A recent 2ch thread asks: “Even though they’re meeting their favorite idols, why are there otaku who don’t care about their fashion?”

The opening premise and statement: “At handshaking events, what’s up with those guys who wear cheap, checkered clothes, or faded denim?  If you’re going to meet your favorite idol, aren’t you supposed to take some care about your fashion sense, and come to the event wearing your best clothes?”

It’s an interesting question I suppose — if I went on a date with someone, I’d certainly dress my best. Does this same logic apply to idols that you are meeting?

Some of the answer from the thread appear below:

• “Even with that kind of clothes, that’s probably the best that they have.”
• “Spending money on their hobbies instead of nice clothes — that’s a true wota”
• “Do you really have to look fashionable for AKB girls? You can just go in your sweat pants”
• “Even if you try your best, your face is probably still ugly, lol”
• “If you go on a date like that, you’ll probably get dumped. It’s the same thing”
• “Do you worry (about that) a lot?”
• “Just go in your birthday outfit!”
• “I have a problem with really fashionable types, or really dirty.”
• “There’s really a lot of members who like guys that wear rough, manly clothes. There’s also a lot of members who hate fashionable guys who carry brand-name bags”
• “I don’t know anything about fashion!! They never have my size! What am I supposed to do?!”
• “I knew it, Uniqlo is the #1!”
• “I don’t have nice clothes to go buy nice clothes”
• “Cool guys can wear cheap stuff with no problem, but super ugly guys can wear brand name goods, and still look funny. The number of cool guys who have beards, wear sunglasses, or have dyed hair is pretty low.”

There are some interesting (and funny) points here, but its not like this is a serious date. Or maybe it shouldn’t matter?

If you were to attend a handshake event, would you feel the need to dress your best, when meeting your favorite idol?