Why are Japanese vintage clothes so popular worldwide?
The culture of second-hand (or “vintage”) items in Japan is extremely popular, and second-hand clothes, which are regularly renewed and replaced, have become a trend among modern youth. This trend has even led to a global craze for second-hand clothing!
Buying second-hand clothes not only allows you to acquire high-quality items at more affordable prices but also helps reduce waste and environmental impact. Here are the reasons why Japanese second-hand clothing has become popular worldwide, as well as 10 Japanese stores to know if you’re looking to purchase second-hand clothing.
Why are Japanese second-hand clothes popular worldwide?
1.The Care Given to Items by Japanese People
Japanese second-hand clothes are often in excellent condition because the Japanese have very strict standards when it comes to the care and maintenance of their belongings. Even second-hand items often remain like new, allowing buyers to purchase items at discounted prices while still feeling as if they are buying something almost new. This is a highly attractive feature for buyers.
2.The Quality and Brands
Japan is home to many globally renowned fashion brands and a high standard of craftsmanship. Popular brands like Beams Japan, earth music & ecology, COMME des GARÇONS PLAY, Uniqlo, and others offer second-hand items that are both affordable and high-quality. On the second-hand market, it is even possible to find Japanese designer brands or limited edition models, which are more sought after than new items by fashion enthusiasts around the world.
3.The Professionalism of Second-Hand Stores
Japanese second-hand stores are generally very professional, whether it’s in the store design, item selection, or pricing. Many stores organize items by style, brand, or size, making it easy for customers to find exactly what they’re looking for. Additionally, second-hand stores in Japan often provide detailed information about the condition and authenticity of the items, helping customers better understand the quality or level of wear of the products.
4.Ecology and Sustainability
With the growing global awareness of environmental issues, many people choose to buy second-hand clothes to reduce waste and environmental impact. The second-hand clothing market in Japan thus becomes an attractive option: it allows consumers to obtain quality items at affordable prices while supporting sustainable fashion.
5.The Convenience of Cross-Border Online Shopping
With the development of cross-border e-commerce platforms, buying second-hand clothing from Japan has become much easier. Websites like Mercari, Rakuten, and specialized online second-hand platforms allow consumers around the world to easily purchase Japanese second-hand clothes while benefiting from delivery services. This has contributed to the internationalization of Japanese second-hand fashion.
Here is an introduction to 10 professional and diverse second-hand stores. If you’re interested in Japanese second-hand clothing, you can start by exploring these stores. First, here are 7 second-hand clothing brands that have online shops:
One of the largest second-hand clothing stores in Japan with an international reach, JAM is a place where both newcomers to second-hand fashion and vintage enthusiasts can enjoy themselves. It is the largest store specializing in imported second-hand clothing and vintage items. All imported products are cleaned and inspected to ensure they are both clean and of high quality, providing customers with a seamless and reassuring shopping experience.
RUSH OUT boasts a stock almost as large as that of the biggest store, JAM, offering a vast selection ranging from popular items to rare finds. You can easily find what you’re looking for. Compared to other sites, the prices are more affordable, and the more you buy, the more loyalty points you accumulate, making it an ideal choice for vintage enthusiasts who purchase multiple second-hand clothing items each season.
WEGO is known for offering fashion items at affordable prices, but it originally specialized in vintage clothing. Since its inception, WEGO has established stable sourcing channels, and its stores feature a carefully selected collection of second-hand retro clothing from the United States, Europe, and other regions of the world.
DUFF offers a higher price range. While some items are priced between 3,000 and 5,000 yen, you’ll also find rare pieces, such as Levi’s jeans valued at up to 800,000 yen. Compared to other vintage stores, DUFF stands out for its broader selection of rare and high-end products.
Feeet offers prices that are neither too high nor too low. It is a store specialized in second-hand clothing for men, selling exclusively men’s items. In addition to classic clothing such as t-shirts, jeans, and hoodies, you’ll also find a wide selection of hats, bags, shoes, and trendy accessories. As a full-fledged clothing brand, the store also sells transformed second-hand garments.
Dracaena is a wholesale company specializing in the importation of second-hand clothing and various products from North America. It sells second-hand items to individuals both at its physical store located in Kichijoji and through its online shop.
RAGTAG collects an average of 700,000 items per year. Unlike individual store management, it adopts a centralized management model. All items go through a central processing center where their authenticity is verified and repairs are made if necessary. In addition to in-store sales, all items are also simultaneously listed on the online platform, creating a pioneering model of integration between physical and online sales.
In addition to online stores, there has recently been a highly publicized phenomenon of “second-hand warehouses.” These stores, with vast spaces resembling warehouses, are filled with various second-hand clothes. Their main advantage is their affordability, and it is possible to find rare items that are not available in urban second-hand shops.
However, the downside lies in the size of the space: it requires energy and patience to find the desired items. But this is precisely the unique experience of these warehouse-style second-hand stores — the thrill of digging through a mountain of clothes and taking the time to uncover pieces you love. Moreover, by conversing with the owners, one can even gain insight into the product sourcing process.
Detailed Address:501 Nishisawada, Numazu-shi, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan
Opening Hours:10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays)
Located in Numazu, Shizuoka Prefecture, this second-hand clothing warehouse is an extension of a well-known store with another branch in Shimokitazawa. The shop keeps all its shutters open, ensuring good ventilation and a pleasant shopping atmosphere.
The warehouse offers a wide range of second-hand clothing, from T-shirts to coats, at very affordable prices. Additionally, it boasts an extensive collection of accessories such as ties and hats, making it even more appealing.
Detailed Address:2976-1 Okazaki, Hiratsuka, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan
Opening Hours:Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Weekdays: By reservation for professionals
The second-hand clothing warehouse, 3peace, located in Hiratsuka, stands out with its typical large warehouse style. Even before the doors open, a crowd of customers gathers outside, creating a lively and vibrant atmosphere. Inside, the sheer volume of items is impressive. The store also has a section dedicated to outdoor gear and another for military clothing on the second floor.
One of the most unique attractions of this store is the mountain of second-hand clothing and fabrics piled near the entrance. Customers can remove their shoes and climb onto these piles of clothes for a true treasure hunt experience. This unique activity can only be found in this type of store, offering an unparalleled experience for vintage fashion enthusiasts.
Address:996-9, Shimoogino, Atsugi, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Located in Atsugi, Kanagawa Prefecture, West Coast is one of the largest second-hand clothing warehouses in Japan, among the 76 stores nationwide. This spacious warehouse boasts an impressive collection of clothing, with a particularly noteworthy shelf dedicated to jeans, available in quantities unmatched elsewhere. The items are carefully organized by category, making it easy for customers to find what they are looking for at affordable prices. Easily accessible from Tokyo, this place is certainly worth a visit for vintage lovers and those looking for fashion at discounted prices.
After reading this description, you might be tempted to go treasure hunting in Japan’s second-hand stores？
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