I am astounded I haven’t written this list before. Maybe I have but I looked through my blog and I couldn’t find it. So it really is grand time I put one together.
It’s certainly not an uncommon experience for anime fans to admire the varied and occasionally ornate school uniforms that feature in some of our favourite shows. Heck, some of us might even really want to have such a uniform ourselves to wear when, you know… you go out for groceries or something.
So I decided t put together a list of uniforms that I personally really like. To narrow it down a bit, I decided to stick with school uniforms where you can see more than one person wearing them so that you get an idea of the style on different body types. What am I saying, anime doesn’t have different body types. I guess it was just an arbitrary rule.
I should say that I actually like school uniforms, in general, a lot. Both the seifuku and blazer types are great and I rarely see one I don’t like. As such, I ended up making a list of more unusual uniforms since they struck me more and stayed in my mind longer. But that doesn’t mean I don’t like the classics,
5. Little Witch Academia
Starting off with a bit of a cheat, the uniforms in little witch academia are witches’ robes making them hard to beat. Not only do you get that whole Harry Potter vibe but man they look comfortable.
Sometimes, I look at these beautiful anime uniforms and find myself thinking, I would hate to be stuck cosplaying as that character for an entire day, but I would wear the Little Witch Academia robes any time. I would put those on to lounge around the house and play video games. And I would look stylish while doing it!
4. Yuru Yuri
Am I the only one that likes the Yuru Yuri uniforms? I watched the show a while back and I immediately notices the uniforms. To this day, they remain in my favourites.
What I particularly appreciate in these is the cut and silhouette. I haven’t seen anything quite like it in any other anime, which leads me to believe that this isn’t a style that actually exists in real life.
First, the uniforms seem to be essentially a simple A-line muted burgundy dress (very similar to the colour of my own school uniform) whit a short-sleeved white opened cardigan (capelet?) over it. Once again it seems light and very conformable However the cover also sports a traditional sailor collar for that adorable anime schoolgirl look. The colour scheme hits a bit close to home for me but otherwise, I adore this design.
3. Toilet-bound Hanako-kun
Toilet-bound Hanako-kun was an absolutely gorgeous show so it’s no surprise it featured some really great uniforms. Hanako himself has the classic gakuran which I always like. However, gakurans are rather common in anime and they always look the same so it’s really the character or accessories that make the difference.
So instead, let’s concentrate on Yashiro and the present-day class. Their uniform is straight-up gothic Lolita in creame. An absolutely adorable dress that would likely cost a fortune. It features puffy cap sleeves, a bouncy skirt that might have a petticoat under it and a scalloped hem. A huge, stripped bow with embellished ends and a cute skull appliqué at the neckline.
It’s hard to believe this is a uniform at all and I wonder how much her poor parents have to pay each semester. I would wear this on a date.
2. Spy x Family
One of my favourite gags in Spy x Family is when Any shows up on the first day of school with her parents, after being all excited that she got a new school uniform and is mortified to see that there are so many people dressed the same as her. It was just great.
I mentioned my love for the school uniforms in Spy x Family when I was reviewing the show. I really like the colour scheme, I think the deep black with opulent gold accents really showcases the image the school tries to put forth. I love the fact that they have full-on capes for when it gets cold and I particularly appreciate the tailoring parallels between the boys’ and Girls’ versions of the uniform.
And the girls once again sport an A-line dress. I’m starting to see a pattern here.
Honourable Mention – Persona 5
The persona 5 school uniforms are the closest to the classic blazer-style uniforms that most people associate with anime (after the seifuku of course). Sure Makoyo seems to have some sort of bustier/vest that no one else has but aside from these eccentricities, it’s a pretty traditional combination.
What sets it apart a bit for me is the turtleneck instead of a shirt under the blazer. It gives it a bit of a debonair look. And aside from that, it’s the colour scheme. What can I say, I love me a basic black and white with red accents. It’s sort of my to-go colour scheme. I also love plaid. I was very seriously considering trying to find a high-quality cosplay of this uniform to wear as general office wear. Easier said than done.
1. The World God Only Knows
Why doesn’t anyone talk about the uniforms in The World God Only knows? Specifically the boys’ uniforms. Oh wow, I’m actually not going to talk about an A-line dress for once, nice.
I remember seeing the key visuals for The World God Only Knows and thinking it was some sort of Austin Powers anime. I mean there was a main character sporting what seemed to be a red velvet jacket and a jabot. A Jabot! Why would anyone ever pass up the chance to wear a jabot?
Is my love for this uniform entirely based on the neckwear? There’s a pretty good chance but you know what, I think that’s justified. Look how fancy he looks in his jabot! We need to bring back the jabot.
There you have it, these are my personal favourite uniforms at the moment. I debated adding in Pretty Boy Detective Club because I do like those striped pants but I also think it might have to do with the characters having impossibly long and thin legs. I have a feeling it wouldn’t have the same effect on someone else.
Do you have a favourite anime school uniform? Have you ever worn one? Tell me all about it!
