Fashion in Eastern Asia is not taken lightly. People have adapted many styles, making every outfit unique and diverse. Appearance is a big part of the culture– clothes, hair, makeup, and even skin must be taken care of. The beauty standards are high, especially for girls, and fitting into the standard has been ingrained in most young people’s minds. Oftentimes, people who stand out are forced to conform, but clothing style is one way for them to express themselves. There are many different styles, but mostly, the main focus is on highlighting youthful features. Usually, girls tend to go for a more “cute” look, with large eyes and clean flawless skin, often described as doll-like. Clothing also takes on a gentler tone, with pastel colors and bows.
Traditional Clothing
Outfits are typically more conservative, especially in countries like Japan. Eastern Asian countries are also very connected with their cultural attire. Many people can be seen wearing traditional clothes casually on the streets or for photoshoots. Renting traditional clothing for a photoshoot is popular among tourists, and even some locals. In China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Macau, their traditional clothing is Hanfu and Qipao. In Japan, they have Kimonos and Yukatas. In Korea they wear Hanbok. In Mongolia and the northern regions of China, their traditional clothing is Deel. When visiting historical sites and shrines, many people choose to wear traditional clothes.
How do Eastern Asian standards differ from America’s?
In America, it’s very common for people to go to tanning salons or spend time sunbathing. In Eastern Asia, it’s very different; the people are known to go out of their way to avoid it. Carrying sun umbrellas or wearing UV clothing to protect themselves from the sun rays is typical. There’s a big emphasis on having pale skin, and a lot of makeup products are marketed as having a skin whitening effect. This dates back to a time when only nobles and wealthy people could afford to stay inside. Everyone else would have to work in the harsh sun, which would eventually tan them. Having pale skin back then was a status mark to show that you were wealthy enough to not have to work, and it has continued on to today’s modern culture.
Bolder looks are more prominent in Western makeup and fashion, whereas Eastern Asian styles prefer a softer and more feminine look for females. Western styles promote highly defined features and cheekbones, while small noses, big eyes, and a small face are the standard in Eastern Asia. Surgeries are very common, especially in Korea. Women get jaw surgeries, eyelid surgeries, and facial structure surgeries to fit into the standard.
Typically, people in Eastern Asian countries like Japan and Korea are very modest. Tattoos and piercings are seen as bad and can even get you denied from entering certain places. In Japan, tattoos are connected to Yakuza. They can easily get you turned away from places and be an outcast. Job professionals also care a lot about appearance. As makeup is seen as making you look put together, without it you could be seen as unprofessional and lose out on a lot of job opportunities. Although this does also happen in Western countries like America, it is much less prevalent.
Conclusion
East Asian fashion differs greatly from Western fashion, especially in women, who tend to take on softer, and less “harsh” colors. Bolder looks are not preferred. Clean styles and makeup are often seen, with most styles being very modest. Women care a lot about their appearance, as it also affects their image in the professional field.
