You are going to think I’m being paid by Uniqlo the way I plug them eh? Ah I wish that too 😛 Or maybe even a new wardrobe? No? Oh well, just count me among their legions of fans of affordable casual clothing then.
With Fall/Winter entering the Northern Hemisphere, Uniqlo has brought back their ubiquitous puffer jackets, flannel shirts and Heat Tech innerwear. If you plan to travel anywhere cold (and I don’t mean Genting Highlands) pick yourself up a couple of the Heat Tech T-shirts. Almost every member of my family has one or a few of these in various designs, and they can all vouch for how warm it keeps you in winter worn next to your skin. I have a pair of jeans with the Heat Tech technology and I love them! They are a little bit warm when I wear them here in the tropics but when I go somewhere cold they are a lifesaver and keep my legs beautifully warm even while standing in the coldest winds.
But really, you know. For the most part, I live in Malaysia where its hot and humid all year round and staying warm is the farthest thing on my mind. I just want to stay cool and dry, and here’s where I’ll tell you again, to head to Uniqlo for their Dry Lux or Sarafine T-shirts. They are sold as innerwear in Uniqlo and I don’t know if its a formal term, but I’d call these Cool Tech 😀
I own a few Dry Lux and Sarafine items in their bra tops and camisoles, but I never really paid attention to how they felt. I just knew they were comfortable but if you are sensitive about body shape or “lady lumps” as I call my muffin tops, you may not like how they tend to cling to the skin. I believe the second skin factor is part of the technology the same way Heat Tech T-shirts tends to be very fitted too.
Anyway, I recently picked up a Dry Lux sccop neck T-shirt because I saw this on the packet – “Air-conditioning innerwear that keeps you cool in the heat”.
“Air-conditioning innerwear”!!! I had to have it. Also it was on sale for RM24.90. Woohoo! 😀
The Dry Lux material is soft and silky against the skin and I started paying a bit of attention to how I felt when I wore it and it was true to a large extent that it kept me cooler than even cotton. Even if you sweat, it wicks away sweat so you don’t feel sticky and wet and clammy. And it dries so quickly! I was quite impressed actually.
Even when you wear it as inner wear e.g. under a cardigan or jacket, it actually keeps you surprisingly cool. I think its the composition of the material which despite being man-made, I find cooler than even cotton. It is also supposed to have antibacterial properties to prevent odours and you know what? I will agree you stay smell free even after sweating like a… erm… something porcine 😛
The only down side, other than how close fitted it is, is the lack of designs it comes in. The plain light colours are a bit revealing and the patterned ones are a bit… “aunty” so its really hard to build up a collection 😛 But if I come across any Dry Lux items of clothing that look halfway decent, you can bet I’d be on them in a flash!
The only problem now is that Uniqlo is very season-centric. You can’t get Heat Tech in Spring-Summer collections (I’ve tried). They don’t bring them in because “its for winter”. Since Dry Lux was part of their Summer innovation, I wonder if that means they don’t have them in store for the next 3-4 months? That would be silly you know. We are after all living in a land where its perpetually Summer all year round!
I looked around online and apparently Dry Lux and Sarafine are interchangeable names for the same thing. I have tops in both Dry Lux and Sarafine and they both feel and function the same way so I’m not sure what’s going on there.
Oh and have you seen the local Uniqlo ad for Fall/Winter this year? Last year, we had Orlando Bloom and Charlize Theron. This year, this.
If I weren’t already a fan of the brand I’d run screaming in the opposite direction. The girl’s fine but the guy scares the bejesus out of me. I keep thinking he’s about to beat me up. I think he’s taking Tyra Banks’ advice to “Look fierce!” too seriously.
Have you tried anything in the Uniqlo Dry Lux or Sarafine material? Do you like it? Or tell me if that guy in the ad puts you off too (unless you are a fan of his of course) 😛
Paris B
Love the thought of an portable AC! I read somewhere Uniqlo is arriving on our shores pretty soon and I can’t wait!
You will LOVE Uniqlo! I do – and I have to physically restrain myself from walking in when I go past, because I always… ALWAYS walk out with something. Gah!
I love the heat tech too!
But for dry lux camis…I tend to think they are a bit on the pricey side. So didn’t get them
Yep I find them pricey too… but there’s always the special offers! 😉 I don’t think I’ve ever bought anything from Uniqlo at full price LOL! Very “kiamsiap” 😉
Aiyo…I am worse than you. Even during sale I think still expensive!
Let me see what is the price like in HK the next time I go over. Perhaps prices in Sg are too outrageous.
LOL Actually Shay, I think prices here in KL are a wee bit cheaper than in SG mostly because of the exchange rate so if you happen to be in town, take a look? 😉 Now I think of it, I don’t think I’ve been to Uniqlo HK – I will have to remedy that in my next visit 😀
Yeah. And things are getting more expensive in SG. 🙂
You should check out uniqlo in HK since nowadays HKD is not strong.
I know! I’m tempted to go to HK but the flight prices at year end are nuts 🙁
I don’t have anything from Dry Lux but I do own a number of Heat Tech items, namely socks and jackets. Of course they are only worn when I travel to colder climates, can’t imagine wearing them here. I purchased all the Heat Tech clothing in China, their Uniqlo shops there are awesome!
Ooh yes! I shopped up a storm at Shanghai too. In fact, I shop up a storm at every Uniqlo store I hit up anywhere in the world… but only for sale items LOL I actually find that similar items are cheaper here than in China when at full price so I tend to be a bit more restrained 🙂
Oh, that’s pretty cool. I don’t have much of a need for the Heat Tech things (it’s relatively warm in California, even in the winter), but Dry Lux sounds perfect for summer!
Oh California sounds like a lovely place to visit in the winter then – cool without being too cold! 😀 If you can, do check out the Dry Lux range – I do think it will wear well in Summer 😀
I am a fan of Uniqlo now after resisting it for I don’t know, 4 months? But being the cheapo Asian that I am, I never pay full price for anything at Uniqlo, and have only shopped their on sale items. 😛
I’m thinking of picking up some of their Heat Tech stuff for my HK trip next year since it’s going to be a wee bit cold then I’m told. 🙂
Resistence is futile eh? 😀 I never pay full price for anything at Uniqlo too. But there’s no real need to since the sale items are enough to make me go nuts… and they have special offers every 2 weeks or so. I try not to go down to Fahrenheit 88 so often LOL! 😀 If you get Heat Tech for HK, you would likely be able to just wear a light jacket. It gets a bit chilly in March/April especially at Victoria’s Peak.
hi paris! dunno if this is correct, but the hubby read that uniqlo will be opening/has opened a store in 1U. wishing u all the best in “resisting” 😉
Hiya Shah! Yes Uniqlo is already open in 1U on 4 Nov I believe – I saw the banners when I was there yesterday but didn’t find the store 😛 I can resist the 1U store – I hardly go there – but the Fahrenheit 88 store is killer 😛
I like how you started this post because that was what I first thought the moment I read your title 😛
oh, gambar fahrin ahmad sangat tak chic. very unsuitable next to carmen soo. they should go find a better looking model 🙂
So that’s him right? Don’t know why they chose him and what’s the thing with that fierce face?? Why did they approve that copy?!
Had to clear it up though I probably won’t say no to a new Uniqlo wardrobe 😛
One word – OMAN! Thanks for the tip!
It would be perfect for Oman! Stock up!
I’m counting on Uniqlo Msia having a sale on their heat tech items even if HK doesn’t! And I have the bra-camisoles in dry-tech and love them to death. They’re great layered and on their own. =D
There were some offers. I think they usually go on offer for Heat Tech at the beginning and end of the season. Dry lux is amazing for our weather!
I haven’t been to a Uniqlo yet. Want to pick up something trendy which I can wear in a Malaysian air-conditioned office or shopping mall. No need to go Genting or Camerons for cold weather you know..! 🙂
Haha true true! Some offices are like the tundra! The Uniqlo parkas work well actually. Lightweight, comfy, warm and not very pricey
I can’t live without Heat Tech! It prevents me from having to wear an entire polar bear around to keep myself warm. I’ve actually never thought to pick up Cool Tech because of the lack of designs like you said, and I don’t mind heat and sweat (enjoy them, actually…maybe I’m meant to be in Malaysia :P) I didn’t know it’s cooler than cotton!
LOL the guy!! Are those 2 models famous? I didn’t know we have different campaigns!!!
When I was in Tokyo about 2 years ago it was my first time at Uniqlo and I saw everyone walking around in puffy jackets. I’ve been wanting one since! Always wondered how come Japanese never look like polar bears in winter. Now we know! 😉
You won’t mind the heat and sweat for a few month, m’dear, not whole year round 😛 and the models are a model (girl) and actor (guy). Locals. I think Uniqlo went for a local based campaign this year
I wanna rant a little here about the heat tech. Bought them last year for a CNY’s trip to Guilin. The temperature was in the 3-4 C. I wore the leggings and long sleeves over my jeans and jacket. I was a popsicle within an hour.. “=.=
Aiyy… what did I do wrong? Do i really need a good jacket to make heattech works? I was layering like mad for the rest of the trip so much so at one point I was layering up to 4 layers of clothing and looked like a penguin.
Hiya Michelle I’m no expert but in 3-4 degree weather and a wind blowing (I imagine there is) my sis layered up to 5 layers even with Heat Tech on 🙂 Its not 100% heat generating but it helps. What I think you might have done a little differently from me is to wear the Heat Tech products over existing clothing. You should be wearing Heat Tech directly next to your skin for it to work most effectively as from what I can remember about it, it operates on body heat distribution. Something technical like that. Also, a good jacket is always essential in very cold weather. I find that you don’t need a thick jacket,if you have a good jacket that can cut out the wind. Also wear wool (cashmere or lambswool sweaters are perfect because its thin and very warm) a hat, scarf and gloves, and zip up tight. That will effectively make everything work more effectively 🙂
Oppps… sorry about my english. LOL. I meant i wore them exactly like you said, as an innerwear on my skin. But I still felt soooo cold. However I do have to admit I was ill prepared that time too. A good jacket does makes a whole lot different. Next time if I get to go to a cold country again, I will do better preparation. Ask Paris!
LOL ok I thought it was a little odd to have it go over jeans and jackets 🙂 But truly, what Heat Tech does is just help you stay a little warmer than if you didn’t have it. You still have to layer and you should put all the layers on before going out and then remove if necessary. That way you won’t feel the cold as much 😉 Maybe I should write about this some day? 🙂
Yes. I would really look forward to that blog post! Layering is the way to go but I get confused on how to layer ie. what kind of material on each layer after the long johns. And the shops that I could get them from is only limited to UT & Winter Time which does nothing to “educate” me on keeping warm. Here’s to hoping on a better warmer trip the next time to decide to brave the cold again.
I’ll keep this in mind for a future post 🙂 Dressing for winter when you come from a warm country 🙂
Oh I do not like this year’s guy model either *Pouts*
I’ve got one of the Heat Tech bra tops (You know me and my love for Uniqlo bra tops) to try out. I don’t know if it’s just me, but the non-Heat Tech bra tops seem to keep my temperature constant too, whether the outside temperature is warm or cold 😛 Admittedly, the Heat Tech ones keep me warmer, but not swelteringly so. I have to say though I never tried or experienced any of them in winter-like conditions, but more like full-blasting-aircon conditions where I’d normally need to zip up my hoodie, so that’s my opinion on them 😛
Oh and yes they do do a good job wicking away sweat so it’s a good choice for innerwear, especially for me when I’m in Labuan and outside on projects 😀 And also agreed on how snugly it fits- it really shows any bumps/lumps, but is also pretty good to wear over equally clingy material too 🙂
I think the material Uniqlo uses is amazing 🙂 Perfect for every weather!
Phew, I’m not alone in not liking the guy model. He’s a bit too macho for the brand I think… the Uniqlo Japan ads tend to feature prettier male models, guys with more delicate features. So a bit of a non-fit for me here.
I walked into Uniqlo KLCC out of boredom and came out clutching about RM200 worth of merchandise. Since the Farenheit 88 store is bigger, I checked it out of curiosity and again walked out with merchandise. The only store which failed to capture my credit card was the 1U store because I think I’d bought everything I needed liao. Am absolutely sold on those bra tops, they are the bees’ knees! Also got myself some heat tech polos… I didn’t realise they were that fitting! I keep sucking in my tummy when I tried them on and paraded around. LOL
Generally for winter wear, the uglier it is, the better it works to keep you warm. That’s what I’ve found anyway. To stay warm in winter winds, first layer up. Then find a jacket (your outermost layer) that can cut the wind. Nothing works for me except a jacket I got from Helly Hansen. It’s like minus 20 on the fashion scale but it keeps cold Scottish winds out. I got a tip from friends saying if you really, really, really want to keep warm, shop for a coat in the mountaineering shops. You may not get photographed by The Sartorialist but you’ll be toasty as… toast.
Yes Uniqlo does tend to use pretty boys. In SG they use Pierre Png (remember him from Phua Chu Kang? Beng Beng) who isn’t your run of the mill pretty boy but wt least not so testosterone driven 😛
I can never go to Uniqlo and not buy something 😛 I have to physically walk past or I’d go in and go broke. The Heat Tech is going to stand you in good stead in the UK this winter!
Ever since Uniqlo came to Malaysia shores, I’ve been steadily replacing my wardrobe with their stuff. I can’t resist as their fabric feel AMAZING on my skin and the cutting of their pants fit my big hip beautifully. The bratop is the best thing ever that my bras are weeping in their drawers because they don’t see the sunlight for months.
I was in Uniqlo KLCC yesterday and I think they’ve ended the RM 24.90 promotion. It’s RM30++ now.
Oh, the male model scares me. He looks like a villain in Hollywood’s superhero movies. Yikes~~ cannot unsee.
The best thing about winter is I can dress ugly without feeling self-conscious because comfort comes first 🙂
Ah but the nice thing about winter is being able to wear my knee high boots without people staring at me like I’m mad 😉 I wonder what the people in Uniqlo were thinking when they approved the ad eh? I’m glad I didn’t see this in store or I’d have been traumatized 😉
Male model is a fail on uniqlo’s part. Wentworth Miller is masculine. This guy is fugly. The got the whole concept wrong. Being fugly doesn’t mean yout masculine. How did he got chosen to be a model anyway? Even if you go to my university you can find many better looking guys. And standing next to Carmen Soo doesn’t help his cause.
Eyes hurt. Must un-see! >_<
Gaah, we haven’t got Uniqlo here in Brazil! I can never get over this! When I went to London, I shopped like a madwoman at Uniqlo, but apparently I haven’t bought enough. I do love their UV-line clothing but I’d die to get my hands on every single one of their incredible practical clothing items.
Next year I’m planning on going to Spain. There isn’t Uniqlo there neither… Woe is me!