Types of Japanese Fashion

The Japanese culture has many exciting elements, from food to art, but one of the most popular cultural elements is fashion design. Japanese fashion has evolved over the years. The older Japanese generation usually wears the traditional Japanese designs, and the younger generation will wear a more modern street fashion design.

Lolita

Lolita is a popular Japanese street fashion design that consists of various versions.

• Gothic Lolita derives from the Eastern and Victorian Goth style, and the clothes have dark colors, bats, crosses and spiders incorporated into the design.  Gothic Lolita clothes are usually knee length skirts worn with pea coats, and the shirts are trimmed with ruffles or lace.


• Sweet Lolita is inspired from children designs such as baby animals, fairy tale themes and baby dolls. The Sweet Lolita style uses soft pastel colors and accessories such as head bows, purses and stuffed animals.


• Classic Lolita is the traditional Lolita style.  The Classic Lolita has a mature, businesslike style, and is inspired by the Victorian fashion design.  The classic Lolita is an A-line skirt with a high-neck collar, and a floral pattern design with neutral colors such as pink, ivory, wine, navy or black.

Visual Kei

Visual Kei is a Japanese street fashion design that is inspired by the Japanese entertainment and music industry.  The Visual Kei design uses flamboyant outfits, outrageous and unusual hair designs and elaborate makeup design.

Yukata

The Yukata is a type of Japanese kimono that is made of cotton. It is usually worn in the summer or around the house because it is a light article of clothing.  A Yukata is worn more for its comfort level than for the style and design. The design of a women’s Yukata is primarily flowers and nature, and a man’s Yukata design is mainly dark and dull colors.