Some school uniforms, such as those from prestigious schools in Tokyo, can only be purchased by students attending those schools. You won’t find these uniforms at department stores like Takashimaya or Isetan.
However, there are options to buy stylish and authentic “free uniforms” — outfits that aren’t tied to any specific school. Stores like CONOMi, located in Harajuku, Tokyo, specialize in these types of uniforms. Whether you are a local or a tourist, you can buy jackets, skirts, cardigans, or even full outfits that are both trendy and comfortable.
Popular Stores for Real Japanese School Uniforms
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CONOMi (Harajuku, Tokyo)
CONOMi offers a variety of school uniforms, including complete outfits with shirts, jackets, skirts, and ribbons. A full set costs about 37,400 yen (tax excluded). This store is known for selling “free uniforms” that aren’t exclusive to any school.
Location: Minowa Building 1F, 1-19-2 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, just a 3-minute walk from Harajuku Station. -
KimuraKami and Eiyo Kimono (Online Stores)
For online shopping, stores like KimuraKami and Eiyo Kimono offer a wide range of school uniforms with delivery options. KimuraKami provides free delivery for orders over $115, while Eiyo Kimono offers free shipping on orders over $50. These uniforms are sturdy and comfortable, perfect for those seeking authenticity and durability.
Stores Selling Generic or ‘Free’ Japanese School Uniforms
If you’re looking for a Japanese school uniform that isn’t tied to a specific school, several stores and platforms offer “free” uniforms that can be worn casually or for cosplay. These uniforms often feature unique, stylish designs and are a popular choice for students and enthusiasts alike.
CONOMi: A Harajuku Trendsetter

CONOMi is a well-known store in Harajuku, Tokyo, specializing in “free uniforms.” These uniforms are designed for high school students to wear outside of school, offering a fashionable alternative to standard school uniforms. Known for their cuteness and modern appeal, the store provides a variety of items, such as jackets, cardigans, skirts, and full outfits.
- Location: Minowa Building 1F, 1-19-2 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, 150-0001
- Nearest station: Harajuku Station (JR Yamanote Line), a 3-minute walk away
- Phone number: 03-6273-0225
Online Platforms for School Uniform-Inspired Clothing
Several online platforms also offer generic or ‘free’ Japanese school uniforms at affordable prices.
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Etsy: You can find a range of Japanese school uniform-inspired clothing, including cosplay costumes, sewing patterns, and individual pieces like skirts and jackets. Prices vary, with items such as a digital download for ¥1,250 or a handmade uniform set for ¥750.
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Amazon: Offers various Japanese school uniform products like cosplay costumes and generic uniform sets. For example, the Elibelle Japanese School Girls Uniform Sailor Navy Blue Pleated Skirt costs $25.99, and the CosInStyle Japanese School Uniform for Male Clothes Sets is $38.99. These uniforms are popular, with many positive reviews.
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Alibaba: For bulk purchases, Alibaba offers multiple suppliers of high-quality Japanese school uniforms. Prices start from $4.80 to $5.30 per piece for boys’ shirts and girls’ blouses, with a minimum order of 200 pieces. Custom designs and wholesale pricing are also available, making it ideal for large orders.
These options offer flexibility in both price and style, making it easy to get the Japanese school uniform look without being restricted to any specific school.
Korokai is a trusted source for purchasing authentic Japanese school uniforms. Known for its wide selection, the store offers various components of traditional Japanese school outfits, providing a genuine and customizable experience for its customers.
Collection Variety
Korokai provides a range of Japanese school uniforms, including:
– Shirts: Available as part of both sailor and blazer uniform sets.
– Jackets: Featuring classic blazers and cozy sweaters to complement the school uniform.
– Skirts: Pleated skirts, a key element of the girls’ sailor uniform.
Other Products
In addition to uniforms, Korokai also offers other popular Japanese-inspired clothing items, such as:
– Caps
– Hoodies
– Sweatshirts
– Pajamas
– Pants and shoes
Return Policy
Korokai has a 30-day return policy, allowing customers to exchange or return items if they are not satisfied.
Authenticity and Customer Experience
Korokai is well-known for delivering authentic Japanese-style school uniforms, appealing to fans of Japanese culture worldwide. The website is easy to use, making it simple for customers to browse and purchase their desired items.
Eiyo Kimono
Eiyo Kimono offers authentic Japanese school uniforms as part of its premium collection. Known for its luxury brand and expertise in traditional kimono garments, Eiyo Kimono brings the same craftsmanship and attention to detail to its school uniforms. These uniforms closely resemble traditional Japanese school attire, ensuring an authentic look and feel.
The price for these uniforms is $59.90, offering a mix of quality and affordability for those seeking an authentic Japanese school uniform.
Return Policy
Eiyo Kimono provides a 30-day return policy on school uniforms. Customers can return items within this period for a hassle-free experience.
KimuraKami offers a wide range of authentic Japanese school uniforms, perfect for those who want traditional styles. Here are the key details:
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14-Day Return Policy: KimuraKami allows returns within 14 days, giving customers the flexibility to ensure their purchase is just right.
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Variety of Uniforms: The store offers both gakuran for boys and sailor fuku for girls, inspired by European and naval designs.
Boys’ Gakuran
- The gakuran is black with a standing collar and buttons featuring the school’s emblem. It provides a classic, formal look worn by Japanese students.
Girls’ Sailor Fuku
- The sailor fuku includes a blouse with a sailor-style collar and a pleated skirt. This design is iconic and timeless in Japanese school uniform fashion.
Additional Items
- KimuraKami also offers a variety of complementary items such as sweaters, vests, socks, shoes, and accessories like ribbons, ties, and school bags. Many of these can be customized to reflect the wearer’s personality. Notable brands like Uniqlo provide high-quality sweaters for added comfort.
Pricing
The cost of real Japanese school uniforms can vary based on several factors. Here’s a breakdown of the price range:
- Variation in Costs: Junior high school girls’ uniforms typically cost between 12,000 yen (about $80) and 72,000 yen (around $480) [2].
- Boys’ Uniforms: For junior high school boys and high school students, prices generally range from 32,000 yen to 45,000 yen (approximately $210 to $300) [2].
- Complete Set: A complete set, which includes winter, summer, and athletic wear, for junior high school students can cost about 100,000 yen [3].
School-Specific Prices
Uniform costs may also differ depending on the school’s location: – Schools in larger cities like Tokyo or Kyoto tend to have higher uniform prices compared to those in smaller, rural areas [5].
Individual Items
Here are some example costs for individual uniform items: – Winter jacket: 26,000 yen
– A full uniform set (including winter jacket, pants, polo shirts, gym clothes, and accessories) for junior high school students: around 80,000 yen [5].
Material and Production Costs
The cost of uniforms can also be affected by the materials used and how they are produced: – Uniforms made from special materials or produced in smaller batches can be more expensive, especially for schools that require higher quality [2].
Annual Expenses
Since students often outgrow their uniforms each year, parents may face recurring costs when purchasing new uniforms annually [3].
Key Features of ‘Free Uniforms’
The concept of “free uniforms” in Japanese schools shows a growing trend toward more flexibility in student attire. While traditional uniforms are still common, several key features mark the shift toward greater freedom in what students wear.
Flexibility in Uniform Choices
- Choice of Uniform: In some areas, like Tokyo’s Nakano Ward, public junior high schools allow students to choose their uniforms freely, regardless of gender. This change, which began in 2019, is an important step toward inclusivity and personal expression.
- No Mandatory Uniforms: More junior high and high schools are moving away from requiring traditional uniforms. Instead, students are encouraged to wear smart clothing that resembles a uniform but allows them to show their individual style. This shift supports the idea that students should express their identity through clothing while maintaining a uniform look.
Seasonal and Activity-Specific Variations
- Seasonal Uniforms: In schools without mandatory uniforms, there are often guidelines for seasonal attire. For example, lighter clothing is expected in summer, while heavier, more formal uniforms are worn in winter.
- Activity-Specific Uniforms: Some schools still require specific uniforms for extracurricular activities, ensuring students maintain a uniform appearance during school events, even if no uniform is required on regular school days.
Personal Expression within School Guidelines
- Personal Style Allowed: Schools with flexible uniform policies typically provide guidelines on acceptable clothing, such as specific shirts, pants, skirts, and accessories. Students are still able to express their personal style within these guidelines.
- Variation in Accessories: In some schools, students can express themselves through different accessories, such as ribbons or ties, which may be color-coded or customized by grade level. Variations in socks, shoes, or hairstyles may also be allowed, as long as they follow the school’s uniform code.
Modern Designs and Fashion Influence
- Blazer-Style Uniforms: Some schools have adopted modern blazer-style uniforms designed by well-known fashion designers. These uniforms often depart from traditional designs and offer a more stylish, contemporary look, appealing to students who want to stay fashionable while still following school standards.