Japanese Fashion Men

Men’s fashion industry is not stereotyped and limited to one “kei”, which is Japanese and means “style”. Men’s fashion styles are varied according to age and personal preference of a man. It is also varied according to where in Japan he lives. Men’s styles are mostly customized and blended with layered articles and accessories. Formal styles may be divided and identified through various -kei such as the following:

Kireime-kei

A conservative and minimal dressing style. Most guys love this style; it is not exaggerated and never loud. The Kireime style is minimalistic and conservative, cutting out on the accessories and focusing on one single tone. It is almost not considered as subculture of Japanese fashion as tourists can totally relate and blend with Kireime-kei.

kireime-keiMode-kei.

These guys rule the A-List in Japanese fashion industries. One may see them casually strolling around Tokyo in Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada, Dior Homme outfits and the like. This style is the high-end version of Kireime except that it is more ostentatious and bold. The label name of their outfit is very important.mode kei

One can never rule out those guys who love taking things light, fun and wacky. Fun-loving styles are often carried by the younger men in Japan. Through fashion, the gentlemen get to separate themselves from the social norm and embrace their uniqueness. Here are some of the famous fun and expressive styles for guys:

Salon-kei

It is not a big thing if one finds out that boys do go to cosmetic schools. Salon-kei was started by guys who attend beauty school. This style gears towards the feminine side and is characterized by mixed low and high fashion brands accentuated with accessories like bags, hats, scarf, belt, and sunglasses. And because they attend beauty school, they sweat out in taking care of their hair style and make up to match their outfit.salon kei

Onii-kei

Onii-kei is the male counterpart of Onee-kei and the conservative big brother of Gyaruo-kei. It is a highly active style often associated with rocker and military looks but also with hosts. The fashion style is geared towards high-end fashion sense leaving the rugged elements of street style. Although this style is trendy and edgy, Onii-kei is smooth and artistic. It also makes a strong statement when it comes to hairstyle and fashion accessories.onii kei

Visual-kei

Visual-kei is deeply influenced by Japan’s music subculture, Japanese Rock or J-Rock, almost monochromatic, black being the base hue, with guys wearing eyeliners, leather jackets, tight denims and body piercings. Visual-kei fans are often seen with wild haircuts and hair colors. The guys who love this style are said to be very resourceful, having DIY fashion projects and personally customizing their outfits by advanced pattern mixing and alternating second hand high-end fashion brands with local designer’s creations.visual kei

Gyaruo

This is the male version of Gyaru-kei and the little loud brother of Onii-kei. Just like Gyaru, the Gyaruo boys are characterized and easily recognized by their tanned skin, dyed hair, heavy makeup, and multiple body piercings. This style also has subcategories borrowing biker, military, or rocker looks.gyaruo

Street-kei

This style is highly influenced by the American culture. Everything that is trending in the US - the street style boys will soak it up like a dry sponge. Basketball and hip-hop music fans can relate to them as they are often seen in baggy yet neat clothes, sometimes in NBA jerseys accentuated with signature sneakers or rubber shoes. Street style is very popular among younger guys from their late teens to early twenties.