Shopping GuideA Lesson on Sailor Fuku
If there’s one look that springs up a lot in anime, manga, and video games, it’s the classic “sailor fuku” (セーラー服, pronounced se-ra- fuku), or sailor uniform. This classic Japanese school uniform for female students in junior high and high school first appeared in Japan during the late 1800s, inspired by the British Royal Navy uniforms at the time. It is immediately recognizable by its characteristic sailor collar, ribbon and pleated skirt.
Co-Co Sailor Cosplay Outfit Set
Sailor Fuku in School
As you might expect, if you’re made to wear something every day, you may want to change it to reflect your own style or individuality (even if it’s against the rules). One of the most common modifications girls like to make to their uniforms is to roll up the top of their skirts to shorten them, in an attempt to come off as cuter or more attractive. Other alterations include that of the sukeban, or delinquent girl. The stereotypical delinquent girl is known to instead sew on fabric to elongating her skirt, roll up her sleeves, dye her hair, and wear a face mask all the time.
Uniforms also vary from school to school, and with more competitive schools, there’s a level of pride associated with wearing their uniform. Some schools even have stylish uniforms designed to attract more students!
Sailor Moon Vol. 1
Sailor Fuku in Pop Culture
Not surprisingly, the sailor uniform has permeated its way into pop culture as well. The sailor uniform has become a symbol for cuteness, youth, innocence, and more. Does “the Pretty Guardian in a Sailor Suit” ring a bell? You guessed it. Sailor Moon and her iconic Sailor Suit is well known throughout the world, and the regular school uniform at Usagi Tsukino’s high school on which it is based is close in color and design. It is fictional works such as these which have established the classic image of “sailor fuku” in our minds.
Sailor Fuku in Fashion
That’s not all, though. The sailor uniform is a cultural phenomenon that has made its way into not only pop culture but the realm of fashion as well. Popular J-fashion brands are incorporating the sailor uniform-look into their items, from coats and tops that subtly and tastefully feature details such as a sailor collar and sleeve design, to full-on sailor uniforms in fantastical pastel colors and cloud prints.
Explore the world of sailor fuku in fashion and pop culture more here!
Hopefully this lesson has taught you just a little more about the sailor uniforms you’ve no doubt seen somewhere, at some point.
Well then, until next time!
Jyaa ne~! ・w・)/