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The coolest of Japanese brands are rare and almost impossible to cop within the U.S. Sure, you'll get a Visvim FBT here or there, but the real good gems are still over in its native land. We feel your frustrations, so we're going to share our tactics to getting these Japanese goods for the best price and within the best timeframe. You don't have to settle for the Uniqlo alternatives. Here's everything from where, what, and who to look for to achieve Japanese greatness. Check out the Complex Guide To Buying Japanese Brands Online.
Brands
1. Know Your Japanese Brands
There are Japanese brands and then there are JAPANESE brands. One brand may lead you to discover an entirely new, obscure one that you will fall in love with. Looking into Visvim may lead you to find Phigvel. Or checking out White Mountaineering or Engineered Garments may get you to check out Mountain Research or TheSoloist. Check out sites like I Would Hit That, Sett.co.jp or Dice & Dice to get yourself acquainted with some shit you've never heard of.
Sizing
2. Know Your Sizing
Japanese sizing is by no means set to a regular standard. While most brands go by a standard size-up-1-from-your-usual, some follow their own rules (or traditional/heritage sizing). Brands like Engineered Garments sometimes base the sizing of a collection on how it best fits the designer. If you can get measurements of the item or a general description on how the item was made, it could help since you damn sure won't get to try it on.
Shop
3. Know Where To Shop
Sure, most of these brands have their own site with a list of stockists, but most of the good shit sells out in a week or so. Thus, hollering at places like Rakuten or Yahoo.co.jp auctions are decent bets to find the new goods or even older ones that you missed out on. But straight-to shops like Nanamica, Cotwo, or Chicken Shack will give you the latest drops on the good stuff.
Translator
4. Find A Good Translator And Currency Converter
There are so many ways you can get screwed whilst taking the bold step of copping Japanese joints. So not having a proper online translator like Google Translator, or having an up-to-date currency converter, like the life-changer from XE.com will put you back to n00b status while getting your shop on.
Proxy
5. Find A Good Proxy
If you are worth your spit in Japanese clothing purchases, you would know that Sutocorp, Bidservice or Sharpservice are the way to go for Japanese-to-U.S. proxy. The process is easy and these guys know how to keep it professional and fast for fair fees, considering they are sending you rare shit from Japan. Whether copping through a website or having them go directly to a store, these goods can be yours within one to two weeks. Another option is to surf forums for reputable members who live in Japan's shop areas. They are out there.
Resell
6. Know Where To Re-Sell
There is a good chance your shit isn't gonna fit if you've never had experience with the brand, so while you may have luck on eBay to resell, there is a better chance on menswear forums whose members may appreciate your items a little more. Plus, they won't have a problem paying premium for it. Look into the Buy/Sell sections of Superfuture, 5th Dimension, Styleforum or even the Hypebeast forums to drop off your ill-fitting Japanese threads.
