Japan Airlines (JAL) has teamed up with trading company Sumitomo Corporation to launch “Any Wear, Anywhere”, a clothing sharing service for passengers flying to Japan, with the aim of making journeys lighter and more sustainable.
The service will run on a trial basis throughout August 2024, allowing foreign tourists and business travelers on JAL-operated flights to rent clothing from an extensive wardrobe sourced through a circular economy.
According to JAL, the passengers will be able to select apparel based on size and seasonal needs on its website before boarding a flight. The rental price is said to start from about $30 per set.
The “Any Wear, Anywhere” service was introduced in response to increasing demand for more eco-friendly travel options.
Reducing luggage weight is expected to lighten the aircraft load, leading to lower fuel consumption and a reduced carbon footprint. The airline said eliminating 1 kilogram on a flight from New York to Tokyo will lower carbon dioxide emissions by 0.75 kilograms.
“The concept of the Service is therefore to provide a travel experience with minimal luggage by offering clothing rentals at the destination, thereby creating environmental value,” JAL explained in a statement released on July 5, 2025.
“By expanding the use of the Service, we aim to create an environment where travelers can use local options for all aspects of their clothing, food, and accommodation, transforming travel and business trips into more sustainable experiences,” the airline continued.
This service could also encourage a slower, more sustainable approach to fashion consumption. According to the UN Environment Program (UNEP), the fashion industry is responsible for about 10% of global carbon emissions.
The joint project between JAL and Sumitomo Corporation is also supported by WEFABRIK and Hakuyosha.
Local lifestyle brand WEFABRIK aims to tackle the issue of clothing waste in the fashion industry and will produce clothes available for rental. While Hakuyosha, a long-standing company that specializes in eco-friendly laundry in Japan, will provide cleaning services.
If the trial period is successful, Sumitomo will consider extending the service to other airlines in the oneworld alliance, including British Airways Qatar Airways, Qantas, and Malaysia Airlines.
