Gyaruo (ギャル男) is a Japanese fashion subculture that represents the masculine counterpart to the Gyaru subculture. Emerging in the late 1990s, the style is defined by a dedication to trendy, often brand-focused fashion, meticulously styled high-volume hair, and, in many cases, artificially tanned skin.[1]
Like its female counterpart, the Gyaruo subculture is associated with a party-centric lifestyle, a love for dance music like Para Para, and an attitude of youth rebellion against traditional Japanese societal norms.[2] The style was most prominent in the 2000s and, while its popularity has since declined, it remains a significant part of Japanese street fashion history.
Characteristics[]
The Gyaruo look is a combination of specific grooming, fashion, and lifestyle elements that create a distinct, glamorous, and rebellious identity.
Hair and Tanning[]
The most defining feature of the Gyaruo is the hairstyle. Hair is typically bleached or dyed brown or blonde and styled into a high-volume, teased, and meticulously sculpted look. This often involves intricate layering and is sometimes referred to as "sujimori" (スジ盛り), a style with distinct streaks or bundles of hair. A deep, artificial tan is also a common characteristic, mirroring the ganguro style of female Gyaru, though it is not a strict requirement for all Gyaruo substyles.[1]
Lifestyle and Culture[]
The Gyaruo lifestyle is closely tied to the nightlife and entertainment districts of major Japanese cities, particularly Shibuya in Tokyo. It revolves around clubbing, partying, and a dedication to materialism and fashion trends. The subculture is also strongly associated with trance and Eurobeat music, including the synchronized Para Para dance style. Due to their flashy appearance and rejection of conventional Japanese aesthetics of subtlety, Gyaruo are often viewed by older generations as symbols of youth rebellion.[2]
Fashion[]
Gyaruo fashion is bold, brand-conscious, and varies significantly across several substyles. The overall look often emphasizes a tight-fitting silhouette and incorporates extensive layering of accessories like belts, bracelets, and sunglasses.[1] The fashion is not monolithic and is typically categorized into several distinct themes:
- Onii Kei (Adult/Older Brother Style): A more mature and subdued version of the look, often worn by older Gyaruo and host club employees.
- Military (ミリタリー系): Utilizes camouflage prints, muted earth tones, and military-inspired garments.
- Rock (ロック系): A style influenced by Western rock and punk fashion, featuring a heavy use of black, leather, and motifs like skulls and crosses.
- Biker (バイカー系): Focuses on a rugged look with leather jackets, denim, and biker boots.
- American Casual (アメカジ系): A brighter style that incorporates multiple layers, vibrant colors, and graphic clothing with English words or American pop culture references.
- Surfer (サーファー系): A summer-oriented look with bright pastels and beachwear elements.
- Sentaa Guy (センター街): The male equivalent of the extreme Manba Gyaru style, characterized by very deep tans, extreme hairstyles, and white makeup.
Culture and Media[]
The Gyaruo subculture was heavily concentrated in specific urban areas and was shaped by a handful of influential fashion magazines.
Locations[]
The epicenter of Gyaruo culture was the Shibuya district of Tokyo. The 109-② building (later renamed 109-mens) was the primary shopping destination, housing flagship stores for key Gyaruo brands like Vanquish, Jack Rose, and Varosh. Other popular districts included Shinjuku in Tokyo and Amerikamura in Osaka.[2]
Magazines[]
Print media was crucial for disseminating trends within the subculture. The most influential publication was Men's Egg, often referred to as the "Gyaruo bible." It served not only as a fashion guide but also as a lifestyle manual, covering everything from the latest clothing to nightlife and hosting club events known as "Men's Egg Night." Other important magazines included Men's Knuckle, which catered to the Onii Kei style, and Men's Egg Bitter for older Gyaruo.[2]
Gallery[]
References[]
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| Gyaru | ||
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Agejo ❀ Amekaji ❀ Ane Gyaru ❀ B-Gyaru ❀ Ganguro ❀ Gyaruo ❀ Hime Gyaru ❀ Himekaji ❀ Kogal ❀ Manba ❀ Mode Gyaru ❀ Neo Gyaru ❀ Onee Gyaru ❀ Ora Ora Kei ❀ Rokku ❀ Tsuyome Gyaru ❀ Yamanba | ||