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Plus Size Clothing in Japan: What You Need to Know Before You Shop
Plus size clothing in Japan usually starts at 2L. It goes up to 10L and beyond. You have many options. There are brands just for plus sizes, like Sakazen, Taberunosky, and angeLsize. You can also shop at department stores and online shops like Rakuten and Qoo10.
That size range matters. Japanese clothing sizes run smaller than Western ones. A US size 14 is usually about a Japanese 3L. So the size you know may not match the tag you see.
You will also find Japanese search terms for online shopping. There are sections for men, and for swimwear, lingerie, and activewear. There are also etiquette tips for trying things on.
What Is a Size 14 in Japan? Japanese Plus Size Conversion Chart Explained
A US size 14 is usually a Japanese 3L, but the exact match changes by brand. Use the chart below as a starting point, then check each brand’s own size chart before you buy.
Japanese Women’s Plus Size Conversion Chart (US, UK & Japan Sizes)
| US Size | UK Size | Japanese Size |
|---|---|---|
| 12 | 16 | 2L–3L |
| 14 | 18 | 3L |
| 16 | 20 | 4L |
| 18 | 22 | 5L |
| 20 | 24 | 6L |
A US L is roughly a Japanese 2L–3L. Sizes in Japan vary by brand, so treat this chart as a guide, not a rule.
Why You May Need to Size Up: Japanese Clothing Proportions vs. Western Sizes
Japanese clothing in Japan is cut for shorter frames and narrower shoulders. Bust and hip room often run smaller than the label suggests. Measure your bust, waist, and hips in centimeters, then compare those numbers to the brand’s chart. This matters most for fitted items. Loose cuts from Uniqlo and GU are more forgiving.
Where Can I Buy Plus Size Clothing in Japan? The Complete Store Directory
You can buy plus size clothing in Japan at dedicated plus size stores. You can also shop department stores plus size sections. Online shops like Rakuten and Qoo10 work too.
This directory groups every option into three types. The types are dedicated brands, department stores, and online retailers.
Each entry notes what the store does best. So you can jump straight to the right one.
Use it alongside the size chart above before you buy.
Best Plus Size Clothing Stores in Tokyo: Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ikebukuro & Beyond
Tokyo has real plus size stores, and most sit in three areas: Shibuya, Harajuku, and Ikebukuro. Start with PUNYUS if you want kawaii streetwear. It is a sister brand of WEGO.
PUNYUS: Kawaii Streetwear in Shibuya 109 and Harajuku
PUNYUS sells cute, trendy streetwear for plus size women. Sizes run up to 6L (about a US 18–20). Shibuya 109 and Harajuku are the main stores in Tokyo.
Taberunosky: Plus Size J-Fashion in Ikebukuro
Taberunosky is a plus size J-fashion brand based in Ikebukuro. It carries girly, casual, and office-friendly pieces. Sizes go up to 5L. Ikebukuro is a good stop for plus size shopping.
MAM MAXICIMAM: Lolita Fashion Up to 8L Online
MAM MAXICIMAM makes lolita fashion up to 8L. That is rare, since most lolita brands stop at M or L. Shop online, or check stock at events in Tokyo.
ACDC Rag: Subculture and Alternative Fashion in Harajuku
ACDC Rag sells subculture and alternative fashion in Harajuku. Sizes run up to 4L. It fits punk, goth, and retro looks.
Re-J & Supure / LUDIC PARK: Everyday and Business Wear
Re-J and Supure / LUDIC PARK focus on everyday and business wear. Sizes run up to 6L. Find them in major department stores and online.
For big and tall shoppers, Sakazen is the go-to chain. AOKI covers business suits up to 8L. Shimamura and AVAIL offer budget basics up to 4L. Uniqlo and GU carry some larger sizes online only.
Plus Size Clothing at Japanese Department Stores: Isetan, Takashimaya & Mitsukoshi
Department stores are a reliable place to buy plus size clothing in Japan, and Isetan Shinjuku, Takashimaya, and Mitsukoshi all carry larger sizes.
Isetan Shinjuku: Plus Size Brands on the 6th Floor
Head to the 6th floor of Isetan Shinjuku for women’s plus size fashion. Look for Clover Plus, a brand known for clean, office-friendly styles.
Other labels include Leilian Plus House, 23区L, and NEWYORKER. Sizes usually run from 2L to 5L.
Takashimaya and Mitsukoshi: Personal Shopper Services and Tax-Free Shopping
Takashimaya and Mitsukoshi offer personal shopper services. Staff can help you find your size and often speak English.
Both stores provide tax-free shopping for visitors. Bring your passport to save on purchases.
Department store plus size collections lean toward workwear and formal wear. For casual or kawaii styles, check the dedicated stores above.
How to Shop for Plus Size Clothing Online in Japan: Rakuten, Qoo10 & Amazon Japan
Rakuten and Qoo10 are the best online marketplaces for plus size clothing in Japan, and Amazon Japan works well once you search with the right Japanese words. All three ship fast and carry sizes up to 5L and beyond.
Rakuten and Qoo10: Japanese Online Marketplaces for Plus Size Fashion
Rakuten works like a giant mall made of small shops. Many sellers list plus size fashion up to 10L, and you can filter by size in centimeters.
Qoo10 is often cheaper and popular with younger plus size shoppers. It stocks brands like Dear My Love and other kawaii labels.
For international sites, ASOS carries plus size clothing and ships to Japan. Use a proxy service like Buyee or ZenMarket if a shop won’t ship abroad.
Amazon Japan: Searching with 大きいサイズ (Big Size)
On Amazon Japan, search 大きいサイズ (big size) or ぽっちゃり (chubby, a common plus size term). プラスサイズ also works.
Always read the size chart in centimeters. Japanese clothing sizes vary by brand, so check each listing before you buy.
Online-Only Plus Size Brands in Japan: What to Buy and How to Order
Some of Japan’s best plus size clothing comes from online-only brands with no physical stores in Tokyo. You order them from home and ship them to your door.
Online-Only Plus Size Brands: A Happy Marilyn, Alinoma, angeLsize, and More
These labels sell cute, trendy plus size fashion for Japanese women, often from 2L to 6L or beyond. A Happy Marilyn and Alinoma focus on sweet, girly styles. angeLsize, Belluna, and Cecile Plump lean toward everyday and office wear. BodyLine and Dear My Love are known for kawaii and lolita pieces. Clette, CocoChic, Louiosy, Gold Japan, and uplume round out the list. Many appear in the plus size magazine La Farfa.
How to Buy from Online-Only Japanese Brands: Proxy Services and Shipping
Most of these shops ship only inside Japan. Use a proxy service like Buyee or ZenMarket: they buy the item for you, receive it, then forward it abroad. Expect extra fees plus international shipping. Some brands also list on Rakuten or Qoo10, which can be simpler.
Plus Size Men’s Clothing in Japan: Where to Find Big and Tall Sizes
Sakazen and Aoki: Men’s Suits and Business Wear
Men’s big and tall clothing in Japan is easiest to find at Sakazen and Aoki, which carry suits and business wear up to around 8L. Both run large-format stores in major cities and stock short, regular, and tall lengths.
For casual wear, Grand-Back Big and Tall is the go-to chain, with T-shirts, jeans, and jackets in bigger cuts. Workman Girl also sells roomy unisex workwear that many plus size shoppers buy for everyday basics.
Business styles lean dark and simple. Casual styles follow the same relaxed trends as women’s fashion, just with fewer choices.
One tip: men’s sizes in Japan run small, so check the chest and waist in centimeters before buying.
Plus Size Swimwear, Lingerie, and Activewear in Japan: Where to Find Them
Nissen is the easiest first stop for plus size undergarments, activewear, and shapewear in Japan, with sizes running up to 10L.
The catalog brand sells bras, camisoles, leggings, and swimsuits made for fuller frames. Shopping is online only, so order early in summer.
Fit is the real challenge with these garments. Bras need band and cup sizes that Japanese charts often don’t list, and swimsuits sell out fast in peak season.
For sleepwear and loungewear, Shimamura and AVAIL carry roomy nightwear at low prices. Many plus size women in Japan start here before splurging elsewhere.
Activewear is the hardest category. Few Japanese brands cut for curves, so shoppers often size up in Uniqlo and GU or order from overseas.
Nissen: Undergarments, Activewear, and Shapewear Up to 10L
Nissen’s 大きいサイズ line covers bras, girdles, and swimwear in one place. Check each item’s cm measurements, since fit varies by product.
How Should a Plus Size Person Dress in Japan? Fashion Norms and Styling Tips
Dress however you like — Japanese plus size fashion spans kawaii, lolita plus size, and streetwear, and no one will stop you. Still, a few norms help you feel at ease.
Japanese Plus Size Fashion Norms: Cleavage, Skirts, and Oversized Clothing
Modest necklines are common, but this is a preference, not a rule. Skirts and dresses are everyday wear, and layering is normal. Oversized clothing is a genuine style here, not a cover-up. Kawaii plus size looks lean sweet and pastel; lolita plus size leans frilly and doll-like. Streetwear runs baggy and bold. Japanese plus size fashion magazines like La Farfa celebrate curves openly. Dear My Love and PUNYUS show these styles well.
Practical Tips for Plus Size Shopping in Japan: Bring Basics, Check Measurements, Be Patient
Bring your favorite basics from home — they save time and stress. Check every measurement in centimeters, not just the letter on the tag. Be patient: stock in your size sells out fast. In stores, ask staff for help; they are usually kind. Always try clothes on before buying, and use the fitting room mirror to check the fit.
The Struggle of Finding Large Shoes in Japan (and Where to Buy Them)
Large shoes are one of the hardest items to find in Japan, but Washington Shoe Store, home improvement chains like Workman, and online shops cover most needs. Japanese shoe sizes are measured in centimeters, not US numbers, and width is often ignored. A US women’s 9 is about 25 cm here. Washington Shoe Store specializes in bigger sizes for men and women. Workman shoes run wide and go up to around 30 cm. Online, Rakuten and Qoo10 stock larger sizes too.
Frequently Asked Questions About Plus Size Clothing in Japan
What is a size 14 in Japan?
A US size 14 is about a Japanese 3L or 4L. Japanese sizes run smaller, so always check the brand’s own chart.
Where can I buy plus size clothing in Japan? Dedicated stores like Sakazen and Shimamura/AVAIL, department stores, and online shops like Rakuten and Qoo10 all work.
What are the best plus-size J-fashion brands? PUNYUS, Taberunosky, and Dear My Love lead for kawaii and street styles. MAM MAXICIMAM covers lolita up to 8L.
How should a plus-size person dress in Japan? Loose, layered looks fit right in. Bring basics from home, and check measurements in centimeters before buying.