Can I wear tanktops in Japan? Or shorts?

Question

I'm going on a trip to Japan, and I want to know if it's bad to wear tank tops and shorts. I don't have much curves(major understatement) would it be ok to wear them in Japan or is it considered to 'risque'. Feedback great appreciated. (:

Answer 1

There is nothing wrong with wearing tank tops or shorts in Japan. That said, we don't wear them much in public (especially shorts), so in general you might feel more comfortable in less revealing outfit.



It also depends on where you go in Japan, though. If you go to Shibuya during the height of summer, you will find quite a few young girls wearing tank tops and some even shorts while nobody appreciates getting pressed against a stranger's sweaty skin during rush hours on a train.

Answer 2

It depends what you're doing. Your first answer certainly has a point about crowded trains though.



If you're a tourist, doing touristy things, especially when it's outrageously hot and humid (as it often is in summer) then of course it will be okay to wear shorts. Tank tops are okay too, but you should perhaps worry more about sun exposure than about being risque. If you are doing touristy things, make sure you take a light cover, perhaps a shirt, to put over the tank top when you go into shrines or whatever.



If you're young then in your spare time it will be fine to wear them, if you're a student obviously you'll need to wear appropriate clothing for that, but what you do outside is your own affair.

Answer 3

It depends on what part. If you go in the city, like Tokyo, you rarely even see people wear jeans. I always look like a bum since I live in jeans when I visit Tokyo. A lot of people are dressier because of work. My brother lives in a suit there. Men wear jeans more often then women, and normally the younger you are, the more common it is.



I really don't see many people wear tanks or shorts. Unless you go to Okinawa (a sub-tropical island south of Japan). Just google the city where you are going, click pictures and see what people are wearing and run with it.

Answer 4

If they don't show too much, you'll be ok in the touristy areas. But the more skin you show, the more looks you'll get. If you want to visit a temple / shrine though, it's always better to dress in a more modest manner.