shorts and summer clothing

[mainebeachgurl]

I am a 17 year old girl and I will be stayinig in Japan for six weeks this summer. I don't know where yet, because I haven't been placed with a host family. My question is: are there rules about what is appropriate to wear in the summer? Can I wear short shorts and short skirts? What about tank tops? Is it disrespectful to show cleavage? What about swimming and swimsuits? I'm completely clueless, so any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Davey]

Good thread, but I don't know very well, sorry!! I am sure others known better than I.

 

[Mars Man]

Hello there mainebeachgurl !!

First of all, welcome to the forum. I hope you check out a lot of things using the search function as well as looking at the topics being discussed. After arriving here, please do stay in touch.

I'll put in what I feel to be the better way of thinking about some of the things you have asked about--remember, this is how I see it and can be mistaken to some degree in some areas.

Since you will be staying as a guest with a family, it may be better to perpare for a little more of a conservative attitude than usual--unless you have direct evidence saying the opposite.

I would say that while shorts would be o.k., 'short' shorts could make a little embarressment for some in the family--shorts are not that common.

I feel that a tank top would be o.k. as long as the material were not too thin. Cleavage? I don't see how that would be too much of a problem, but you might want to prepare for some looks.

Swimsuits are no sweat, any way you go, almost. You would probably notice when here, if you go swimming, that more girls your age than not wear swimsuits that are a little more than the typical bikini. You will probably appear older than the Japanese girl your age, however, so maybe whatever.

I guess the main thing you might want to keep in mind, is that you will be a guest at that family's house, and what you do will (most likely in their minds, at least) reflect on them. It would be different if you were totally on your own. 'Face' is important in Japan.

I hope you have fun here, and please do stay in touch. See you 'round !! MM

 

[misa.j]

I think Mr. Mars has given you a really good advice.
Many Japanese women tend to dress a bit more on the conservative side than how American women do in the summer. They like layers for some reason that I don't understand and wear a shirt over a tanktop over a t-shirt, like that.

I did wear short shorts and a tanktop in Japan, and I think as long as they are not too, too sexy they should be fine. It usually gets really hot & humid in summer in Japan.