Tokyo summers can be extremely hot—5 essentials that all the stylish Japanese girls rely on.

Tokyo summers can be extremely hot—5 essentials that all the stylish Japanese girls rely on.

      If you’ve ever spent a summer in Tokyo, you understand that it’s not just hot—it’s humid, sticky, and utterly unyielding. The type of weather that makes you rethink your entire outfit the moment you step outside. Having lived in the Japanese capital, I would strongly advise my friends against visiting from June to September. They might enjoy their time in Tokyo, but the heat would make it difficult to do much of anything. Now that the peak summer travel season has arrived and many of my friends have ignored my warning, I’ve decided to help them out by planning their outfits. After all, when in Tokyo, it’s wise to embrace the local style! On a recent visit, I spent time observing the locals and quickly realized that Japanese girls have truly perfected the art of looking effortlessly stylish while enduring the sweltering heat, even in April. Their summer fashion is both functional and chic, and I found myself wanting to imitate everything I saw. From airy silhouettes to fashionable trends, they’ve figured out how to thrive in Tokyo’s intense summers with flair. Whether you're gearing up for a trip or just looking to update your summer wardrobe, here are five items that Tokyo’s most fashionable women swear by—and yes, I’ve already added them all to my shopping cart.

      **Lightweight Poplin Tops**

      Nothing beats a light poplin top for surviving a humid summer, whether in East Asia or elsewhere. This classic style, typically paired with flared jeans or a simple chiffon-pleated mini skirt, is a favorite among the Japanese fashion scene, with models, influencers, and actors opting for the timeless all-white cotton option for an effortlessly elegant look.

      - H&M: Drawstring Poplin Blouse

      - Ganni: Cotton Poplin Peplum Tie Blouse

      - Aritzia: Caviar Poplin Camisole

      **Tailored Bermuda Shorts**

      Although shorts are not the most common choice for Japanese fashion (Tokyoites often prefer mini skirts or loose pants), I’ve recently noticed an increase in cropped, tailored Bermuda shorts, both from stylists I follow in Tokyo and from my own yearly visits. They offer a more polished alternative to denim shorts, making them ideal for most stylish Tokyoites.

      - Banana Republic: High-Rise Drapey Twill Bermuda Short

      - H&M: Knee-Length Linen-Blend Shorts

      - Mango: Linen-Blend Suit Bermuda Shorts

      - COS: Tailored Linen-Blend Longline Shorts

      **Lacy Slip Skirts**

      As I mentioned earlier, mini skirts are the go-to choice for many It Girls in the city. Similar to the styles in Paris and New York, lace-trimmed slip skirts are gaining popularity, with the lace adding a fun and romantic touch to this classic piece favored by street style icons and models in Aoyama and Daikanyama.

      - Abercrombie & Fitch: High Rise Satin Lace-Hem Mini Skirt

      - Free People: X Intimately Fp Party Crashers Half Slip Skirt

      - J.Crew: Gwen Lace-Trim Slip Skirt in Textured Satin

      - Free People: Party Crashers Half Slip

      **Sweat-Proof T-Shirts**

      If you haven't experienced a Tokyo summer, brace yourself for the sweat—the humidity is intense. While a simple t-shirt may work fine elsewhere, the Japanese brand Uniqlo has created a popular line of cooling, sweat-wicking summer essentials that everyone in Tokyo swears by during the humid months.

      - Uniqlo: Airism Cotton T-Shirt

      - Uniqlo: Airism Soft Cropped T-Shirt

      - Uniqlo: Airism Seamless T-Shirt

      **Statement Satin Dresses**

      A summer night out in Shibuya is often complemented by a charming mini slip dress. Vibrant prints are especially beloved by the trendy crowds in Kichijoji and Shimokitazawa, frequently accessorized with sandals, small bags, and claw clips.

      - Rixo: Ilse in Ibiza Night Teal

      - Shani Shemer: Alyssa Mini Dress

      - More To Come: Isabella Slip Dress

Tokyo summers can be extremely hot—5 essentials that all the stylish Japanese girls rely on. Tokyo summers can be extremely hot—5 essentials that all the stylish Japanese girls rely on. Tokyo summers can be extremely hot—5 essentials that all the stylish Japanese girls rely on. Tokyo summers can be extremely hot—5 essentials that all the stylish Japanese girls rely on. Tokyo summers can be extremely hot—5 essentials that all the stylish Japanese girls rely on. Tokyo summers can be extremely hot—5 essentials that all the stylish Japanese girls rely on. Tokyo summers can be extremely hot—5 essentials that all the stylish Japanese girls rely on. Tokyo summers can be extremely hot—5 essentials that all the stylish Japanese girls rely on. Tokyo summers can be extremely hot—5 essentials that all the stylish Japanese girls rely on. Tokyo summers can be extremely hot—5 essentials that all the stylish Japanese girls rely on. Tokyo summers can be extremely hot—5 essentials that all the stylish Japanese girls rely on. Tokyo summers can be extremely hot—5 essentials that all the stylish Japanese girls rely on. Tokyo summers can be extremely hot—5 essentials that all the stylish Japanese girls rely on. Tokyo summers can be extremely hot—5 essentials that all the stylish Japanese girls rely on. Tokyo summers can be extremely hot—5 essentials that all the stylish Japanese girls rely on. Tokyo summers can be extremely hot—5 essentials that all the stylish Japanese girls rely on. Tokyo summers can be extremely hot—5 essentials that all the stylish Japanese girls rely on. Tokyo summers can be extremely hot—5 essentials that all the stylish Japanese girls rely on. Tokyo summers can be extremely hot—5 essentials that all the stylish Japanese girls rely on. Tokyo summers can be extremely hot—5 essentials that all the stylish Japanese girls rely on. Tokyo summers can be extremely hot—5 essentials that all the stylish Japanese girls rely on. Tokyo summers can be extremely hot—5 essentials that all the stylish Japanese girls rely on. Tokyo summers can be extremely hot—5 essentials that all the stylish Japanese girls rely on. Tokyo summers can be extremely hot—5 essentials that all the stylish Japanese girls rely on. Tokyo summers can be extremely hot—5 essentials that all the stylish Japanese girls rely on.

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Tokyo summers can be extremely hot—5 essentials that all the stylish Japanese girls rely on.

From cotton tees to fashionable slip skirts, check out (and purchase!) the 5 summer must-haves that Tokyo girls don to stay cool in the heat and humidity.