How To Get Trend Gadgets for Low-cost

After I lived in Japan, I shamelessly purchased a mountain of clothes, the scale of which might make Mt. Fuji blush. Questioning how I pulled this off with out an oz. of regret? The key is that the majority of it was secondhand. Up till then, I hadn’t owned many fundamentals, so I took the chance to fill the holes in my wardrobe with very inexpensive items I discovered whereas thrifting in Japan. If you happen to’re additionally trying to purchase Japanese garments with out breaking the financial institution (or planet), you’ve got come to the proper place!

On this article, I will introduce some helpful Japanese vocabulary, supply recommendation on the place to seek out one of the best stuff, and maybe even persuade you to think about shopping for used subsequent time you want a coat, camisole, or kigurumi^{. Possibly you already learn my article on secondhand purchasing in Japan on the whole and are desirous to study extra clothing-related phrases. Or perhaps you are already a grasp Japanese haggler and simply need to skip to the half the place I let you know the place to buy.}

Regardless, after studying, I hope you may come away with data that may make it easier to get cloth in your torso in Japan with somewhat extra confidence and eco-friendliness.

Why Purchase Secondhand Garments in Japan?

First issues first — why would you raid a stranger’s closet when you possibly can simply purchase one thing new? It is an awesome query, particularly in case you’re used to sporting shiny new threads contemporary off the conveyor belt. My finest reply? Likelihood is somebody on this earth has already purchased the merchandise of clothes you need, worn it zero to a couple occasions, and would not need it anymore. All you need to do is take it off their palms for a discounted value. This manner, your affect on each the atmosphere and your coin purse is diminished. Save the fugu ^{along with your purchasing habits!}

Japanese sellers have a tendency to explain and submit photos of imperfections meticulously.

However extra particularly, why purchase secondhand garments in Japan? Properly, Japanese used objects are typically fairly properly taken care of, and this undoubtedly consists of garments. Most clothes you purchase will (typically explicitly) come washed, preserved, and prepared for its second life in your lovely kind. Plus, I’ve discovered that Japanese sellers have a tendency to explain and submit photos of imperfections rather more meticulously than within the US. This excessive stage of transparency means you are usually much less more likely to encounter ugly surprises when shopping for used clothes in Japan.

Shopping for used clothes is an effective way to strive fascinating Japanese trend traits and types.

Lastly, if there are any fascinating Japanese trend traits or types you need to strive however have held again due to the expense, shopping for used clothes is a good resolution. Would not you reasonably pay 2,000 yen to Hanako from Kagoshima than 5,000 yen to Large Lolita Skirt? If you happen to do not prefer it, you may simply go it on to another person.

However, I perceive if the considered sporting somebody’s outdated hand-me-downs nonetheless skeeves you out. However I hope the various advantages outweigh any worries you will have. Particularly in case you’ve by no means thrift shopped for clothes earlier than, Japan is without doubt one of the finest locations to begin.

So now that I’ve hopefully prodded your thoughts open, how do you purchase secondhand garments in Japan like an excellent good, edumacated particular person?

Japanese Phrases to Look For

One of the simplest ways to seem like you already know what you are speaking about is…truly figuring out what you are speaking about. The phrases that come out of your mouth (or extra seemingly, fingertips)? It is best to know them.

Fortunately for English audio system, plenty of Japanese trend phrases are phonetically borrowed from English. So those that can learn katakana, the Japanese writing system used for overseas phrases, can have a better time understanding a lot of this “principally English” lingo. If you do not know katakana but (no disgrace), Tofugu has a Be taught Katakana information that is perhaps up your alley. In any other case, copy and paste might be your buddy.

Listed below are some phrases that will help you discover locations to buy secondhand clothes in Japan:

Secondhand Purchasing / Used Garments-Associated Vocabulary

Okay, now you already know phrases for the place to look, however how about phrases for what you are searching for? You should utilize this subsequent chart of vocabulary phrases to seek for what you need, or come again and reference it whereas studying descriptions of garments in Japanese. It isn’t an exhaustive listing, nevertheless it ought to provide the primary instruments you might want to not unintentionally purchase shitagi (“underwear”) while you have been searching for uwagi (“outerwear”).

Varieties of Garments

Are you certain of what you need (a candy, candy shatsu, maybe), however not sure which class it falls underneath? Listed below are some class and outline phrases that may actually assist to know when secondhand purchasing in Japanese, particularly on-line.

Trend Classes

Incredible, now you understand how to articulate that you just’re searching for a 90s leather-based jacket for infants. However how do you be certain it is the proper dimension? The variations between Western and Asian sizing may be difficult, however this subsequent helpful chart ought to make it easier to and your classic toddler keep away from trying like packaged sausage. Many Japanese on-line sellers listing actual measurements, so put together to measure your crotch in centimeters to see what’s going to fit your needs.

Measurement-Associated Vocabulary

Good job, you’ve got used these phrases to purchase a frilly secondhand sundress in your massive post-covid celebration in 2092. However no matter will you model it with? For all you jewelry-heads on the market, don’t fret — I did not overlook you. Seek the advice of the next listing subsequent time you’re feeling the insatiable urge to decorate.

Accent-Associated Vocabulary

Watch out to not get hoodwinked by the distinction between イヤリング (iyaringu) and ピアス (piasu). This bozo has purchased approach too many cute earrings in Japan solely to get house and uncover they’re clip-ons (the horror!). Bear in mind, in case you’ve acquired holes in your ears, what are they? Pierced (ピアス).

However it doesn’t matter what you are shopping for, you may in all probability need to be certain it is not actively disintegrating on the hanger. Search for the next phrases in any merchandise’s description to study the way it’s holding up.

Situation of Trend Gadgets

Remember the fact that generally, sellers will say one thing is “kedama-less” (毛玉レス, kedamaresu) or has “no stains” (汚れなし, yogore nashi). So even in case you do see among the above phrases, know that the merchandise should still be in good situation. It is all about context, child. If you happen to’re having hassle, study you some grammar!

And in case you’re purchasing on Mercari (a magical, mystical wonderland that I will speak about later), I wrote a entire different chart explaining easy methods to search by merchandise situation utilizing their particular terminology.

Whew…that is plenty of vocab. Japanese, am I proper? Now, let’s take a look at some instance sentences to begin stringing these random phrases right into a semi-cohesive thought.

• 状態はいいと思います。
  
  Jōtai wa iito omoimasu.
• [The item] is in good situation

• 少し毛玉がありますが問題なくまだまだ着用可能です。
  
  Sukoshi kedama ga arimasuga mondainaku madamada chakuyōkanō desu.
• There are a number of lint balls, however it could nonetheless be worn and not using a drawback.

• ルームウェアとしていかがですか。
  
  Rūmuuea toshite ikagadesuka?
• Why not put on it as pajamas/loungewear?

• 首元に多少の使用感がありますが、全体的には美品だと思います。
  
  Kubimoto ni tashō no shiyōkan ga arimasuga, zentaitekiniwa bihindato omoimasu.
• There is a bit of wear and tear and tear across the neck, however on the entire, it is in near mint situation.

And that is all of the secondhand garments purchasing vocabulary I might consider! Armed with that data, and people perhaps-too-plentiful charts I whipped up, you need to really feel significantly extra assured shopping for garments in Japan.

The place to Discover Secondhand Clothes in Japan

Now that you understand how to speak about secondhand garments purchasing in Japanese, how about truly doing it? On this part, I will provide the particulars on among the finest spots to thrift store for clothes in Japan, each on-line and in particular person. My private award for #1 on this listing goes to Mercari, however all of those shops have one thing fantastic to supply your clothing-less physique.

From e-commerce apps to massive chain shops to small native outlets, I’ve acquired solicited and unsolicited recommendation for each doable mode of cut price bin looking. So let’s get to it!

Mercari

Do you like to interact in consumerism from the consolation of your personal 布団 (futon)? My prime suggestion is to research somewhat place of marvel known as Mercari, or メルカリ (Merukari). It is an e-commerce platform the place any common particular person can promote something they do not need anymore. Assume eBay, however extra interactive and fewer seedy and industrial.

There are many nihonjin unburdening themselves of their apparel on Mercari.

Mercari was based in Japan, then expanded into the US and UK. However whereas there is a Western, English-based model of the app with completely different branding, I extremely suggest downloading the Japanese model in case you’re in Japan. This can make sure you’re shopping for items from inside Japan, even when it takes some language studying in your half alongside the best way.

Fortunately, there are many nihonjin (and a few foreigners) unburdening themselves of their apparel on Mercari — typically for approach low-cost. The minimal value you may listing one thing for on Japanese Mercari is 300 yen, so you may discover plenty of clothes at and round that low value.

When you discover a frock that speaks to you, you may need to have a look at the outline. Many sellers on Japanese Mercari listing the precise measurements of every piece of clothes, so escape the tape measure and punch サイズの測り方 (saizu no hakarikata, “easy methods to measure dimension”) into Google Photos if wanted. That ought to present you some Japanese clothes-measuring diagrams, which you’ll reference to grasp which measurements sellers are speaking about. You can too sneak a peek on the dimension vocab chart from earlier to see if any of these phrases make an look.

Many sellers listing the precise measurements of every piece of clothes.

Remember the fact that Mercari is a reasonably private expertise, particularly while you’re shopping for one thing somebody used to placed on their physique. For instance, some sellers need you to remark your curiosity earlier than shopping for. Look out for phrases like コメントでやりとりしてから (komento de yaritori shitekara, “as soon as we chat within the feedback, [we’ll see about you possibly buying]”) and 即購入不可 (sokukōnyū fuka, “don’t immediately purchase this merchandise [without commenting]”). Then again, if the outline says 即購入可 (sokukōnyūka, “instantaneous buy is feasible”) or 即購入OK (sokukōnyū ōkē, “instantaneous buy is okay”), you are good to go with out commenting. Most occasions you may discover it is okay to not remark, nevertheless it’s at all times finest to examine.

For tips about utilizing Mercari that are not strictly clothes-related, my article on Secondhand Purchasing in Japan consists of much more basic recommendation on how to not make a dodo of your self on the platform. You may slip up a number of occasions as a foreigner, particularly in case you’ve by no means used it earlier than, however that is okay. I nonetheless suppose it is value it to get a superb deal, avoid wasting polar bears, and assist a median particular person clear out their closet.

Native Thrift Shops & Flea Markets

Okay, you’ve got surfed the web and found the titillating majesty of Mercari. However what if you’d like — gasp — an in-person expertise? (Oh, the humanity!) In that case, I like to recommend seeing in case your metropolis or prefecture has any native thrift shops that would use your enterprise. A smaller retailer might seemingly profit probably the most out of your yen, so why not take the chance to seek out some fascinating mom-and-pop outlets close to you?

Every spot can have its personal distinctive model and specialty.

To begin exploring, strive typing the phrase 古着屋 (furugiya, “outdated/secondhand garments retailer”) into Google Maps. Google-sensei will then present you thrift shops in your space, together with each impartial outlets and large chains. You may even be so fortunate as to discover a close by haberdashery, the staff of which might hopefully train you what the phrase haberdashery means.

Particularly with smaller shops, every spot can have its personal distinctive model and specialty, so don’t fret in case you discover one too obaa-san (“grandma/outdated woman”) or yankī (“delinquent”) in your style. With a little bit of purchasing round, you may in all probability discover your area of interest. (Or simply embrace the delinquent grandma aesthetic…what goes higher with a pompadour than a heat crocheted sweater?)

Shōtengai is perhaps your finest guess when it comes to trendiness.

Talking of favor, examine whether or not there are any shōtengai (“purchasing streets”) close to you which can be recognized for promoting used or classic items. Shōtengai is perhaps your finest guess when it comes to trendiness, since areas with plenty of foot site visitors usually tend to have each new and secondhand shops that cater to youthful demographics. As an illustration, in Nagoya, Osu Kannon’s purchasing arcade comprises dozens of small thrift outlets with racks of garments exterior that you would be able to flip via earlier than coming into. Ask round and discover out the place the locals go once they’re fishing for a brand new outfit. Likelihood is, there will be some furugiya round there as properly so that you can help.

Conveniently, in case you’ve hunted down the proper space stuffed with thrift shops, you will have additionally stumbled upon a flea market. Typically, Japanese flea markets are held in central areas like shōtengai, shrines, temples, parks, the bottom of Tokyo Skytree, and many others. Possibly not a lot throughout pandemic occasions, however you may need to know the place these colourful vintage festivals are for future reference. Plus, each flea markets and small thrift shops are wonderful methods to help your area people, which additionally results in emotions of back-pattery for you. Neato!

2nd Avenue

If you happen to’ve learn Secondhand Purchasing in Japan, you already know my ideas on 2nd Avenue. It is a dependable useful resource for while you want one thing primary, like a long-sleeve shirt or purse, that you just’re not that choosy about when it comes to model. In reality, 2nd Avenue is ideal for this, since in case you’re in a Japanese metropolis, you are in all probability a stone’s throw away from one at any given time.

2nd Avenue’s general vibe tends to range particularly extensively.

Wandering right into a 2nd Avenue is like taking part in roulette — you may get tremendous fortunate, otherwise you may discover all the pieces to be lined in sequins. Like every secondhand chain, completely different areas can have various things in inventory at completely different occasions, however 2nd Avenue’s general vibe tends to range particularly extensively. I’ve discovered some downtown branches which have an upstairs with stylish, pricier manufacturers of streetwear, whereas others really feel like they have been stocked completely by obā-chan‘s ^{shuffleboard membership. Positively try the 2nd Streets in your space, however depart your expectations on the door and be open to no matter random racks of garments occur to greet you.}

If you happen to do not need to go exterior, although, 2nd Avenue additionally has objects on the market on their web site. The web retailer makes use of a digital trying-on system known as Virtusize, the place you may enter your measurements and see how they examine to the garments’ measurements. It is fairly useful!

2nd Avenue has areas within the US, in addition to an American on-line retailer.

And in case you’re not in Japan, 2nd Avenue truly has areas within the US, in addition to an American on-line retailer. They reportedly inventory items from each the US and Japan, which is useful for these of us who like Japanese types however do not need to be bankrupted by delivery charges.

General, 2nd Avenue is probably the most ubiquitous and well-known secondhand chain in Japan for good purpose, however actually not your solely possibility.

Treasure Manufacturing facility

And now for the shops I have not personally shopped at. Since I have not purchased something from the locations in these previous couple of sections, take my phrases with a grain of salt. However do not let it cease you from scoping them out on my behalf!

Within the basic secondhand purchasing article, I launched Treasure Manufacturing facility. Just like the “-Off” collection of shops, Treasure Manufacturing facility is a basic flagship retailer with an umbrella of smaller, extra particular outlets, together with a number of specializing in secondhand clothes. Relying in your value level, you may determine which one may meet your sartorial wants.

TreFacStyle

With probably the most awkward-to-say title of all time, TreFacStyle (トレファクスタイル) primarily sells primary, on a regular basis informal put on. If you happen to’re trying to strive your hand at some good outdated 買取 (kaitori, “trade-in/buyback”), you are able to do it at TreFacStyle. Simply be certain your objects match the manufacturers and classes they’re going to take by checking their 取扱いアイテム (“Accepted Gadgets”) web page. They periodically maintain “20% UP” campaigns the place you receives a commission 20% extra in your entire lot in case you embrace at the least one merchandise from particular high-end manufacturers.

All in all, TreFacStyle could also be finest for individuals who care about manufacturers and high quality a average quantity, however do not essentially need to pay large bucks for them.

UseLet

You have additionally acquired two different choices, on reverse ends of the worth spectrum. On the filth low-cost aspect, UseLet (ユーズレット) is a warehouse-style secondhand trend outlet that prides itself on “excessive” affordability. UseLet says you may coordinate an entire outfit for simply 1,000 yen, and I might like to see somebody take a look at them on that. They promote new objects in addition to used, so whilst you’re rummaging round for latex cow-print unitards, you may hit the jackpot and discover one with the tag nonetheless on.

UseLet appears finest for anybody who’s on a price range, would not care about model names, and/or simply desires to get probably the most bang for his or her buck. (If I nonetheless lived in Japan, this could be me!) They solely exist in Tokyo, Saitama, and Kanagawa although, so in case you reside exterior of these prefectures, you are outta luck.

TreFac Trend On-line

Treasure Manufacturing facility additionally has a web based retailer known as TreFac Trend, which bears probably the most similarity to TreFacStyle when it comes to value and types. The vast majority of their garments vary from about 1,900 yen to 30,000 yen, with a number of particular classic objects going for 200,000 yen or extra. (Who knew a pair of denims from the 60s could possibly be so costly?) The information web page even supplies frequent updates about 入荷 (nyūka, “new arrivals”) and 値下げ (nesage, “reductions”). So if you’d like, you may glue your self to your display screen ready for these treasured used Levi’s to lastly not price one million {dollars}.

ZOZOUSED

In search of someplace to buy exterior of the Treasure Manufacturing facility prolonged universe? Japanese clothes retailer ZOZOTOWN, which owns the favored Japanese outfit-sharing web site/app WEAR, has a secondhand part known as ZOZOUSED. Their costs are pretty low, with many objects promoting for underneath 3,000 yen, in addition to higher-end clothes that may get into the tens of hundreds of yen. You possibly can peruse their secondhand listings by clicking 新着 (shinchaku), or New Arrivals, and even filter by which day they arrived (e.g. 3月15日発売, or “[Arrived] for Sale on March fifteenth”). By the staggering variety of objects obtainable, ZOZO is a extremely standard web site for clothes resale, so you may seemingly haven’t any hassle discovering one thing that floats your boat.

Some particular options of ZOZOUSED embrace the power to avoid wasting manufacturers you want, see related listings on every merchandise’s web page, and browse the 500 yen sale rack. Simply make sure you examine the merchandise’s situation, rated from S to D like many different secondhand websites.

For consumers exterior of Japan, ZOZOTOWN companions with worldwide delivery firm Buyee to ship their garments abroad. Keep in mind, although, that it will in all probability make your cheapo secondhand purchasing habits not so low-cost.

SPINNS Used Part

If you happen to’re into Japanese trend, you’ve got seemingly heard of SPINNS, a streetwear retailer marketed towards younger trendsetters, with their flagship retailer in Harajuku. The 古着 part of their web site features a collection of secondhand clothes that may make you seem like probably the most fashionable American hoodlum there’s. Lots of their used garments are 5,000 yen or underneath, though they’ve objects from pricier manufacturers as properly.

Not like most web sites on this article, they do not appear to listing a lot details about the situation of garments, so purchase at your personal danger. However at the least some bodily areas carry secondhand choices as properly, so you may browse the racks in particular person. All in all, in case you take pleasure in massive graphic sweaters, dishevelled denims, letterman jackets, Onerous Rock Cafe t-shirts, and the like, you possibly can do rather a lot worse than the used part of SPINNS.

Secondhand Luxurious Manufacturers

At this level, you’ve got discovered about the place to seek out inexpensive used garments in Japan, principally no matter model names. However wait — are you too good for $7 pants? Have you ever acquired a fats pocketbook of yen to spend, however not fairly fats sufficient to purchase designer manufacturers at designer costs?

Then try these three secondhand shops the place you may thrift for upscale clothes and equipment that may injure your checking account barely much less. If you happen to sip your inexperienced tea along with your pinky up, you may really feel proper at house at any of those outlets.

Additionally, very like different secondhand shops, these locations allow you to commerce in your personal undesirable objects. Thus, in case you’ve acquired any outdated Hermes belts mendacity round, take into account taking them to Model Accumulate, KOMEHYO, or RAGTAG so some poor, needy banker can maintain their fancy pants up for a reduction.

Model Accumulate

You thought we have been performed with Treasure Manufacturing facility, eh? Assume once more, pal. Model Accumulate (ブランドコレクト) is the subsidiary of TreFac that focuses on used luxury-brand garments and equipment. They’ve areas in Tokyo in addition to an on-line retailer. You will discover all the standard suspects: Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Balenciaga, and all these different fancy designers with hard-to-spell names.

The secondhand objects are rated by their 程度 (teido, “diploma/quantity”) of wear and tear and tear on a six-star scale. Helpfully, their on-line web site additionally presents diagrams with actual measurements, or 計測サイズ (keisoku saizu), for lots of the merchandise they promote, so that you may be additional certain it matches before you purchase it.

Value-wise, in case you’ve lately hit it massive at pachinko and wish to blow these stacks of money, it’s going to be fairly straightforward at Model Accumulate. Gadgets can price from about 5,000 yen all the best way as much as 100,000 yen or extra. However you may recoup a few of these losses by buying and selling in (買取, kaitori) any of your spare monocles or golden purses remotely via a LINE app software or in particular person.

KOMEHYO

Uninterested in all of the Treasure Manufacturing facility offshoots? KOMEHYO can be a well known chain that focuses on secondhand garments, luggage, sneakers, equipment, and jewellery from high-end manufacturers. Their inventory is just like Model Accumulate, with the addition of another fascinating stuff, like fancy pens, fancy kimono, fancy musical devices, fancy cameras, and naturally, fancy diamonds.

For my fellow hermits, their on-line retailer has the identical form of opulent choices as they do in particular person. Typically they’ve campaigns the place delivery is free in case you spend at the least 5,000 yen, a quantity you are certain to hit in case you purchase actually something. Just a few objects go for lower than 10,000 yen, however the majority will price you many tens of hundreds of yen (万円). So in case you’re some sort of millionaire, or only a spirited debtor, KOMEHYO is perhaps for you!

Not all their merchandise are used, however most of them do say 中古品 (chūkohin), or “used merchandise.” KOMEHYO charges their used objects on a scale of S, A, B, and C, the place S is near new and C is closely used. For some objects, they even embrace the 参考上代 (sankōjōdai), or MSRP (producer’s prompt retail value), so you may examine and see how a lot it is marked down. Each costs are normally a bunch of cash, however at the least you are saving 300,000 yen on a 700,000 yen bag, proper? Proper?

RAGTAG

RAGTAG is yet one more retailer that sells secondhand luxurious garments for decrease costs, seemingly targeted on road manufacturers. However in case you reside in Japan and may’t learn a lot Japanese, this one is perhaps your finest guess. Of all of the shops on this article, it is the one one with an English on-line retailer that is not both 1) nonexistent, or 2) shoddily machine-translated. Additionally, RAGTAG sells many objects for underneath 10,000 yen, which is inexpensive on the entire than KOMEHYO.

Uniquely, their product listings describe objects’ cloth thickness, lining, sheerness, elasticity, and glossiness. These particulars are majorly helpful for getting a way of the fabric and “really feel” of a garment before you purchase. Anybody who’s tried to purchase a white shirt solely to seek out it is principally translucent tissue paper is aware of what I imply!

Like 2nd Avenue, RAGTAG makes use of Virtusize to point out you the scale of garments utilizing diagrams and your personal enter measurements. Nevertheless, RAGTAG additionally enables you to examine objects to garments you’ve got already purchased and has a helpful “Add to Closet” button. Most impressively, you may even search by picture. Simply add an image of 1 garment or an entire outfit, set the concentrate on which article of clothes you need from the outfit, and RAGTAG exhibits you related objects to purchase. It largely works based mostly on coloration, however nonetheless, this operate had me exclaiming enthusiastic expletives as I experimented with it. For sure, RAGTAG presents probably the most sturdy on-line secondhand purchasing system I’ve discovered to date.

As typical, you may alternate your used clothes for a modest wad of yen right here. Examine their trade-in web page to see what manufacturers they’re going to settle for.

Hand-Me-Downs Make the Gaijin

“Cool threads, pal. The place’d you get them? Oh, off the again of a stranger? Radical, me too. There’s some man named Satoshi operating round stark bare, all because of me.” Do not you would like this could possibly be you? Properly, with the assistance of secondhand purchasing, some wholesome concern for future generations, and somewhat cheapness, you can also have bizarre conversations like this one.

So subsequent time you want a pair of denims, sun shades, or inflatable clown sneakers, take into account ripping them off the physique of somebody you’ve got by no means met. I imply, er, shopping for them secondhand! Encourage individuals all throughout Japan to embrace what ママ ^{gave ’em by giving their garments a superb house. Your conscience and pockets, together with budding nudist Satoshi, will thanks.}