Being a foreigner in Japan isn't always easy and shopping for clothes are often one of the more difficult tasks. Especially if you are somewhat tall or "big" it can be frustrating. Not only does it create practical problems but sometimes emotional ones as well.
To always have to go to the "big size" corner and then find that even the clothes there are too small ..... well, it doesn't do a lot for your self-esteem.
I have made a list of "internet stores". These are all stores I myself or people I know have bought from. I hope they will be helpful to you.
Internet shops abroad that ships to Japan
Internet shops in Japan that sells larger sizes
- OttoandNissen
have webpages with lots of clothes even in large sizes.
The problem is that the clothes may be big but the since western women's bodies are built differently, the shoulders, sleeves and the bust are often too small even in large size and especially if you have curvy hips it is very difficult to find a good fit. - Lands End Japan
has some larger size items. The good point is that you can get your order within 2 days, the bad point is that it is very expensive if you compare with the US shop. Please be aware also that the sizes in their Japan catalogue are a bit misleading. The M is an American S, L is an American M and the XL is an American L. Because buying on the internet allows you to shop from all over the world. It is worth to that the time and check the differences between US, UK and European sizes.
Here is a good webpage to use: OnlineConversion.com
- Ask a friend to help you measure your chest, waist, hips, arm length and inseam.
(the inseam is the distance from your crotch to where you want the hem of your pants to fall) An other way to get your inseam is to measure a pair of pants that fit you really well. - In addition, some retailers like Sears and Land's End use Virtual Model technology, which lets you put clothes on a virtual model of yourself. It's cool stuff......
- When buying shoes from abroad you should be careful since there is a heavy tax on any kind of leather import to Japan. Actually, I would recommend that you don't buy leather on the internet...... the tax will probably be more than the actual goods.
The tax on shoes is 33,8% of the cost or 4362,5 yen/pair, whichever is higher. - If you really need to have shoes sent to you, ask your family to buy and wear them for a day and send them as "used personal belongings".
You can find large size shoes on the net as well.
- Hikari Shopping
If you find a shoe you like in the local shoe shop and it is made in your size (although not available at the store) you can ask them to order it for you. It is called "toriyose (とりよせ)" in Japanese.