All you need for winter at UNIQLO
About 10 years ago, Mr TNMA and I went to the Arctic Circle at Christmas and were HEATTECH’ed up to the hilt. For super-cool thermals and simple, wardrobe basics, I’m a long-term UNIQLO fan. The cashmere jumpers are lovely – and the new 3D designs are crafted using Japanese knitting technology, to create a seamless garment. Nice one. Everyone knows about UNIQLO’s down outerwear which is great for more relaxed occasions but when I went in-store to pick out a few pieces for this collaboration, I was impressed by the smarter styles, too. The oversized, belted coat (below) is a great pull-on-and-go style (though not as warm as the down jackets, so you’d need to layer up) – and check out the super-smart, pleated HEATTECH trousers. Yes, really! Brilliant when you’re spending time outdoors in December and I’d definitely wear both these items with a cashmere jumper in a business context.
Add a cashmere beanie and gloves and you’re good to go.
Apart from HEATTECH socks and gloves, I hadn’t paid much attention to the accessories at UNIQLO, but the ribbed beanies and cashmere designs are top-notch. The cashmere gloves‘ long, ribbed cuff is folded over but can be opened out to exclude the draught, or if you’re wearing a coat with shorter sleeves. And a special mention for the handy shoulder bag – I’m wearing it across my body but you can just put it on your shoulder. When I met one of my friends carrying it, she told me that she and her husband and their 24-year-old daughter all own one. This could possibly be the perfect, multi-generational Christmas gift…
All factories involved in the production of UNIQLO’s down products are certified by the Responsible Down Standard. The coat I’m wearing above is the Seamless Down Long Coat in dark green.
This is a SPONSORED POST
That’s Not My Age is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
Discussion (16 Comments)
Louize says:
You might enjoy the “articles of interest – ivy” podcast? The origins of Uniqlo come up in episode 6 which I found super interesting as a long time fan of their clothes!
Bev says:
I find that down filled coats often ‘leak’ feathers making it look like you’ve been plucking the Christmas turkey. Do you find the same with the Uniglo garments?
Hi. Bev, It’s fine so far. Just checked the details and it says 90% down, 10% feathers (fewer feathers to shed?)
Elizabeth says:
I’ve got the hip length version of the down coat you’re wearing in this article, and have lived in it for the past two winters. Have been eyeing up that exact coat too! Last year I bought a down gilet for my husband and I think he’d sleep in it if I let him. Time for a new one. Their products are really amazing value and although I’m not always a fan of the way they finish their garments, overall it’s a great place to shop. Sadly no stores in Scotland so have to buy online. Thanks for this timely reminder, just scared it’ll all sell out now you’ve posted this!
Pam says:
Please could someone explain uniqlo sizing.I can never work out what size to buy for a UK 16 .I really wanted to buy stuff from them but the sizing issue gets me every time.
Kathleen Rogers says:
I really like Uniqlo. I first encountered them years ago on a trip to London and was really pleased when they came to the States, and also that they revamped their sizing to include a wider range of sizing. They have amazing technical fabrics and excellent durability. I survive winter with Heat Tech and love that it comes in regular, extra warm, and ultra warm. Also a fan of the nylon bag–extremely light and surprisingly roomy–I can get phone, wallet, keys, sunglasses, lip balm, gloves, etc. inside. Praise for the adjustable strap, the two inner pockets as well, and the lack of logo. This fall I purchased a really nice wool blend swing topper in a winter white that looks like it came of a runway at many times the price. I expect to be wearing it for years to come in my quest to stay warm without looking like the Michelin tire man.
I’ve been a fan of Uniqlo ever since our first visit to Japan in 2005, long before it came to Canada. My ultra light down vest is a favourite. So compact, warm, and convenient.
Goddessinthedetails says:
I’ve got some Uniqlo, some M&S but the crucial layer is comprised of John Lewis silk thermals. Last for year after year.
Nicola says:
Writing this from sunny Sydney where the thermals are packed away for the year but I’m also a huge fan of the M& S Heatgen long sleeved vests. The scoop neck makes them invisible under sweaters and blouses and they are light enough to fit under clothes but still incredibly warm. My only complaint was the speed they sold out!
Mrs Tonia says:
I am also a long term wearer of Uniqlo down, heatech thermals and their cashmere pullovers. I like the very thin down jackets close fitting to layer under coats and jackets. Today I wore a long sleeved collarless jacket over top to a Pilates class to stay warm. Then for walking in cold crisp weather I put a regular down coat knee length over that with jeans over leggings. So cosy. I’ve taken to sleeping sometimes on cold nights in a close fitting zip up old Uniqlo down jacket over my pyjamas. Success and makes sleeping in cold room easier.
I highly recommend the range of thermal vests from camisoles to long sleeved scooped and polo neck. I only buy the regular weight ones to wear close to body under knitwear or dresses even. The ultra warm version is much thicker fabric so less useful under clothing I’ve found.
With regards their cashmere jumpers I’ve bought and worn these consistently for many years. The prices were reasonable. There were usually promotions for £20 less which I took advantage of. This years prices are higher. I did buy a bright red polo neck of the new 3-D knit type in October. No armhole/shoulder seams. It’s semi fitted to wear under jackets. Useful and warm. It’s more costly as reflected in commodity prices but so is cashmere everywhere else.
Re M & S thermals I did buy in store a red long sleeved one a few years ago to layer under scratchy seasonal knitwear. I like it far less well than the Uniqlo version. The former has a higher percentage of Lycra and felt much tighter on. So I wouldn’t buy that again.Amanda Wragg says:
Hello Alyson. Do you mind me asking – which is the coat you’re wearing in the top photo? Is it the seamless down long coat (£179)? It’s the one I’ve been eyeing up and just wanted to check before buying. Thanks! Amanda
Hello Amanda, It’s the ‘Seamless Down Long Coat’ in dark green (there’s a link to it in the gallery at the bottom of the page) and I will add a caption under the last photo.
Leave a Reply
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
I couldn’t survive winter without Uniqlo thermals (Heattech). I have collected bits and pieces over the years that regularly resurface when the weather turns cold – like today!! Their lightweight down jackets fit beautifully under a coat especially with the hood popping out the back. The Heattech trousers are lovely and snuggly – not the trendiest but a lot of that goes out of the window when its cold! I have had Uniqlo cashmere jumpers for years and years although I would suggest that the quality has deteriorated recently and the prices shot up. The only item that beats Uniqlo is the thermal long sleeved tee shirts – good old M&S Heatgen Plus are warmer than the Uniqlo ones but the colours very limited. I shall now start Christmas shopping (I haven’t bought a thing!) and pop some of those lovely shoulder bags in my basket for family members.