Do Japanese students wear short skirts in winter?

The uniforms of Japanese students often attract attention from around the world, especially their short skirts. Anyone who has seen photos of Japan in winter knows the scene: schoolgirls keep wearing their skirts in the cold, often with bare legs that seem to defy the temperature. That naturally raises a question: do Japanese students really wear short skirts in winter — and if so, why?

It is also worth asking how Japanese schools allow such short skirts to be worn all year round. The short answer is that schools do have rules, and most students only shorten their skirts once they are off the school grounds. We have already covered several angles of the topic on Suki Desu, like the question of whether Japanese school uniform skirts are really that short, the comparison between Japanese schools and anime, and a list of 25 curiosities about Japanese schools that will make you envious.

Some young women in Japan say that the length of the skirt is a fashion statement, a way of expressing individuality, a small form of rebellion. It is also fair to remember that most teenagers — in Japan as elsewhere — simply want to catch the eye. And yes, things are not like in anime, where exaggerated skirts and oversized bodies are mainly used as fan service.

Japanese students wear short skirts in winter

When it comes to fashion, many young women in Japan are willing to stand outside in the freezing cold for the look. Some Japanese schools do not allow schoolgirls to wear pants, only tights, and the skirts themselves are cut long enough to protect the legs from the cold — most students roll them up to get the shorter look.

The vast majority of students do not follow this cold-weather skirt trend. Most of the time, they wear long, warm socks that protect them from the temperature. Others add thermal leggings and warming products for their feet and other body parts. They can also keep warm with a blazer and other accessories until they arrive at school, then take them off once they are inside.

Some schools and public places have heaters, which makes it easier to keep wearing a short skirt in winter no matter where you are. Others, by contrast, are not well heated, so some students bring a small blanket to put over their legs. Each school sets its own rules, and each student decides how to spend the day.

Some genuinely prefer to spend the whole day saying "samui, samui" (cold, cold) rather than dressing more warmly. That said, it is worth remembering that many Japanese students are well prepared for the winter cold. Just because the internet is full of photos of girls with bare legs rolling around in the snow does not mean that it is something extremely common in daily life.

The cold helps lose weight more than exercise

A study led by endocrinologist Paul Lee claims that shivering in the cold for 15 minutes is roughly as effective as an hour of physical exercise. That may be one of the well-kept secrets behind the slim and youthful look in Japan.

The idea is that, when the body is exposed to the cold, fat and muscle communicate through hormones and transform white fat into brown fat. That increases energy expenditure to generate heat, which can help with weight loss and calorie burning. The cold is also credited with keeping the skin looking younger.

These were some of the reasons why Japanese students keep wearing short skirts during the Japanese winter. Have you ever seen schoolgirls in Japan in winter with their short skirts, or does the climate where you live make the look feel like a bad idea? Tell us what you think in the comments, and feel free to share the article with friends who are into Japanese fashion and culture.