Article by: yana

How to dress up for work in Japan

Work culture in Japan is unique and you might want to check out some of our other articles on this topic.

But in this one we want to focus on work clothes. Of course, this highly depends on where you work – in general you will probably be fine wearing jeans at a part time convenience store job but might have to opt for a full suite when working in sales. We will try to give you the basic ideas so it will be easier for you to pick up a wardrobe for your new job.

For men:

• Most Japanese businessmen, especially senior managers, executives and office workers, wear dark navy, charcoal gray, or black suits in white shirts and soothing ties.
• A blue or black suit is traditional in Japan. Though be careful to avoid wearing a black tie — as, when worn with a black suit and white shirt, can symbolize funeral attire.
• If you are a foreign employee and new to the company, the main rule is to choose a basic and simple design for your clothes.
  This removes the element of personal choice and expression, but it has the advantage of making your clothing choice very easy. You don't have to wonder or  spend much time choosing what clothes you are going to wear tomorrow.

For women:

• The same formality goes for women. Though Black, charcoal gray, and navy are the standard colors for business suits and they should be plain with no pattern. pants suits are acceptable in some company.
• Ensure that your skirt is not too short nor too tight. Japanese are rather conservative, so it is important to cover your skin, especially when traveling with tattoos. Wearing tights or long-sleeved clothing should suffice.
• Wear short or tied hair.
• Avoid accessories, handbags at meetings. Especially if they are bright and flashy. Do not apply too much perfume.
• We recommend using an executive briefcase or shoulder bag.
• Japanese companies often "require" female employees to wear high-heeled shoes in the office, but foreign female executives are free to wear business formal shoes that they feel are appropriate. ..

In general, most companies in Japan adopted a business casual style, so you should not be worried too much. But, while it might be the case – there will still be times when you should dress up more business, than casual. Such cases include meetings with clients. If you only work at the office and your company does not have an explicit regulation on clothes – business casual is the way to go. Choose neutral colors and simple shapes, fewer accessories and no flashy makeup. For ladies – opt for a longer skirt and less revealing tops, Japan is still very conservative. For men – no need to wear a tie, but generally men are still expected to wear suits most of the time, so there is certainly less freedom.