Shopping for a "plus size" in Japan

Living in Japan is an everyday challenge for me.

As a 180 cm tall girl I probably have average size in my home country Germany, but in Japan I am considered as chubby, very tall and “medatsu” – eye-catching/conspicuous.

However, being tall can be convenient in certain situations, especially at live concerts or in a crowded train in the early morning as the only one still being able to get some fresh air.

Shopping as a plus-size woman in Japan can be quite a challenge though. Especially when you have to keep in mind, that what is considered here as “tall” or “plus-size” is usually standard sized in European countries.

But there are ways to survive in Japan and still dress up fashionable. Many cheap online stores have a nice collection of different clothes and in certain areas in Tokyo you can find shops with XL-sized fashion.

Shopping online overseas is another rather obvious option – but shipping fees can be expensive and you have to be careful about the import taxes, especially when you order leather shoes or other exclusive clothes.

The most of the following websites are in Japanese, but the link will lead you directly to the Plus-size section of the web shop.

You can also use a browser translation application or ask your Japanese friends, if they can help you with your order.

I usually shop online and it is quite easy, as soon as you get used to it. Even if you don’t understand all the Japanese Kanji, the procedure is almost the same as on every other international web shop page.

• My personal favourites are the following web shops and stores:

Uniqlo: a chain shop you can find across Japan and by now also in Europe. They have high quality, simple clothing for men and women. L and XL sizes fit perfectly. Uniqlo shops can be found all across Tokyo and you can also shop online.

Nissen: Nissen is a Japanese online shop, selling almost everything from furniture, kitchen goods to clothes.

They offer a big size (up to 10L) and a tall size (up to 178 cm) section for women. Men clothes can be also found on Nissen.

Re-J is a shop located in different areas in Tokyo, which offers really fashionable big size clothes for women. They sell their products also on Rakuten or Amazon, but if you go to Kinshicho station, visit the nearby shopping centre Olinas – a big Re-J shop can be found on the second floor.

Paseos – If you happen to be already at Kinshicho, go to the 8th floor of the Arcakit building next to the station. Paseos is a very cheap clothing store with big size clothes for men, women and kids.

You can also find the earlier mentioned Uniqlo in the same building and GU, a chain store, which offers some L and XL clothes for men and women.

Sanki is another very cheap clothing market. In Saitama I found it close to Soka station. The quality of the clothes is okay, big sizes can be found and they have everything – from underwear to umbrellas.

• Other recommendations for your “plus-size shopping”:

Isetan has a online tall-size shop and a plus-size shop for men and women. If you live close to a Isetan department store, you might want to check out their collection.

Cecile Online offers plus size clothes for women, men, teens and children.

Rope Japan offers tall size women clothes.

LLQueen focuses on plus size clothing for women.

Chayclub and Shinamura have a similar collection.

If you need a suit for your work in Japan the chain Aoki might be the shop of your choice.

Specialising on suits and formal wear they offer plus sizes and tall sizes, for women up to size 3L.

I find them quite expensive, but depending on what you need, you might find the right clothing for you.

Aoki’s women selection is not as extensive as the men’s collection.

If you happen to live near a Costco you might want to check out their clothes, too.

Other western brands like GAP, Zara and H&M have already established in Japan.

I find their L and XL sizes rather small, but maybe you want to give it a try.

If you don’t live close to a shop, you can order via web shop, too.

Enjoy your shopping! If you have any more tips for plus-size shopping in Japan message us and we will add your advice to our blog!

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