15 Best Japanese Clothing Brands to Know in 2022: Japanese Fashion (2023)

A fusion of high fashion, minimalism, and streetwear.

When it comes to Japanese clothing brands, the first things that come to mind are often fashion retailers like Uniqlo, the avant-garde stylings of Comme des Garçons, or hypebeast-approved menswear labels such as BAPE, Cav Empt, and Mastermind Japan. While Japanese street style is often noted for its over-the-top approach compared to the minimal aesthetic seen in Europe, the most popular Japanese clothing brands are an amalgamation of all of the above: a fusion of high fashion, minimalism, and streetwear.

Rei Kawakubo, Issey Miyake, and Yohji Yamamoto have been stalwarts of the Japanese fashion scene for decades, and now a new wave of innovative upstarts are reinvigorating the East Asian design landscape. For example, take Tomo Koizumi, who was catapulted to fame after being discovered by LOVE’s Katie Grand and subsequently showed his debut collection of colorful, exaggerated tulle pieces during NYFW’s fall/winter 2019 season. It was recently announced that Koizumi had been tapped by Pucci to produce an exclusive capsule collection for the Italian luxury brand, to be released for spring/summer 2021.

One thing’s for sure: Japanese fashion is, and has always been, ahead of the curve when it comes to trends. With that in mind, we’ve compiled the ultimate list of Japanese clothing brands every woman should know—and add to her closet, ASAP. From AMBUSH to Undercover and everything in between, keep scrolling for our guide to the top Japanese designers of the moment and the key pieces to shop this season.

One of the most widely known names when it comes to Japanese clothing brands, Comme des Garçons was established by designer Rei Kawakubo in the 1970s and continues to be one of the most exciting names in both avant-garde and contemporary fashion today. Though the collections are still designed in Aoyama, Tokyo, where the label was founded, CDG is a highlight on the Paris Fashion Week schedule, known for its dramatic runway presentations and expertly draped, sculptural garments. Comme des Garçons pieces are a timeless, trend-defying addition to any woman’s wardrobe, however, thanks to the brand’s focus on staple garments constructed with an offbeat edge.

For 2022, you’ll find us pairing this versatile V-Neck Wool Cardigan in navy with this tailored jacquard blazer in a cool checkerboard pattern; teamed with a pair of heeled boots and tailored trousers, it’s the perfect fall/winter work ensemble. For the spring season ahead, stay toasty in the soft Patchwork Felt Coat, a voluminous A-line shape and Valentine’s Day-esque color-way is the perfect topper for February.

If you’re looking for a more casual yet still luxurious entry-point to CDG, consider the Comme des Garçons Play line, comprising of T-shirts, cardigans, sweatshirts, Converse Chuck Taylor All Star sneakers, and more, emblazoned with CDG’s signature heart-with-eyes logo, available at global stockists such as Dover Street Market.

A Bunka Fashion College graduate, Junya Watanabe is a protégé of Rei Kawakubo, having gotten his start in the industry with a pattern making apprenticeship at Comme des Garçons in the mid-1980s. Known for his experimental approach to design and focus on incorporating innovative, technical fabrics in his work, Watanabe was granted his own eponymous line under the Comme des Garçons umbrella in the early ‘90s.

This season we’re turning to Junya Watanabe’s namesake Japanese clothing brand for our dark and dramatic fall/winter needs. Case in point: these distressed cropped jeans are the ultimate versatile pair of denim. Kick up the vintage rock feel with the brand’s asymmetric T-shirt dress. We know Versace loves a good collaboration moment and this vintage Aerosmith tee gets a makeover with Versace’s signature silk scarfs and a chunky chain necklace. Paired with leather or PVC pants, it makes for a subversive and too-cool-for-school outfit.

Chitose Abe’s Japanese clothing brand sacai has been one of the most buzzworthy names on the Paris Fashion Week schedule for several seasons now, and for good reason. Having cut her teeth under Comme des Garçons and Junya Watanabe, Abe launched sacai as a knitwear label in 1999. Fast-forward 20 years later and sacai is a notable womenswear-first luxury brand combining streetwear sensibilities with high-end design notes. It’s this unique perspective that’s led the brand to collaborate with the likes of The North Face, Pendleton, and perhaps most notably, Nike, whose highly coveted LD Waffle sneaker is still selling way above retail prices on platforms like StockX.

This season we’re incorporating some of sacai’s more utilitarian-led pieces into our closet. The crisp, white cotton poplin shirt dress with a built-in layered top is a stylish addition to any workwear wardrobe and can be worn under the label’s two-tone trench coat on colder days. Complete your FW22 look with the ultimate trench made of contrasting wool felt and gabardine—its mixed-media design embodies the brand’s deconstructed ethos. It’s the best of both winter jacket worlds as a trench-meets-peacoat jacket hybrid.

Considered a “master tailor” and rightfully so, Yohji Yamamoto’s eponymous Japanese clothing brand reinvigorates any wardrobe with the most stunning yet wearable garments that retain their appeal even after decades. As an outspoken fan of the color black, it’s no surprise the majority of this avant-garde artist’s designs are executed in black, gray, and white. We love this edgy take on an elongated cardigan, arriving in a dramatic knit silhouette with subtle distressed details. As for Yamamoto’s Two-Tone Cropped Trousers, laid-back navy pants provide the party in the front while tailored work slacks keep the business in the back. Whether you wear a formal shirt or opt for a casual tee tucked into the waistband, these trousers are innately versatile.

For a statement piece that’s suitable for maximalists and minimalists alike, the High-Low Shirt is a no-brainer. This streamlined top looks simple upon a first impression with its archetypal collar, long sleeves, and a front button fastening, but is finished with a panel draped over the back and belt tabs at the sides, elevating it to anything but a simple work shirt.

Yet another Comme des Garçons alumnus, Kei Ninomiya started his career working as a CDG patternmaker for just four years before his mentor, Rei Kawakubo, entrusted the designer with his own label under CDG: Noir Kei Ninomiya. A hyper-creative pattern cutter by trade, Ninomiya’s dexterity in creating unconventional silhouettes is evident throughout his work, from his voluminous and often theatrical garments seen on the runway, to the intricate details found in his commercial accessories.

For the colder months, when basics like plain long-sleeve shirts are required, there’s no better item than Ninomiya’s Tulle-Trimmed Sweater knit from silk, which is cozy and stylish at once. We’ll be accessorizing ours with a mid-length black skirt or cropped, tailored pants and finishing with Ninomiya’s inflated bomber jacket. Arriving in an oversized shape and constructed of lustrous taffeta, the oversized jacket is gathered at the hems for a unique shape. Likewise, fans of bold outerwear will likely be keen on the Tailored Blazer Coat beneath a tulle mini dress. With its layered appearance, this pre-styled piece of outerwear will definitely set any outfit apart from the pack.

Noted for their fusion of Americana style with high-quality design and fabrics, Japanese clothing brand visvim products are crafted with a focus on longevity rather than trend cycles. With that in mind, the brand has built a cult following of fanatics who crave cool and considered design, with quality manufacturing that ensures garments will stand the test of time.

We love visvim’s 100% cotton jean jacket made from hand-spun denim in Japan. Their cropped fit and straight cut are a perfect companion for casual wear over everyday T-shirts as well as a tailored shirt or blouse. For example, the Asymmetrical Polo Top is a dreamy rework on a classic tee; the pure cotton shirt maintains comfort and versatility while the high-low hem adds a high-fashion feel. Keep the casual-yet-polish feel going with visvim’s ironed High-Rise Chinos. When it comes to footwear for the winter-to-spring transition, we’re wearing visvim’s Chamberlain sneakers in creamy shades of leather and suede. The lace-up high-rise silhouette gives a cool street style look and thick Vibram® soles are perfect for walking the whole city.

AMBUSH, the Tokyo-based label led by Verbal and Yoon Ahn, began life as a jewelry brand so it’s no wonder that Ahn has now come full circle, designing jewelry for Dior Homme under Kim Jones. Over the years, the duo turned their hand toward apparel and accessories while continuing their pop culture-inspired jewelry line, with celebrity friends like Kanye West, Lady Gaga, and Rihanna all spotted wearing Ambush designs. Collaborations with Nike, Converse, Rimowa, and Bvlgari have only further solidified Ambush’s status as one of the Japanese clothing brands to watch.

Our eyes are forever on AMBUSH’s footwear offerings – in particular, these new Rubber Ankle Boots are a perfect fit for the chunky rain boots trend and are a surefire conversation-starter (Hello, Bottega green). When it comes to fall/winter wardrobe essentials, we all need to invest in a sweater-blazer combo. We recommend AMBUSH’s oversized hoodie dress with a drawstring and hooded neckline and boxy, elongated fit layered under the brand’s Wrapped Belted Blazer, which is made from a virgin wool blend, boasting modern, angular slits at the neckline.

Jun Takahashi’s Undercover is that rare kind of Japanese clothing brand that straddles the worlds of streetwear and luxury with equal acclaim in each. Takahashi’s early work was heavily inspired by the punk and grunge subcultures, and while they are strongly referenced in his collections today, his contemporary work has taken on more of a technical slant, which has led to diverse collaborations with Nike, Supreme, and Valentino.

During winter time (or as we like to call it, cocooning season), layers are key. We’re filling our closets with cozy Undercover knitwear like the grungy satin bomber jacket with a built-in knitted cardigan. Alternatively, style this graphic puffer jacket with voluminous sleeves and a belted wrap design with Undercover’s deconstructed wide-leg pants for a look that’s as edgy as it is chic.

One of the best known Japanese clothing brands of all time is Issey Miyake, so much so that its eponymous designer is essentially a household name, with a career that’s spanned half a century — and counting. Famous for his innovative pleat technology, which gave him the ability to produce garments that retain their flexibility and ease of wear, but also have pleats (that hold their shape over time) incorporated into the design itself, Miyake is a true design pioneer.

When it comes to effortless elegance, look no further than the PLEATS PLEASE line, which somehow manages to be simultaneously casual and sophisticated. In particular, we’re big fans of the slouchy Plissé Pleated T-Shirt in iridescent green, which has a relaxed fit, cap sleeves, and asymmetric hem. Wear it with tie-dye Plissé Shibori Trousers, which have an elasticated waistband and curled hems. They’re perfect for tucking into Miyake’s Grey Bounce Knee-High Boots in the colder months.

Founded under Keizo Shimizu’s Nepenthes label, Japanese clothing brand Needles’ aesthetic merges Americana influences (particularly military, Western, and collegiate style) with Japanese textiles and craftsmanship. All Needles products are manufactured in Japan and stocked in prestigious retailers including Goodhood, Slam Jam, and Couverture & The Garbstore.

The beauty of Needles’ 7 Cuts garments is that no two are ever exactly the same; each modge-podged piece is constructed from several vintage shirts, rebuilt into one new piece with visible tonal stitching throughout. Try the 7 Cuts Football-Print Long Sleeve T-Shirt for an elevated take on the athleisure collegiate trend loved by celebrities like Hailey Bieber. We love the Oxford vibe of the Glen-plaid twill trousers as an upscale alternative to casual denim.

If you’re still working from home but don’t want to compromise on style over comfort, may we suggest the Butterfly-Embroidered Tracksuit? Needles’ track jackets and pants have a cult following and regularly sell out. Our current favorites arrive in wine-red and have a slouchy, straight-leg fit, an elasticated waistband, and zipped side pockets. Added design details include lime-green stripes running down the lateral side seams and Needles’ signature butterfly emblem embroidered in the same shade.

Having started life as a small accessories brand, SUICOKE soon found its footing in functional footwear, sandals in particular. The brand, which is led by an anonymous creative collective in Japan, is known for its überpractical sandals with Vibram soles (the first original sandals to use them). Such is SUICOKE’s appeal in both streetwear and high fashion that it’s had several successful collaborations with designers like Copenhagen Fashion Week’s sweetheart Cecilie Bahnsen and labels like Stüssy, maharishi, A.P.C., Nepenthes, and even Danish homeware brand HAY.

For 2022, we’re still fawning over The Elder Statesman collab on the coziest house shoe you can wear outdoors, made of cashmere and an embroidered Velcro strap. We also adore the Tom Wood-exclusive slip-on MOTO Leather Sandals, which have two adjustable leather Velcro straps to secure your feet–ideal for wearing with casual dresses and slouchy, tailored pants alike.

For a more classic look, turn toward the SSD-CoMab slippers made of taupe corduroy and lined with soft shearling. This pair is sure to be a wardrobe staple for countless chilly and transitional seasons to come.

Japanese label Auralee focuses on researching and developing raw materials and textiles with attention to detail. The products may appear simple, but you can understand the brand’s dedication to modern refinement if you closely observe them.

Auralee is one of the few brands that can be seamlessly integrated into one’s wardrobe. That’s because founder and designer Ryota Iwai purposely create his collections to be an authentic extension of the wearer's style. Opt for the crochet button-up T-shirt with lightweight Organic Cotton-Terry shorts in the summer. The Front-Seam Cotton-Velour Trousers and bouclé sweater have you covered when the temperatures drop.

Y-3 is the Japanese brand between Adidas and Yohji Yamamoto, a Japanese designer. Yamamoto’s brand stems from his avant-garde designs and striking silhouettes. His partnership with Adidas aims to bring Yamamoto's sartorial aesthetics to the brand by fusing high fashion with advanced performancewear.

Given the brand’s focus on tactical silhouettes, it’s no surprise that Y-3 goes beyond youractivewear and loungewear favorites. Style the green Long-Sleeve Tech Shirt and matching Palazzo Trousers with a bralette and platform heels or the cream-hued ​​Oversized-Belted Blazer to complete a monochromatic look.

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