The latest collaboration between the streetwear chain and the convenient store is expected to sell out, like their other two collabs

Their third collaboration is a shirt. This is after the first, a jumper last winter, the second, a T-shirt this summer, and now a plaid shatsu. Tokyo-based multi-label Freak Store has collaborated with the Japanese konbini (convenient store) Lawson to offer articles of clothing that can be worn on those occasions you are not running out to buy milk. As we understand it, the first two items sold very well for the two brands. As with the previous exercises, the current is stocked on shelves of the store that also carries Muji’s very basic clothing. This being a konbini item, don’t expect Undercover offering clever cuts on their GU collabs.

Still, there is something going for the Freak’s Store X Lawson plaid shirt. We like the proportion, to begin with. And the relaxed fit (but not overzealously oversized). It is definitely not a business shirt. The shoulder drop is substantial and the shirt length is not too long so that it can be worn as an outer, almost like a shacket. The collar size is relatively narrow, keeping to the overall casualness of the garment. Best of all, the flannel shirt, available in three base colours of black, dark blue, and sky blue, is unisex. Couples can easily buy a his and hers, and feel equally stylish in them, worn whichever way each like.

This is not the first konbini to be offering elevated basics in their store. Last December, Family Mart even staged a fashion show for their Convenience Wear, a fully-merchandised line, conceived in collaboration with Facetasm’s Hiroshi Ochiai. In 2020, there was even Urban Famima, a part of select Family Mart stores that were conceived to retail clothing and accessories, co-branded with the fashion retailer Urban Research. We’ve said it before and we’ll said it again: convenient stores in Japan are not your regular convenient store. They’re far much more.

Freak’s Store X Lawson flannel plaid shirt, ¥3.750, is available at Lawson Japan. Photos: Lawson Japan