What is the etiquette for fitting rooms?
In short
Good to knowAsk a staff member when you want to try something on. In many fitting rooms you take your shoes off before stepping in.
When does this apply?
In many Japanese clothing shops, the fitting room floor is raised by a step and you remove your shoes before going in, leaving them neatly outside. When you finish, fold the clothes as they were or hand them back to staff.
Why?
It keeps the fitting room floor clean and protects the items. Asking staff also makes it easy to discuss how many items you can take in or which sizes to try.
What to do
- Ask staff, "Can I try this on?" (shichaku shite mo ii desu ka)
- Take off your shoes and leave them neatly outside
- Tidy the clothes you tried before returning them
Better to avoid
- Step into the fitting room with your shoes on
- Take food or drinks into the fitting room
Exceptions and differences
Some fitting rooms are used with shoes on, and some shops do not allow certain items, such as underwear or swimwear, to be tried on. Follow the shop’s guidance.
Manners can differ by region, facility and generation. Local signs and staff instructions come first.
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