Men's Business Wear

[ArmandV]

Enough about the Japanese ladies for a spell. I noticed in my two travels to Japan that Japanese men generally all wear dark gray suits and white shirts to work. I only noticed one light tan business suit on my last trip to Tokyo. Anyone know the origin of how Japanese men seem to all wear dark gray suits?

 

[PopCulturePooka]

Conformity.
Really simple.

 

[Shibuyaexpat]

While I don't know the origin, the fact that I see these dark suits everyday has helped me to realize that a business suit is no different from a school uniform. I know guys that would spend crazy money on suits and all the accoutrement associated with them, but at the end of the day, we're the same as the janitor in his jumpsuit--only he was smart enough to not have to pay for his. My wish is to be successful enough that I don't have to wear suits anymore.

 

[Maciamo]

From what I was taught when I asked, Japanese people dislike the English-style suits (dark green, brown, etc.). Maybe is it just that black suits match better their hair colour, and also why older men (with greying hair) tend to wear more grey suits. (?)

But it's undeniable, as FirstHousePooka mentioned, that conformity plays a major role too. Japanese people rarely wear "hade" (flashy or original) neckties for instance.

 

[budd]

ibm is real big over there
P.S.FA オンラインストア

 

[ArmandV]

Maybe I'll buy a suit the next time I go to Japan.

ibm is real big over there
P.S.FA オンラインストア

Interesting site. Nice to see different colored suits. It appears that pinstripes are in.

One other thing I noticed in Japan, was that a lot of clothing stores would have caucasian models in their ads instead of Japanese gents.