Men working in half-pants (provided by Gorilla Clinic)

The Japanese office landscape, once characterized by the norm of everyone wearing suits to work, has seen a diversification of business professionals' attitudes towards attire as working styles have become more flexible with remote work and flextime following the COVID-19 pandemic.

As we approach summer 2026, office casual wear is entering another transitional phase.

A particularly noteworthy development is the [Recommendation for Wearing Half-Pants] put forth by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government as part of "Tokyo Cool Biz." This move, which overturns the traditional notion that "business equals long pants," is sparking debate across various sectors about whether it will become the new standard for "summer office attire" to cope with extreme heat, or if it will remain a fleeting topic.

To investigate this, Gorilla Clinic (Medical Corporation Twelvekai / Shinjuku, Tokyo; Chief Director: Fumihiko Inami), a comprehensive medical aesthetic clinic for men with 23 branches nationwide, conducted an online survey on June 17, 2026, for one day, targeting 800 men and women aged 20 to 59. The survey, titled [Awareness Survey on "Men's Summer Office Attire" by Gender and Age Group], aimed to gauge public sentiment and expectations regarding "working in shorts," amidst Japan's increasingly harsh summers where coolness and comfort in the workplace are highly anticipated.

* [Source]: Tokyo Metropolitan Government Bureau of Environment "Tokyo Cool Biz": https://www.kankyo.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/climate/tokyo_coolbiz

▼ Click here for the [Original Press Release (PDF)] (This is survey data)

d4342-165-54fd42824c0fc60b493de64711964ac4.pdf

◎ [5 Key Survey Findings (Summary)] *Detailed numerical data available separately

1: [What do you think about wearing half-pants to work in the summer?]

"Opponents (53.5%)" slightly outnumbered "Proponents (46.5%)" but the numbers were nearly equal.

The survey highlighted a clear division of opinions, with views split between the liberalization of dress codes and office etiquette.

[By age group], the results showed a divergence of opinions between younger and middle-aged demographics.

While younger individuals viewed half-pants positively as an extension of business casual, middle-aged individuals with a stronger adherence to traditional dress codes expressed significant resistance, revealing an "intergenerational gap in awareness" characteristic of a transitional period in office dress code relaxation.

2: [Reasons for Proponents of "Working in Half-Pants Style"]

"Heat countermeasures and health management" was the most cited reason, accounting for over 60%.

This was followed by "improved concentration and productivity," indicating a focus on practical benefits.

Furthermore, the acceptance of half-pants was suggested to be not only about pursuing comfort but also about promoting "gender equality and uniform freedom in workplace attire."

3: [Reasons for Opponents of "Working in Half-Pants Style"]

For both men and women, "concerns about body shape and body hair (45.5%)" was the most common response.

[By gender], women's responses significantly exceeded men's, revealing a reality where women expressed resistance to the "visual of men's bare legs." To make "office half-pants styles" acceptable, it suggests that "ensuring cleanliness" through skincare and hair removal, rather than just outfit coordination, is required to avoid causing discomfort to others.

4: [Office Half-Pants Acceptance Condition: "No Shin Hair"]

When asked to choose from [the following 6 patterns for "half-pants styles that are acceptable in business settings"], "jacket + half-pants (no shin hair)" was the most popular (58.0%), followed by "polo shirt (no shin hair)" at 47.8%. The presence or absence of shin hair created a difference of more than double in acceptability.

The key to making "working in half-pants acceptable in the office" was found to be "hair removal on exposed legs (cleanliness)" rather than the design of the clothing itself. It can be said that within a casual outfit, both "formality as a business person" and "cleanliness of exposed legs" are the most crucial elements influencing positive impressions from others.

5: [Are Half-Pants Allowed in Your Workplace?]

Only about 30% of companies have "lifted the ban" on wearing half-pants, with over 60% of companies still maintaining a "half-pants prohibition."

Furthermore, "allowed (13.8%)" was surpassed by "probably allowed (20.7%)", and similarly, "prohibited (33.0%)" and "probably prohibited (32.5%)" were close, revealing that while awareness is diversifying, the "ambiguity of rules and regulations within workplaces" is also exposed.

Additionally, the latter half of this release will feature an explanation by Dr. Fumifumi Funatsu, Director of Gorilla Clinic Osaka Umeda, on the "importance of grooming in business settings." It will also introduce a campaign starting July 1, 2026, offering medical laser hair removal for "knees + lower legs (shin hair)" at ¥25,000 (tax included, first-time patients only).

Survey Name: [Awareness Survey on "Men's Summer Office Attire" by Gender and Age Group]

* When using this data, please include the credit line: [Survey by "Gorilla Clinic," a Comprehensive Medical Aesthetic Clinic for Men]

* Survey Subject: "Gorilla Clinic," a comprehensive medical aesthetic clinic for men (Medical Corporation Twelvekai / Shinjuku, Tokyo; Chief Director: Fumihiko Inami)

* Target Audience: 800 men and women aged 20-59

* Survey Period: One day on June 17, 2026 (Online survey)

――――――――――― Each Question/Details ―――――――――――

1 Summer half-pants work is "controversial." Opponents slightly outnumbered, with opinions divided between younger and middle-aged demographics.

◎ Among men in their 30s, "acceptable (proponent)" was the highest at 60.0%, while for both men and women in their 50s, "unacceptable (opponent)" exceeded 60% (Men 64.0%/Women 67.0%), highlighting an intergenerational gap where rejection increases with age.

Younger individuals view half-pants positively as an extension of business casual, while middle-aged individuals with a stronger adherence to traditional dress codes express significant resistance, revealing an "intergenerational gap in awareness" characteristic of a transitional period in office dress code relaxation.

2 Proponents' reasons are "heat countermeasures and health management" at over 60%, followed by "improved concentration and productivity," indicating a focus on practical benefits.

◎ For both men and women, the top reason for "supporting half-pants at work" was "heat countermeasures and health management" at 63.1%.

On the other hand, the item "unfair compared to women" was higher for women (11.0%) than for men (8.3%), revealing an unexpected gap.

The acceptance of half-pants is suggested to be not only about pursuing comfort but also about promoting "gender equality and uniform freedom in workplace attire."

3 The biggest reason for "no shorts" is "body shape and body hair." Suppressing etiquette arguments, the strictness of women's "gaze" is highlighted.

◎ For both men and women, the most common reason for "opposing half-pants at work" was "concerns about body shape and body hair (45.5%)." This item also significantly exceeded men's (18.8%) among women (30.0%), revealing that women show the most resistance to the "visual of men's bare legs."

The fundamental cause of rejection is not the presence or absence of rules, but "lack of cleanliness" that can cause discomfort to others. It suggests that to make half-pants styles acceptable, "ensuring cleanliness" through skincare and hair removal is required before outfit coordination.

4 Office half-pants acceptance condition: "No shin hair." Many voices call for a combination of "formality" and "cleanliness" within casual wear.

◎ "Jacket (no shin hair)" was the most popular at 58.0%, followed by "polo shirt (no shin hair)" at 47.8%, resulting in a difference of more than double in acceptability based on the presence or absence of shin hair ("Jacket (with shin hair)": 24.1%).

The key to making "working in half-pants acceptable in the office" was found to be "hair removal on exposed legs (cleanliness)" rather than the coordination itself.

5 Half-pants ban in workplaces remains at 30%. While awareness is diversifying, over 60% of companies still prohibit half-pants.

◎ "Allowed (13.8%)" was surpassed by "probably allowed (20.7%)", and similarly, "prohibited (33.0%)" and "probably prohibited (32.5%)" were close, revealing the ambiguity of regulations.

While about half of respondents in Q1 affirmed half-pants work, the actual percentage allowed in workplaces (34.5%) is low, highlighting that company rule development has not kept pace with the spread of awareness.

[The Importance of Grooming in Business Settings] Explained by Dr. Fumifumi Funatsu, Director of Gorilla Clinic Osaka Umeda.

Trends in Male Patients Seeking Leg Hair Removal at Our Clinic

From seeing patients, I feel that more people are coming not just for cosmetic reasons but as a matter of "social etiquette when wearing half-pants." Many women believe that "men's shin hair should be sparse," and there are harsh opinions on social media and elsewhere calling thick, exposed shin hair "unpleasant." Against this social backdrop, more men are seeking hair removal as a form of grooming to avoid causing discomfort to others.

What are the Visual Changes from Leg Hair Removal?

When skin damage from self-grooming is improved, the skin texture becomes smoother and more transparent. Also, the clear boundary line from the ankle to the knee makes the entire leg appear sharper, slimmer, and more sophisticated, refining styling such as with half-pants.

The Impression Shin Hair Gives to Others and How It Changes

Dense, thick shin hair carries the risk of giving others an impression of "uncleanliness" or "neglect of grooming." When these are resolved through hair removal, it is believed that individuals will be evaluated as being "considerate of not causing discomfort to others" in business settings and when wearing half-pants. However, there are points to note: if only the legs are completely脱毛ed while arm or chest hair remains thick, it can create an unnatural appearance and give a negative impression.

Popular Hair Removal Areas and Reasons Based on Real Voices

1. Beard

Popular for liberation from the physical and time cost of morning shaving, and for achieving a youthful appearance by resolving dark stubble.

2. Entire Legs

With the advancement of Cool Biz, the rise of fashion trends incorporating half-pants, and a growing emphasis on athleticism, demand for hair removal on the entire legs, especially the lower legs, is increasing.

3. VIO

This area is seeing increased demand from those in their 30s to 50s, as it can alleviate discomfort from sweat and moisture trapped by clothing regardless of the season, as well as itching, and odor associated with bacterial growth.

4. Arms/Forearms

This area is considered important not only during summer when wearing short sleeves but also as part of grooming when "rolling up the sleeves of a dress shirt" in business settings.

5. Chest/Abdomen

This is a popular area for etiquette, to avoid an unsightly appearance when wearing swimwear at the beach or when wearing clothing with an open neckline.

Profile of Dr. Fumifumi Funatsu, Director of Gorilla Clinic Osaka Umeda

Born in Aichi Prefecture. Graduated from Tokai Junior High and High School. After graduating from Kumamoto University School of Medicine, completed training at the National Center for Global Health and Medicine (now National Center for Global Health and Medicine).

After completing training, joined Gorilla Clinic with the desire to "create a culture where men can pursue their true selves more." After serving as director at various clinics in the Tokai and Kansai regions, he was appointed as the responsible physician for hair removal and AGA treatments at Gorilla Clinic in August 2025, where he currently serves.

He provides consultations and treatments primarily at Gorilla Clinic's West Japan area branches. He is responsible for the promotion and management of both "medical hair removal" and "hair loss/AGA treatment," which are highly demanded by patients. His hobbies include reading and walking. His favorite book is "Invent & Wander" by the founder of Amazon.

Medical Laser Hair Removal "Leg Hair Removal" Treatment Details

In recent years, many patients have been visiting our clinic for leg hair removal from a fashion perspective, stating "I want to enjoy fashion with half-pants" or "I want to wear what I like without worry."

* Non-insured, self-pay medical treatment

● Price (tax included)

5-session course ¥158,800 *As of July 2026

● Treatable Areas

Thighs, knees, lower legs, toes, top of feet

● Side Effects/Risks

Temporary redness, heat sensation, mild swelling/itching, dryness after treatment

● Participating Clinics

23 clinics nationwide

Leg Hair Removal Details Here

[First-time Patient Only] Body Hair Removal 2 Areas 1 Session Special Price Campaign <Until July 31>

From July 1, 2026 (Wed) to July 31, 2026 (Fri), first-time patients can receive medical laser hair removal for "knees + lower legs (shin hair)" for ¥25,000 (tax included) per session (regular price ¥30,500 as of July 2026).

* Multiple session courses are not eligible for this discount.

"Needle Hair Removal" Service to Begin at Shinjuku Main Clinic from July 1, 2026!

◎ Needle Hair Removal Treatment Details

Needle hair removal is a treatment that aims for permanent hair removal by inserting a fine needle into the hair follicle and passing a brief electrical current to damage and destroy the root cells. Unlike laser hair removal, which reacts to melanin, this method directly destroys the dermal papilla and hair follicle, making it effective for "white hair," "peach fuzz," delicate areas around the eyes, and even for coarse hair that has resulted from laser treatments. *Non-insured, self-pay medical treatment

● Price (tax included)

*As of July 2026

1-25 hairs ¥25,000

26-50 hairs ¥44,000

51-100 hairs ¥55,000

101 hairs and beyond ¥440 per hair

● Treatable Areas

Beard, eyebrows, body (excluding nape, underarms, VIO)

● Side Effects/Risks

Temporary redness, heat sensation, mild swelling after treatment

● Treatment Duration (Estimate)

1 session (varies by number of hairs and individual)

● Participating Clinics

Ginza ANNEX Clinic, Shinjuku Main Clinic

Needle Hair Removal Details Here

"Gorilla Clinic" - Comprehensive Medical Aesthetic Clinic for Men (https://gorilla.clinic/)

◎ Medical Departments

Cosmetic Dermatology, Cosmetic Surgery, Cosmetic Plastic Surgery, Hair Clinic

◎ Toll-Free First Consultation Dial

0120-987-118

◎ Business Hours

11:00-20:00 (Irregular holidays, appointment required)

Founded in October 2014 with the mission to "create a culture of men's beauty," the clinic operates 23 branches nationwide (as of July 2026). As a men's-only comprehensive medical clinic, it offers a wide range of treatments including "permanent hair removal" using medical lasers, skincare treatments, acne (scar) treatments, hair loss/AGA treatments, medical weight loss, and odor care.

In May 2024, surgical treatment options were introduced at the "Ginza ANNEX Clinic" (double eyelid and under-eye bag treatments). The clinic supports all aspects of men's aesthetic needs through medical beauty treatments. Since its inception, it has pursued a "masculine-oriented" approach in every detail, employing many male staff members to create an environment where men can consult about any concerns without embarrassment.

On October 1, 2025, professional skater Yuto Horigome was appointed as the official ambassador. Since May 2026, the latest commercial, "THE REAL ATHLETE Yuto Horigome GORILLA EDITION," has been airing on major commercial television stations and outdoor digital signage. The new commercial, which expresses the journey of overcoming failures, taking on challenges, and achieving success, is drawing attention.

(※ Special Page: https://gorilla.clinic/athlete001/ )

For inquiries or interview requests regarding this press release, please contact:

Public Relations Department: Suzuki, Tsuji, Shimotani

TEL: 03-5291-5270 MAIL: pr@gorilla.clinic

Shinjuku Lamudax Building 3F, 2-4-12 Okubo, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 169-0072

Gorilla Clinic "Summer" Related Survey Data List

[Men's Generation/Summer External and Internal Condition Survey 2026] Extreme heat is coming soon! What is the problem of men's "summer aging face" caused by "air conditioning dependency and decreased metabolism"?

(Released April 6, 2026)

[Men's and Women's Generations / Survey on Summer "Sweat and Odor"] 3 out of 4 people "dislike Japanese summer" (75.0%). The most concerning "stranger's odor on trains" ~ More sensitive than oneself by 6%.

(Released August 15, 2025)

◆ [First time in 3 years! Beware of "Return of Smell Harassment" this Summer with Mask Removal] Among "What are men worried about this summer with mask removal?", "My own odor" ranked first, followed by "stranger's odor," with concerns related to "odor (bad breath/body odor)" continuing.

(Released April 12, 2023)

◆ Summer of New Lifestyle, Men's Concerns "While Wearing a Mask (Inside the Mask)" 1 Stuffiness (60.4%) 2 Sweat (46.9%) 3 Heatstroke (39.6%) / Is it bad manners to take off the mask? 70% of men "uncomfortable with others not wearing masks."

(Released June 9, 2020)

◆ [Men's Summer Stress] "Sweat" concerns dominate the top rankings 1 Underarm sweat 2 Stickiness 3 Sweat odor ~ Survey of men aged 20-40! Top 3 concerns for men during Cool Biz ≪1 Sunburn (skin) 2 Sweat 3 Odor≫ thoroughly investigated.

(Released April 11, 2019)

◆ [Asking Men! This Summer: Whitening? Tanning?] 60% of men "don't want to go to places where they'll get tanned" / "Don't want to get tanned (36.3%)" - "Beauty-conscious men" outnumber those who "want to get tanned (26.2%)."

(Released June 11, 2018)

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: Survey結果