I’m Uniqlo’s biggest advocate, so of course, to me, it’s Cool!
My first taste of Uniqlo was after being gifted with some camisoles by a friend, from Japan, over 10 years ago. I still wear them today, and they’re still in amazing shape. Not stretched, nor faded nor even worn, after being washed multiple times. They’re just as comfortable today as when I first got them. When I first visited a store, I was like a kid in Disneyland. So much to see! So affordable!
When Uniqlo first opened here, I was thrilled!
Uniqlo circular skirt – it’s midi-length, flare, and importantly, has pockets!
And then the aunties discovered it – Aunties always discover the stores with the good deals! I should know, coz I’m happy to be one! 😀 At one time, every time I mentioned Uniqlo, I’d get this “Oh my Mum/Aunt shops there all the time so I don’t!” It didn’t stop me – how else has my wardrobe become almost 90% from Uniqlo? – but I used to wonder if I was just being quite aunty in my dressing. Not trendy at all, me!
But in the 7 years or so that Uniqlo has been here, I’ve noticed that it seems to be more “cool” today, with more younger people shopping in it, than “aunty”. And it’s not just attributed to their Airism collection either! LOL! 😀
For me, I know when the shift began. It was when they started putting out midi skirts in flattering A-line cuts. It was when they put usable pockets in their skirts and dresses, and put out ankle-length pants that flattered Asian bodies, and more importantly, our leg-length. I can’t get enough of their skirts that a) fit b) have pockets! and c) look flattering at a modest length!
They are, thus far, one of the very few fashion stores that do not persist in cutting holes out of their shoulders. I don’t own a cold-shoulder top, and I really have no desire to. I also have no desire to shoehorn myself into a dress, and after a lot of experimenting, I now have settled for a comfortable, casual look for myself.
They are one of the few fashion stores where I can find clothes that are modest, without looking frumpy. Nothing too revealing, nothing too low in front. I don’t have a problem with people who want to dress in the latest trends, no matter their age – more power to you. But I have always been pretty conservative as a dresser, and I prefer something that doesn’t look like I raided a 16 year old’s closet.
They have been doing some cool collaborations in recent times, that of course, help with the cool factor. For the most part however, they are a store that sells fairly smart-casual clothes, that are generally quite classic and not too trendy. And that is perfect by me!
Uniqlo cotton knit top over Airism bra-top and long flare skirt with pockets
I did notice while in Japan, that this style of clothing, made global by Uniqlo, is quite normal. You do of course, have your trendy clothing stores, and trendy dressers. But when I headed to the quieter suburbs of Tokyo, and pottered about their little clothing shops, and looked at the way women on the street were dressing, I noticed that the trend was there.
Women were wearing boxy, loose tops with a variety of fitted, or loose, wide-legged pants. They were wearing flare circle skirts that hit just below the knee, with a loose top, either tucked in or left out. They wore loose, slightly oversized dresses. No one was flashing a boob, or in danger of doing so. No one looked like they were bound in clothes half a size too small, that accentuated every line of their body.
The clothes were oversized, but tailored to be deliberately so. They cut a smart silhouette, and looked impressively comfortable while doing so. These were clothes you could move in, that you could eat in, and looked flattering on almost everyone.
I was smitten.
Locally, I find this silhouette only at Uniqlo. Perhaps Muji as well, but Muji is rather more expensive. Not all the designs suit me of course. I am more stocky in built than the average Japanese woman, and I am blessed (or cursed) with wider hips. But for the most part, I can usually find something to fit, even if their bottoms can sometimes run smaller than I’d like.
I’ve been a big fan of the store for a while, and I forsee that I will be for a while more to come! And this is why I’m no fashion blogger – well except maybe for aunties LOL! 😀
For you, is Uniqlo “Aunty” or “Cool”? Are there other stores with similar designs I should check out?
No right or wrong answer, so just share what you will. Wish I was paid to promote them, but no I’m not LOL 😀 I’m just a huge fan, as I’m sure many of you know, and as I’m sure many of you are! 😀 These days, I’m often found dressed in full Uniqlo (often purloined from the sale racks) – well if it fits, wear it I say! 😀
Paris B
I shop occasionally there. They have good quality basic stuff at a reasonable price.
Yep, absolutely agree about their pricing and quality. My T-shirts and tops haven’t gone out of shape and some of them are about 10 years old!
I love Uniqlo clothes too! But I find that their pieces are too basic sometimes and I still supplement my wardrobe with clothes from other places. Most of my work clothes come from Uniqlo though – comfortable and smart.
I know what you mean Amanda. They make great basics but we definitely have to supplement with other brands for dressier pieces. What I like however, are their comfortable cuts, and because they’re basic, it’s easy to accessorize, rather than something more elaborate 🙂
You look wonderful! I love your outfit. It’s your style. To me, you look comfortable, put together and confident.
Thank you Jan 🙂 As I age, I can definitely vouch for placing comfort above all else. There really is no point trying to shoehorn myself into something that I can’t breathe in haha but I think it’s also something that comes with age, maturity and a willingness to say “eff you and your fashion” to the universe LOL! 😀
Thought I’d comment as I’ve been mulling over Uniqlo’s style/products recently. I used to buy quite a bit from them, still do. They’re cool for sure, defo not aunty!
Their basics are great, the skirts, tops make great staples in my closet, but more recently I realised the number of purchases I’ve made from them have lessened. Think the reason is that while they do great basics, they lack subtle details which makes outfits stand out and look more expensive, lol!
Zara, Everlane and COS does this well, like adding pearls to sweater sleeve ends, or using more flamboyant buttons, and down to playing with the cut of the clothes, think draped skirts, bias cut hems etc.
Think that’s where my gripe with Uniqlo lies. Maybe if they started adding subtle finishings to their minimalist style, I might consider buying more off them 😀
Actually you are right Shasha about their minimalist designs being a bit too simple. Some of their collaborative pieces bring that little bit of extra edge to the design that makes it a tad more unique. But not all of them hit the right spot LOL! Like those polka-dot Marimekko design half pants. A bit weird those especially if you’re not tall and skinny as a rail! While I do find Zara designs to be more interesting, my gripe is their quality and price. Cos I love, but again, price is quite offputting. I have been seeing Everlane popping up a lot in recent times. I went to check them out but they seem to be quite odd, not always shipping to here, and not always in stock. But I am definitely interested in their stuff too. Thanks for the input!
I remember purchasing some tops with the in-built bra after you wrote about them many years ago…I was in my early 20s then. I’ve been a big Uniqlo fan ever since!
I think the lack of logos, and the good quality of fabric makes their clothes look more fitted and expensive compared to fast-fashion brands. I’m got a relatively small wadrobe as a move around a lot, and I’d say about half of it is from Uniqlo, lol!
Oh yes, I still have those early bra tops I bought and they’re still in very good condition! Uniqlo quality is really quite impressive. I also like how simple they are, because it allows me to wear them in different ways and not get caught out wearing the same thing 😛
I love their wireless bra that’s so versatile to wear at home or out. It’s comfortable and the shape doesn’t look weird unlike some other brands.
I believe Uniqlo was the first to sell Bra Camisole, well at least in Singapore. And I’d bought quite a number then like maybe 7 years ago or so. However, the material is getting thinner by the years…so I’m really hoping Uniqlo can produce more bra camisoles in varying material and diverse prints.
I used to buy shorts from Uniqlo. I do find them a bit Auntie these days because yes, they tend to be more loose fitting or longer than shorts sold in say H&M. There’s also a fear of bumping into someone wearing the same print when wearing Uniqlo clothings, which happened quite often. These days, I stick with their leggings and prefer to go for solid colours than printed ones. Of course, I’m still loving their wireless bra.
So many people told me about their wireless bra being very comfortable. I bought one to try, but for some reason, it didn’t sit well on me. Perhaps I got a size too big LOL I’ll try again the next time I see them go on offer. As for the quality of the bra camisole, I have noticed too that it’s gotten thinner over time. Now, it seems to be more of an inner than a top you can wear out. But I have also noticed that they are bringing back the thicker materials, and there’s a nice one with lace trim, so perhaps it was just a design phase. I find it quite funny to spot people wearing Uniqlo on the street. I haven’t bumped into anyone wearing the same thing yet, but when I spot someone wearing something I know is from Uniqlo I always hide a grin. That said, it’s also plain enough that you can personalize it, so I like that. For the fancier stuff, I have to look elsewhere 🙂
You already know my position on this. Enough said lol
Haha the “Temple of Casual Chic” I remember that 😀
They actually have some fashion forward pieces. They’re great for basics but like someone else commented, I supplement my wardrobe with key dressier pieces to suit the occasion. I’m currently in love with their pants because they fit me so well. The kind I can grab with a collared shirt and ankle boots for work and all of a sudden I’m professional and not frumpy. It’s effortless and I love them for it.
The more fashion-forward designs tend to be their collaborative pieces. I like their collabs – quite interesting some of them although I can’t wear them all. Oh and I like their pants too. It’s the length. The ankle-length is just right for me LOL!
Even my underwear is from Uniqlo! ? I’m a walking Uniqlo billboard.
ROFOLL!! I find their underwear a little pricey but I’ve tried and they didn’t wear as well as I’d like which was a surprise. But everything else, I love to bits!
I never thought Uniqlo as auntie because I’ve mostly seen younger people in their stores. Sometimes I’d spot the occasional elderly person but not often. I first came across this brand in China back in 2006 and didn’t realise what it was or that it was Japanese. I got two nightgowns that were on sale and I still wear them (as you personally witnessed in our Japan trip). I shop there not because of any coolness factor but for the quality of their clothes at a reasonable price. I also love Muji but it’s definitely a bit of a splurge.
I think it was the jeggings. The aunties really monopolized it LOL! I have also seen many aunties or older women browsing around the underwear section, but I think the fashion has shifted a little to be a little younger now than before. My Mom wears Uniqlo too! LOL!
i am a big fan of unqilo too! most of my work clothes are from there! and oh, their jeans! are the BEST. love their cutting, especially the high rise cigarette range. way better than those from Z, M or G!
i also love their down jacket. and their blocktech jacket! and of course their bra top!!!
Ok I confess you have me stumped – I got Z and M but G? LOL 😀 I loved when Uniqlo had the Jil Sander collab. Really nice work clothes then, good quality but pricey. I waited till they were clearing stock then sapu the shirts haha! OH and the down jacket. I need to get one!
Wait, Uniqlo is aunty ah? All I own are pretty much Uniqlo (because even Zara’s quality sucks) and I raid their bargain bins every time I go there lol.
All I can say is, the aunty life (or dressing!) is pretty cool!
HAHAHA You know, when I first raved about Uniqlo, people kept telling me it was so aunty. But I persisted, coz I’m aunty right? Now, suddenly it and I am cool LOL 😀 Hey, as long as it’s comfortable and looks good, I don’t really care. I’m with you on Zara’s quality. Expensive and the quality is seriously unimpressive!
I made my girl upgrade to their bra top after she has outgrown her training bra. she loves the bra tops as they are so comfy.
I occasionally buy from Uniqlo but usually only the heattech inners, their merino wool sweaters and the airism bra tops. recently I discovered their work pants and I love that they come with stretchable waistband. so easy to wear and I don’t have to worry if my waistline grows a little larger or smaller as they just fit. not too much of a fan on the rest of their items as they’re too relaxed or plain for short me. you look good, though. with a nice height, you can usually pull off almost anything, I guess.
That’s a smart move Juan. The bra tops are comfy and modest too. Wish we had them when we were younger eh? I sometimes have a challenge wearing some of their clothes too. Dresses especially or some pants that hang a little weirdly. It’s definitely made for someone a little taller than I am, which I find odd, because Japanese aren’t really that tall in general! That said, some of their baju is a little casual, I agree. The elastic waistband on some clothes make it look a little more frumpy than I like. I prefer when they use the smooth elastic like on their pants.
Half of my wardrobe is Uniqlo, lol! I like the basics, and some of the collaboration collections are pretty unique.
Looks like most of us have contributed to the growth of the brand! LOL!
Uniqlo has great basics but because it’s for mass market, quite a number of people will be wearing them. I love their cropped pants and have multiples because they fit so well. I wish our local store carries more collaboration items.
That’s true about it being mass. But I do find that sometimes it’s a good thing coz most of them are plain and basic so you can dress them up how you like. Unless of course, it is a very unique piece. I have been lucky not to bump into anyone wearing the same thing yet! hehe…
Uniqlo always and forever! Haha! Agree with every single point you made except to add that most of the clothes fit me length-wise very well too even though at 175cm, I’m not of the typical Asian height.
You’re lucky! They do some really nice dresses I can’t wear coz I’m a shorty!!
I like to think of my dressing nowadays as a “cool aunty” 😛 Why aunty? Aunty cos my clothes are basically the same shit/style I’ve owned the past 10 + years. But why cool? Cos I have cool shoes to go with said boring wardrobe 🙂 (plus “cool” milennials are always commenting on my shoes (whats old is new again, the difference is I paid year 2008 pricing vs 2018 pricing). I WISH I can shop comfortably in Uniqlo, unfortunately, I’m fat so their clothes are never gonna fit me 🙁
I remember you telling me you love your shoes 😀 I wish I was half as adventurous, or that my feet were half as picky about what I wear. Besides, you are cool la 😀
Its funny because i ve just found you because chanel ink lipstick in coquant, it is the shade im going to wear with this red skirt from uniqlo ?? Im going to stay ?? We have similar taste! Kisses from Spain
Hi Mery LOL! You are so right about the Chanel lipstick in Choquant that matches this skirt exactly! I shall use it the next time I wear the skirt 😀 Thanks for stopping by!
Hi Paris, we have the same skirt! 😀
My main gripe with Uniqlo is their over fondness of ankle-cut pants.. but I practically live in Airism tank tops and ‘gaucho’ pants (I think I own 3.. or 4 :p )
Yay snap for having the same skirt! I love it, it’s so girly 😀 The ankle cut pants work for me because it actually performs as regular length for me LOL! I have been eyeing their gaucho pants too! Shall have to wait till I see them go on sale 😉
It’s how one carries the Uniqlo pieces that makes them look either frumpy or fashionable. What looks fashionable for me may look frumpy on another, and vice versa. E.g. There’s this big red long high waist skirt that looks fabulous on me, people have asked where I bought it. The same skirt looked hideous on another woman who was much shorter. Same goes for printed tees. I look horrible in them, but others carry them off very well. At the end of the day, know what works for you and what doesn’t. The best thing about Uniqlo has to be bra tops. I have a full drawer of them. Haha.
You have a very good point, Rin. I do know I can’t always wear some of their shirt-dresses because it all falls the wrong way. I also think it’s because I’m not tall enough. Although tailored for Japanese, some of their stuff are surprisingly long or made for taller people. Always surprises me LOL