Animes Similar To My Dress Up Darling – My Dress Up Darling, created by Shinichi Fukuda, is an engaging manga series that has come to life through a slice-of-life romance anime adaptation by CloverWorks, debuting in January 2022.
The narrative revolves around Wakana Gojou, a high school student dedicated to perfecting the art of crafting Hina dolls, aspiring to exceed his grandfather’s exceptional skill. While his peers are engrossed in pop culture trends, Gojou discovers profound satisfaction in designing clothes for his dolls. Despite his passion, he diligently conceals this unique hobby, fearing potential mockery if exposed.
The storyline takes an unexpected turn with the introduction of Marin Kitagawa, a remarkably beautiful and confident girl whose demeanor sharply contrasts with Gojou’s meekness. Despite Gojou’s friendless disposition, Kitagawa, usually surrounded by classmates, becomes involved. Surprisingly, she discovers Gojou’s sewing prowess and openly discloses her own pleasure: cosplay. Recognizing her inadequate sewing skills, she seeks Gojou’s assistance.
This anime proves highly relatable, offering a somewhat slow-paced narrative that resonates with otaku. It delves into profound dialogues and humorous misunderstandings that many otaku can identify with. For those craving similar experiences, check out our curated list of 15 anime similar to My Dress Up Darling, celebrating imperfections and genuine otaku moments.
List Of Animes Similar To My Dress Up Darling
1. Smile Down The Runway (2020)
In this series, Chiyuki Fujito, the daughter of the owner of a modeling agency, dreams of appearing on the runway of Paris Fashion Week. Despite her beauty and talent, her journey is hindered by a seemingly insurmountable obstacle—her height is 158 cm. While living high school life, her aspirations to become a successful model seemed distant.
Parallel to that, Ikuto Tsumura, a high school student with a talent for designing clothes, dreams of becoming a fashion designer. However, without the resources for formal education, his ambitions remained mere dreams.
Similar to My Dress Up Darling, the series delves into the complicated world of fashion, exploring the challenges of making and wearing clothes. The main character, initially introverted and lonely, undergoes a significant transformation triggered by the arrival of a female character. Their stubbornness influences each other and promotes personal growth and learning. The shared theme and enthralling journey make these two series incredible!
2. Horimiya (2021)
Hormiya introduces Kyouko Hori and Izumi Miyamura, seemingly incompatible individuals whose hidden identities are revealed through unexpected encounters. Hori, balanced with beauty and brains, squats between popularity and homework responsibilities, while Miyamura, who looks shy, hides tattoos and piercings behind his gentle behavior.
Similar to My Dress Up Darling, Horimiya offers a pleasant and real romantic picture. They navigate characters who are at opposite ends of the social spectrum, providing a unique perspective on relationship outcomes. Driven by sincere character dynamics rather than fan service, both series stand out with easy-to-understand storytelling.
Read also: 15 Best Romance Animes Similar To Horimiya
3. Don’t Toy With Me, Miss Nagatoro (2021)
Miss Nagatoro (2021) follows Naoto Hachiouji, who is endlessly teased by Hayase Nagatoro after a chance meeting at the library. Nagatoro, who enjoys flirting, gives him the nickname Senpai and continues to engage in casual, often flirtatious chatter.
Similar to My Dress Up Darling, the male protagonists share a shy and awkward nature around their opposite sex. The main heroine, falling in love with the main male hobbies, seduces them with deliberate and involuntary sexual attraction. Full of fanservice, these two anime explore this unique relationship dynamic.
4. Wotakoi: Love Is Hard For Otaku (2018)
Wotakoi (2018) revolves around Narumi Momose, an otaku who tries to hide his hobby on his first day of work. When he meets Hirotaka Nifuji, an old friend from high school, his plan to hide his otaku identity falls apart. The series explores hilarious romance, the development of feelings, and shared hobbies, all set against the backdrop of captivating slice-of-life moments.
Similar to My Dress Up Darling, the anime focuses on adorable romance, exploration of feelings, and bonding through shared hobbies. The main characters are well written and complete with an interesting storyline, which makes both of these series a fun spectacle.
5. Komi Can’t Communicate (2021)
Starting his first day in high school, Hitohito Tadano aims for a trouble-free experience, hoping to blend in smoothly. However, his plans fall apart when he instead sits next to the school’s esteemed figure, Shouko Komi. Now the target of elimination by a classmate who wants to sit next to the prettiest girl in class, Tadano faces an unexpected challenge.
Komi, with its stunning appearance and graceful demeanor, was universally loved. Despite her mysterious aura, she struggles with crippling anxiety and communication disorders that hinder genuine social interaction with her classmates.
Like My Dress Up Darling, the series shares a familiar setting but introduces different main characters. Unlike Marin, Komi struggles with social disorders that hinder his ability to make friends. Despite the apparent distance, the show emphasizes her yearning for a genuine connection. Both series exude chastity and a hint of romance, although my Dress Up Darling leans more towards romance.
6. Shikimori’s Not Just A Cutie (2022)
Yuu Izumi lives a high school life filled with unlucky events, where unfortunate events seem to befall her at every turn. Despite her bad luck, Izumi enters her sophomore year with one desire—to spend more time with her loving boyfriend, Micchon Shikimori.
Shikimori, who is adorable, athletic, and caring, is very popular at their school. Their year-long relationship reveals an unexpected side of Shikimori—she can turn into someone really cool when the situation calls for it, protecting Izumi from misfortune with a stern look.
Similar to My Dress Up Darling, the anime’s narrative centers on the everyday school life of an ordinary boy and his idol girlfriend. Both feature well-written, beautiful, and strong female characters, breaking stereotypes to always look cute and beautiful.
7. Paradise Kiss (2005)
Yukari Hayasaka meets a strange-looking man on her way home, triggering a series of events that lead her to the Atelier. This strange place is home to fashion designers from the famous Yazawa Art Academy. They approached Yukari to model for their brand in an upcoming Academy show, revealing the world of fashion, modeling, and creativity.
Similar to My Dress Up Darling, the anime revolves around a transformation from unsocial to social, featuring a romance between someone unpopular and someone fashionable and popular. It explores the realm of modeling and clothing making, enhanced by cover songs with simplified character animation and cartoons.
8. Real Girl (2018)
In a two-dimensional realm, Hikari Tsutsui finds peace submerged in video games and anime, shunned by her classmates for lacking social skills. Together with his only friend, Yuuto Itou, they navigate the challenges of being socially isolated. However, Tsutsui’s meeting with Iroha Igarashi, who is famous for her courage, brings unexpected changes in her life.
Similar to My Dress Up Darling, Real Girl involves socially awkward boys and extroverted popular girls who get romantically entangled, challenging the high school norms commonly associated with social groups. Despite their similarities, the gender dynamics and social roles of otaku characters differ between the two, providing a unique perspective on social hierarchy and relationships.
9. More Than A Married Couple, But Not Lovers (2022)
Jirou Yakuin, a third-grade high school student, finds himself falling for his childhood best friend, Shiori Sakurazaka. In an unexpected surprise, their school begins the practice of marriage, randomly pairing boy-girl couples as ostensibly married couples to gauge their closeness. Meanwhile, the feisty Akari Watanabe hopes to be paired with her idol, the handsome Minami Tenjin.
Looking for a romantic anime with a touch of Ecchi? This event is perfect, especially for fans of My Dress Up, Darling. Similar to My Dress Up Darling, the series has similar themes in which the main characters navigate new situations involving personal exploration and compassion.
10. Princess Jellyfish (2010)
Ever since her mother took her to the aquarium as a child, Tsukimi Kurashita has been fascinated by jellyfish, likening their tentacles to the white dress of a princess. Living with five unemployed otaku women, 19-year-old Tsukimi dreams of becoming an illustrator.
His life changes forever when a beautiful woman unexpectedly helps him save a jellyfish at the local pet store. Despite the initial appearance, this fashionable individual keeps secrets, including the fact that he is actually a wealthy male college student named Kuranosuke Koibuchi. Similar to My Dress Up Darling, the anime explores the collaboration between introverted and energetic, glamorous characters who work together to create beautiful outfits.
11. Genshiken (2004)
Introverted freshman Kanji Sasahara is looking for a place to mingle and accidentally discovers the Society for the Study of Modern Visual Culture—Genshiken. The club brings together fans of otaku culture, and Sasahara engages in their anime obsessions, reads doujinshi, and attends conventions.
Similar to My Dress Up Darling, Genshiken is a fun slice-of-life anime that emphasizes the theme of being yourself. The characters are lovable, sincere, and passionate about their otaku hobbies, creating a narrative that can be felt.
12. Saekano: How To Raise A Boring Girlfriend (2015)
Tomoya Aki, an otaku, dreams of making his own game and recruits his childhood friend, Eriri Spencer Sawamura, and the literary elite, Utaha Kasumigaoka, to help him. The inspiration came when he met the gentle Megumi Katou, and he created his main character based on her.
Similar to My Dress-Up Darling, Saekano is a classic otaku romance story. Saekano features an MC who is a heavy otaku who makes visual novels, while My Dress-up Darling takes a different approach to a non-otaku MC who makes dolls, exploring the world of cosplay.
13. Love After World Domination (2022)
Fudou Aikawa and Desumi Magahara have just begun their secret love story and earned the nickname Red Gelato for Fudou, the leader of Japan’s protective heroes, Gelato 5, while Desumi, the daughter of Assassins, leads Gekko, a secret society with ambitions of world conquest, and is Gelato 5’s greatest enemy. Balancing their roles as enemies on the battlefield, Fudou and Desumi steal a moment to be together.
Navigating the complexities of love, inexperienced couples try to keep their relationship hidden from their peers. Faithfully divided between love and duty, Fudou and Desumi must remain vigilant to protect their secret love story from the prying eyes of the world.
Similar to My Dress Up Darling, the anime depicts a love story between a man dedicated to his hobby and a blonde Gyaru girl who loves cosplay, creating a parallel between the characters in their appearance and interests.
14. Keep Your Hands Off, Eizouken! (2020)
Looking at the world through a unique lens, Midori Asakusa, always immersed in her books, draws intricate landscapes that blend reality and her vast imagination. Her pragmatic best friend, Sayaka Kanamori, keeps her grounded, providing balance to Asakusa’s whimsical outlook.
Delving into the complexities of anime production, Eizouken likens the exploration of costume design and cosplay found in dress-up Darling. Similar to My Dress Up Darling, the series offers an accessible journey into their respective hobbies, making it interesting for those curious about both mediums.
Similarities are also seen in the main characters Midori (Eizouken) and Gojo (Dress-Up), both non-social individuals, immersed in their hobbies but exemplary in their fields.
15. Blue Period (2021)
Yatora Yaguchi, a second-year high school student, stands out academically but lacks the motivation to find her true passion. Focused on maintaining her academic grades while spending time with her equally unambitious peers, Yatora hopes to find something more fulfilling.
Her perspective changes when she discovers Shibuya’s colorful landscapes, inspiring her to express her feelings through painting. Praise for his work propelled him on his way to the competitive Tokyo University of the Arts.
Like My Dress Up Darling, the series centers on high school students who are passionate about art, exploring the artistic process and relationships between characters. Whether exploring art creation or following the journey of a young boy pursuing his artistic passion, both shows offer compelling narratives for art fans.
For those of you who love Anime My Dress Up Darling and are looking for animes similar to My Dress Up Darling, then the list above is a recommendation for some selected anime similar to My Dress Up Darling, which you might be able to watch. Thank you very much for reading this article, and see you in the next article. Enjoy watching, and have a nice day.
