Japan Airlines’ new clothing sharing service aims to eliminate packing for travelers

Packing can be a stressful and time consuming part of travel prep. If you’re someone who struggles with packing light, you may end up bringing the majority of your wardrobe with you. If you’re going out of town for a weekend getaway, you may have a difficult time determining what is essential to bring versus what isn’t.

Luckily, Japan Airlines is launching a new service to help with travelers’ packing woes. The airline has partnered with Sumitomo Corporation to launch a clothes sharing service called “Any Wear, Anywhere.”

The service is available to foreign tourists flying to Japan on a JAL-operated flight. The idea behind the service is to give travelers the ability to utilize local options for their wardrobe, in addition to other aspects of their trip such as accommodations and dining. In an effort to promote the concept of circular economy, the rental items include excess stock apparel and previously owned items.

Both Sumitomo Corporation and Japan Airlines have specialized roles within the partnership. Sumitomo Corporation is in charge of developing the reservation system for “Any Wear, Anyhow,” along with the acquisition, laundering and delivery of the clothes to the customer. Japan Airlines is responsible for monitoring changes in weight of travelers’ check-in bags and the reduction effect of carbon dioxide emissions as a result of the reduced plane weight.

“Any Wear, Anywhere” is currently in a trial period that started July 5, 2023 and ends on August 31, 2024. Travelers who want to use the service can go to the website to reserve clothes. Once at the “Reservation” page, travelers can select the season (spring/autumn, summer, winter), number of clothes they need (basic, which comes with 3-4 tops and two bottoms, or variety, which includes 5-6 tops and three bottoms), and occasion (casual, smart casual, or a mix of both). Reservations must be made up to a month in advance and travelers will pick up their clothes from their hotel.

This initiative aligns with JAL Group’s “JAL Vision 2030” goal to create a “safe and secure society” and “sustainable future.” ESG is the core of the vision’s management strategy, which aims to “solve social issues and create sustainable flows of people, and sales and distribution channels.”

This venture is just the beginning of a working relationship with Japan Airlines and Sumitomo Corporation as the two companies plan to continue exploring collaborative ways to meet customer needs while also generating environmental value.

Roshae Hemmings is an arts and culture magazine journalist from St. Louis, MO. A graduate from the Missouri School of Journalism, Roshae has bylines in the Columbia Missourian, Vox Magazine and 5280 Magazine discussing topics ranging from pop culture, social justice and eat and drink. She is a foodie at heart and enjoys eating food as much as learning about the story behind it. You can reach Roshae via email at roshaehemmings@detourxp.com.

This story was originally published July 10, 2023 at 2:50 PM.