Plus Size Clothing: Your Guide to Shopping in Japan
A few months ago, I met some new arrivals to Japan. I offered to answer any questions they might have about life in Japan and help with translation. I was surprised when they said they were doing okay because they had watched some YouTube videos. I knew YouTube was useful but not that useful. I forgot about the interaction until I saw them again a few months later and was shocked to find out they didn’t really know where to buy clothes for regular-sized folks. I could hear my co-worker Mr. Endo’s voice saying, “Well, well, well,” in my head.
I'm making this article to save countless doe-eyed newcomers from the pitfalls of shopping for clothes in Japan!
Let me introduce you to your new best friend, 大きいサイズ. This is basically how you say 'plus-sized' in Japanese; a more literal translation is just 'big size.' You’ll want to keep an eye out for this text while shopping!
Let’s look at three stores where you can get a 大きいサイズ. fit, plus some honorable mentions.
#1 しまむら (Shimamura)
Shimamura has stores all over Japan, from bustling major cities to lush, green, rice field-filled countrysides. You can find professional attire, sportswear, casual wear, room wear, and shoes. Not only are the prices super affordable, but because they update their stock seasonally, you can always find a deal when the seasonal sale rolls around. While the majority of the store is dedicated to women’s clothes, they have a decent-sized men’s and children’s department as well. For me, the men’s section is the perfect size as I suffer from analysis paralysis and can’t imagine having to select a single shirt to buy from hundreds. They also sell futon covers, various cute cushions, and rugs.
While we’re talking about Shimamura, I feel I have to give an honorable mention to Avail. Avail can sometimes be found next to or connected to Shimamura. They usually target younger teen shoppers and have a very small 大きいサイズ. offering, but they also have a lot of fragrances for your home, body, and car. For seasonal holidays, they have affordable gift baskets for the special people in your life.
You can find a Shimamura near you at: Shimamura Store Locator.
#2 Uniqlo - Online!
Uniqlo has carved out a solid international reputation for itself. It’s known for good clothes and small sizes! Here’s the thing: if you’ve ever been in a Uniqlo Japan store, you probably won’t find anything over XXL (2XL). However, if you visit the online store, you’ll find sizes up to 4XL and sales not found at physical retail locations! Shopping online can be super convenient. You can choose to pay via convenience store. They’ll send you the clothes, you can try them on, and return them if they don’t fit right. If you decide to keep them, a few days later a payment slip will arrive in the mail and you can pay it at any of the convenience stores listed on the back of the slip! The only downside is that plus-size clothes move like hotcakes. You have to set up email alerts or check the site regularly to ensure you get in on the action. Another downside would be the prices—be prepared to spend a lot more than you would at Shimamura.
Honorable mention: I’d be remiss not to mention the sister brand GU, which offers similar products but cheaper and a little lower quality. GU’s online store only offers up to 3XL, though.
#3 Nissen
Nissen has no physical locations that I know of but offers a massive online catalog of 大きいサイズ. fits at Nissen. They have a great free magazine as well, if you’d like to browse and reduce your screen time. The prices can be crazy cheap, on par with or even better than Shimamura at times. They offer sizes up to 10L!! The only thing keeping this from second place on my list is, well, the analysis paralysis because of the vast selection they offer and the slower shipping time compared to Uniqlo.
Honorable mention: Big Mone. They offer a large selection of 大きいサイズ. but only have a handful of physical locations. They do have an online store, but the prices aren’t always as competitive.
And that’s it for my top three list! Of course, there are more stores in my city, but they don’t have other branches or online sales sites. I arm you with these three to avail yourself of the freshest drip. Go forth, explore your city, and find your own gems.