Anime has become a massive influence in many aspects of pop culture, from art, design, fan culture, and especially fashion. Spanning across genres and intended audiences, many shows can inspire watchers with their own closet and how they present themselves.
Whether the series is centered around clothing or not, iconic styles and subcultures are often incorporated into anime for interesting and alluring stories. Wearing clothing is an everyday task, and many find purpose and joy in making blouses, pants, dresses, and shoes mean more. How the narrative incorporates clothing and how illustrators choose to portray character design and styling can make the anime stand the test of time, asits fashion influence lives beyond screen time.
Princess Jellyfish
Cast
Princess Jellyfish is a Japanese film released on August 10, 2025, centered around Tsukimi, a jellyfish-obsessed girl living in a women-only apartment complex. Her life takes an unexpected turn when a beautiful woman, who is actually a man in disguise, becomes involved with the residents.
When an insecure, awkward woman meets a stylish princess,clothes become a mode for confidence and growth inPrincess Jellyfish.This fashion-forward 2010s show is filled withgirly, frilly, layered, and whimsical looks. It also is greatly reminiscent of the memorable 2000s shojo girl aesthetic. Characters mix fun and impactful colors with soft textures for more fashion-forward outfits.
10 Best Fashion Manga
While most people may associate fashion with glamorous outfits, these manga titles prove that fashion can play an important role in anyone’s life.
Stand-out patterns and jewelry paired with beautiful makeup also bring the look to the next level. At times, watchers see the darker, everyday fashion of other characters that make the other outlandish outfits stand out even more. Mixing modern with the beauty of Japanese traditional clothing, this lovely series made its mark with noteworthy outfits.
Soul Eater
Soul Eater is an anime series set in the Death Weapon Meister Academy, where students train to become meisters and weapon partners to hunt evil souls. The protagonist, Maka Albarn, along with her living weapon partner Soul Eater, aim to transform Soul into a powerful Death Scythe. The series explores their battles against various supernatural threats and the complex dynamics within the academy.
Soul Eater’s fashion is a definite standout to fans of Visual-Kei, streetwear, and gothic alt groups. The illustrators nod to these subcultures by adding a bit of edge and spookiness mixed with Christian iconography and ghostly symbols. Some characters take a cheery route despite the gothic overtone, adding brighter colors and contrast to their ensemble, like Soul Evans.
In contrast, others lean fully into the Tim Burton-esque inspiration, donning dark colors and neutrals with edgy jewelry and weapons like Death the Kid. Author and illustratorAtsushi Ohkubo’s quirky art styleis a perfect match for his unique characters and story. With each drawing’s dynamic posing and perspective, the outfits are a standout piece that fashion lovers instantly remember.
8Lovely Complex
Animated By Toei Animation, Based On The Manga By Aya Nakahara
Lovely Complexmay not be the most popular series in the shojo genre, but it definitely has hard-hitting outfit choices that are iconic among fans. With shojo-inspired outfits becoming more popular in sub-categories of the fashion community, this sweet and hilarious anime is one many look to for ingenuity and fun in clothing. Main characters Risa and Otani both stand out in their early 2000s outfits,sporting clashing patterns, layered fabrics, and special accessories.
The other personas also give off an air of nostalgia through their clothing alone, which is an enjoyable twist for the modern consumer. Whether seen in the anime, manga, or especially the official promotional art,Lovely Complex’s fashion is undeniably cute, whether it be the more sporty, street-style, or feminine ensembles.
Neighborhood Story
Neighborhood Story is a 1995 Japanese anime series that follows Mikako Koda, a high school student with aspirations to become a fashion designer. Set in an arts school, the show explores the dreams, friendships, and romantic entanglements of Mikako and her friends. Directed by Atsuko Kase, it captures the essence of youth and creativity amidst the backdrop of a vibrant, artistic community.
Having the dream to become a fashion designer from a young age makesNeighborhood Story’s main character Mikako the perfect character to look for inspiration. This series is vibrantly illustrated with a girly color palette mixed with Japanese street style. The characters play with body proportions as well as patterns, item details, and accessories from different time periods for a distinct and interesting combination.
Being one of author and illustrator Ai Yazawa’s series, the detailed and deep understanding of fashion elements, pairing, and their impact is easily understood. Luckily, the interest does not only come from the protagonist but her friend group as well.Each person has a unique look, taking from different sub-cultures for a dynamic and entertaining designer ensemble. This mid-90s anime is fantastic in its own right, but modern animation technology couldgive its clothing the revamp this shojo classic deserves.
Yu Yu Hakusho
Yu Yu Hakusho follows Yusuke Urameshi, a teenager who becomes a Spirit Detective after being resurrected from an untimely death. Alongside allies, he tackles supernatural investigations and combats otherworldly threats, uncovering mysteries within the Spirit World. The series blends action with themes of redemption and friendship.
Yu Yu Hakushosurprises watchers looking for a thrilling shonen watch with its fashion-forward character design. The cast is seen in streetwear pieces as well as classy, tailored looks, all while they investigate demons and supernatural threats to the human world. Despite its more subdued nature, what the men lack in drama and over-the-top styling, they make up for withinteresting cuts, cool layering, and sophisticated minimalism.
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Even in the more wearable outfits, the color and accessorizing are never too garish or ill-placed. The characters all suit their preferred style and have their clothes embody their energy. Perhaps reminiscent of the premier time, the hairstyles also elevate the look. This series’ intention may have been to create a supernatural martial arts adventure, but its men’s wear has become recognizable on its own.
Animated By Studio Pierrot, Based On The Manga By Tite Kubo
Bleach
Bleach is a multimedia franchise created by Tite Kubo. The franchise started as a Japanese manga series. Ichigo Kurosaki is the main protagonist who is granted the powers of a being called the Soul Reaper. The success of the manga led to two anime TV shows, four feature-length animations, and several video games.
Written and illustrated by Tite Kubo,Bleach’s edgy and trendsetting character design has become well-known in the anime community. Although the cast ensemble’s black uniforms are also impressive, the fashion really comes to light in the styling seen in manga covers, casual panels, and official art.
Ichigo Kurosaki may be the most exalted male character for styling, and fans can definitely see why. He and his friend crew are all illustrated masterfully with cool color palettes, layering, accessories, and poses. They don’t shy away from combining patterns, mixing up silhouettes, and wearing interesting textures and pieces. Many watchers look to Bleach for inspiration and can incorporate its fashion into their own lives.
Nana
Nana is a Japanese anime television series based on the manga of the same name by Ai Yazawa. The show follows the lives of two women named Nana who meet on a train to Tokyo and end up living together. While they share the same name, their personalities, ambitions, and backgrounds are vastly different, unfolding a narrative of friendship, love, and the pursuit of their dreams in the bustling city.
Nanamay be one of the first anime titles to come to mind when thinking about influential and iconic fashion. Combining feminine flare with punk rock energy, thisjoseistands as a cornerstone for its genre as well as anime-inspired fashion. Ai Yazawa makes another hard-hitting series with impactful characters, heavy themes, and moving lessons. Adding on to its poignant narrative,the styling of each character has become imprinted into the fashion community.
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Protagonist Nana Osaki greatly adores the famed brand Vivienne Westwood with her corset tops, plaid prints, and unique shoes and jewelry. Hachi adds a girly and spunky contrast to the other main woman. Each male character also respectively adds their own flare to the show with interesting haircuts, chains, leather, studs, and the like.Nanastays in the hearts of many, and all can agree that its fashion is some of the best to be found in anime.
Paradise Kissis anotherYazawa josei iconfollowing proper high schooler Hayasaka Yukari who befriends a group of fashion design students. This particular cast ensemble and protagonist are perfect models for fashion fans. Combiningdandyism and glam-rock-inspired fashion, many sport dapper tailored tops and trousers with classy hats and ties. Other times they wear fun patterns, layered ruffles, and are lined with furs and lace.
The gems and chains do not overwhelm the story, yet add to each persona’s individuality and cohesion. Ultimately the story depicts the frightening yet fulfilling journey of defying expectations and the beauty of pursuing one’s dreams. The group’s passion for fashion makes this a fun watch and makesParadise Kissone of the most fashionable anime to watch.
Sailor Moon
Sailor Moon is a 1992 animated series that marks the beginning of Usagi Tsukino’s journey as she transforms into Sailor Moon. Guided by Luna, a talking cat, Usagi discovers allies among her friends and together they combat the looming threat posed by the nefarious Dark Kingdom.
Sailor Moonis undeniably an icon in many respects, and fashion may be one of the most memorable aspects. This series has influenced the fashion industry in mass, adding its recognizable elements to merchandising, branding, and design. With each of the magical girl characters designed with a unique color palette and identity, it’s easy for watchers to take each for independent inspiration.
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Author and illustrator Nakao Takeuchi has done her due diligence in incorporating high fashion as well as trendy everyday wear. Outfits from Chanel, Thierry Mugler, Christian Lacroix, Versace, and Christian Dior are seen in the story and official art. Manga covers are also designed with glamorous outfits and poses. The 90’s style and play with gender norms for clothes makeSailor Moonan all-time fashion classic.
Animated By Studio David, Based On The Manga By Hirohiko Araki
Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure is a Japanese multimedia franchise created by Hirohiko Araki. It follows the adventures of the Joestar family, spanning generations, each with unique abilities and battling supernatural enemies. Known for its eccentric characters, distinctive art style, and creative battles, it includes manga, anime, games, and merchandise.
If one anime jumps off the page and into the foreground of one’s mind for fashion, it’sJojo’s Bizarre Adventure. ‘Luxurious’ and ‘flamboyant’ are just a few descriptors for this supernatural series. Written and illustrated by Hirohiko Araki, this story is renowned for absurd poses to pair with exuberant clothing. Throughout all seasons, many people are seen with bright colors and patterns, shiny and flowy fabric, ornate belts and headpieces, and equally extravagant makeup and hairdos.
An exaggerated, humorous drama needs equally dramatic character design. It greatly reflects the author’sindividuality, creativity, and knack for fashion’s campy elements. Fans can’t help but love each character’s unrepeatable style which represents who they are as a person, which is one element of fashion that makes it special.
