Guide to Japanese Business Attire | Male and Female

2024/08/05

Japanese business culture places significant importance on appearance and etiquette in the workplace.

This guide explores various aspects of professional attire in Japan, covering both traditional business wear and more modern “office casual” styles for men and women.

It also addresses contemporary issues such as the acceptance of tattoos and religious attire like hijabs in Japanese business environments.

Female Business Attire

Choosing a Suit

When selecting a business suit for women, it’s essential to consider factors such as fit, color, fabric, and style. A well-fitted suit that sits properly on the shoulders, bust, waist, and hips can significantly enhance your appearance and comfort.

Stick to conservative colors like navy, charcoal, or dark gray for versatility and professionalism, while lighter colors such as beige may be suitable for less formal business settings. Opt for high-quality fabrics, including wool or wool blends, which offer durability and comfort.

Stretch fabrics can provide added mobility and comfort. When it comes to style, choose a classic, timeless design that won’t quickly go out of fashion, and consider your body type when selecting jacket and skirt or pant styles.

Blouse Etiquette

Blouse etiquette is equally important when wearing a business suit. Always wear a blouse or button-up shirt under your suit jacket, avoiding low-cut or overly revealing tops.

White and light-colored blouses are the most versatile and professional options, while subtle patterns or pastels can add variety while maintaining a polished look.

Ensure your blouse fits well without gaping at the bust or pulling at the shoulders, and tuck it in for a neat and polished appearance.

Skirts and Pants

Skirt length should be at or slightly above the knee for a professional look, and avoid skirts that are too short or tight. Pants should be well-fitted and hemmed to the appropriate length for your height and the shoes you plan to wear.

Classic straight-leg or slightly tapered pants are the most versatile and professional options. If wearing a skirt, ensure it is not too tight and allows for comfortable sitting and movement.

Accessories

When it comes to accessories, keep jewelry simple and understated. A watch, small earrings, and a wedding ring (if applicable) are appropriate. Avoid large, flashy jewelry that may be distracting or unprofessional.

Choose a simple, classic belt that matches your shoes if your pants or skirt have belt loops, and carry a professional bag or briefcase that is large enough to hold your work essentials without being overly bulky.

Shoes

Opt for closed-toe, low-heeled pumps in a neutral color like black, navy, or beige, and avoid open-toe shoes or excessively high heels.

Ensure your shoes are well-maintained, polished, and free of scuffs or damage, and consider the comfort of your shoes, as you may be standing or walking for extended periods throughout the workday.

Grooming

Lastly, pay attention to grooming. Maintain a neat and polished hairstyle that keeps hair out of your face, and if you have long hair, consider pulling it back into a low ponytail or bun.

Wear natural-looking makeup that enhances your features without being overly dramatic, and avoid heavy or bright colors that may be distracting.

Ensure your nails are clean and well-manicured, and if wearing nail polish, choose a neutral or subtle color. Don’t forget about personal hygiene, including fresh breath and the use of antiperspirant to avoid body odor.

Male Business Attire

Choosing a Suit

When selecting a suit for business, it’s important to consider several factors to ensure a professional and polished appearance.

The fit of the suit should be your top priority, as a well-fitted suit can make a significant difference in how you look.

Ensure that the suit fits well on the shoulders, sleeves, and pants, without being too tight or loose.

When it comes to color, stick to conservative options such as navy, charcoal, or dark gray, as these colors are versatile and exude professionalism. High-quality fabrics like wool or wool blends are recommended for their durability and comfort.

Lastly, opt for a classic, timeless style that won’t go out of fashion quickly, ensuring that your investment lasts for years to come.

Shirt Etiquette

When wearing a suit, it’s crucial to follow proper shirt etiquette. Always wear a long-sleeved shirt with your suit, as short-sleeved shirts are considered too casual for business settings.

Ensure that about 1 cm to 1.5 cm of your shirt cuff is visible beyond your suit sleeve, as this creates a polished and put-together look. White and light-colored shirts are the most versatile and professional options, as they pair well with any suit color.

Finally, make sure your shirt fits well and is not too tight or loose around the neck and chest, as an ill-fitting shirt can detract from your overall appearance.

Ties

Ties are an essential accessory for completing your business attire. When selecting a tie, choose one that complements your suit and shirt, while avoiding overly bright colors or loud patterns that may be distracting or unprofessional.

The width of your tie should be proportional to your suit lapels and body frame, ensuring a balanced and cohesive look.

It’s also important to learn how to tie a proper knot, such as the Four-in-Hand or Half Windsor, as a poorly tied knot can ruin an otherwise polished appearance.

Belts

When it comes to belts, simplicity and quality are key. Choose a belt made of high-quality leather in a color that matches your shoes, such as black or brown. Avoid belts with large, flashy buckles or embellishments, as these can appear unprofessional.

The width of your belt should be proportional to your body frame and the loops on your pants, typically ranging from 1 to 1.5 inches.

Always ensure that your belt is properly fastened and not too tight or loose, as this can be both uncomfortable and unsightly.

Shoes

Your choice of shoes can make or break your business attire. Opt for classic, high-quality leather shoes in colors such as black or brown, depending on your suit color. Oxford or Derby-style shoes are timeless and professional options.

Ensure that your shoes are well-maintained, polished, and free of scuffs or damage. Avoid wearing shoes with square toes or overly pointy toes, as these styles can appear dated or unprofessional.

Socks

When selecting socks to wear with your business attire, choose colors that complement your suit and shoes. Opt for socks in neutral colors such as black, navy, or charcoal gray, and avoid white or overly bright colors.

The material of your socks should be high-quality and breathable, such as cotton or wool blends, to ensure comfort throughout the day.

Ensure that your socks are long enough to cover your calves, preventing any skin from showing when you sit down or cross your legs.

Lastly, avoid wearing socks with visible patterns or logos, as these can appear unprofessional.

Accessories

Accessories can add a touch of personality to your business attire, but it’s important to keep them minimal and professional.

A simple, high-quality watch in a metal such as stainless steel or gold can complement your outfit without being distracting.

If you wear jewelry, such as a wedding band or cufflinks, ensure that they are understated and not overly flashy. When it comes to pocket squares, choose a color that complements your tie and suit, and avoid patterns that are too bold or distracting.

What is Office Casual Style(オフィスカジュアル)？

In Japan, many companies have adopted a dress code known as “Office Casual” (オフィスカジュアル). This style strikes a balance between the formality of traditional business attire and the comfort and relaxed nature of casual wear.

1. Maintaining a professional appearance: While the dress code is more relaxed than traditional business wear, employees are still expected to look neat, clean, and presentable. Clothing should not be too revealing or slouchy.
   
2. Incorporating casual elements: Office casual allows for the incorporation of more relaxed items such as khakis, sweaters, and collared polo shirts, which are not typically part of a formal business wardrobe.
   
3. Considering the company culture: The exact interpretation of office casual can vary between companies and industries. It’s important for employees to observe and follow the specific norms within their workplace.

Some common office casual outfit combinations for women include:

• A collared blouse or sweater paired with dress pants or a skirt
• A simple dress with a cardigan or blazer
• Dress shoes or clean, professional-looking flats

And for men:

• A collared button-down shirt or polo with khakis or dress pants
• A sweater layered over a button-down shirt with slacks
• Leather shoes or loafers

The introduction of office casual in Japan reflects changing attitudes towards work culture and a desire to create a more comfortable and less rigid work environment while still maintaining a level of professionalism.

Are Tattos Allowed in Japanese Business Scenes?

In Japanese business culture, tattoos are generally frowned upon and often considered taboo. This stance stems from historical associations with organized crime and a cultural preference for conformity in professional settings.

However, attitudes are slowly evolving, particularly in certain industries and with younger generations.

While visible tattoos are typically not accepted in traditional corporate environments, some companies may be more lenient if the tattoos can be completely concealed by clothing.

This is especially true in sectors like technology or creative industries, where dress codes tend to be more relaxed.

Additionally, roles that involve minimal client interaction, such as some engineering positions, may have more flexible policies regarding tattoos.

It’s worth noting that companies actively seeking to hire international talent or those in more progressive industries might show greater acceptance towards tattoos.

However, this remains the exception rather than the rule. Ultimately, the acceptance of tattoos varies significantly from company to company, making it essential for individuals to inquire about specific policies during the hiring process or when considering a job offer.

Is Hijab Allowed in Japanese Business Sceneces?

The acceptance of hijabs in Japanese business environments presents a complex and evolving situation. While Japan is gradually becoming more diverse and inclusive, traditional business culture can still pose challenges for those wearing religious attire such as the hijab.

In general, the permissibility of wearing a hijab often depends on the specific company, industry, and job role. Positions that involve less direct customer interaction, such as back-office roles, are more likely to accommodate hijab-wearing employees.

However, customer-facing positions, particularly in industries like hospitality and retail, may still present obstacles.

Encouragingly, there’s a growing trend of visibility for Muslim women wearing hijabs in urban areas, especially in certain retail sectors like fashion and convenience stores.

This suggests a slow but steady shift towards greater acceptance and understanding of diverse cultural practices in the workplace.

For job seekers who wear hijabs, it’s crucial to discuss this aspect of religious observance during the interview process or company orientation. More flexible and progressive companies are likely to be understanding and accommodating, recognizing the value of diversity in their workforce.

However, it’s important to remember that policies can vary widely between organizations, reflecting the ongoing evolution of Japan’s approach to workplace diversity and inclusion.