Friday, March 12, 2010

What are some examples of proper/improper clothing etiquette in Japan? Certain colors, fabrics, rituals, etc.?

I've heard contradicting stories about which styles, colors, fabrics, designs, are appropriate/inappropriate in various situations, as well as other, more general, rules about clothing. Any and all pieces of information are welcome, including those concerning the putting on/taking off of shoes, jackets, clothing for special occasions/formal wear, school uniforms... pretty much anything really, focusing on examples of good/bad etiquette.

What are some examples of proper/improper clothing etiquette in Japan? Certain colors, fabrics, rituals, etc.?
Okay, it's been a coupleof years since I lived in Japan, so forgive me if I am fuzzy on details.





Shoes: take them off when entering a person's home. Most Japanese homes have a foyer of sorts where you can safely remove them and place them neatly, as well as slippers(usually far too small for gai-jin feet, but still) for you to wear while a guest in the home. TECHNICALLY speaking, the home itself doesn't begin until you pass that 'foyer'(real name escapes me) so it's perfectly normal to have somebody just walk in side before announcing their presence. In Tokyo, ANYTHING goes as far as style of clothing. On Sundays at one of the big train stations is Gothic fashion show.. an informal gathering of every extreme fashion out there.





Generally speaking, Temples and Shrines are considered holy places, so dress like you would your local church or synagogue. Most tourists are not allowed inside the temple, per se, so if you happen to be walking around in shorts, it's okay. Just don't expect to be allowed inside to take pictures.





kneeling and sitting on the floor is normal in homes and restaurants, so you won't want to wear anything super constricting or revealing like skirts slit up to your navel. Japan is a huge melting pot and as such, is tolerant of nearly all other cultures, so long as you aren't obnoxious about it.
Reply:Here are a couple links on clothing and Japanese Etiquette.



leather handbag

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