 

(Yes, sneakers!)

But to be frank, not all sneakers are created equally when it comes to staying comfortable in cold, wet conditions. 

Some sneakerheads might take exception to this point, but in our enormous downtown testing ground, we've seen a lot of sneakers that are ideal for static, dry environments fail in the face of winter weather. 

Top Pick
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For everyone else, there is a great variety of boots and winter footwear to be explored!

Japan fashion winter:Snow work

Japan fashion winter:Snow work

Try Japan Fashion Winter Styles Today!

Convinced the Japan Fashion winter styles are for you? 

Check out some of our recommendations or brows across the net to discover more, and discover your personalized Japan-winter style

Japan fashion winter: romantic

Japan fashion winter: romantic

じゃあね、Yama

P.S.:
If you want to bring some Japanese design ideas into your home, this is the place I recommend to all my friends:


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Originally from Tokyo, I am a world-traveling Japanese adventurer who loves connecting with people.

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