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
Kristine says
Hello Paris,
I love this article so much I just have to comment (my first on your blog).
I discovered Uniqlo through a close friend when they first opened in Paris, France and instantly fell in love with the no non-sense style. Good quality, simple lines, even kind of edgy in taking the basic as far as you can. However, I learned a long time ago “basics” are a designers delight.
One of my best Uniqlo finds is a 2011 Jil Sander sweater designed for the Men’s line. It’s a bulky half-cashmere half-coarser breed of wool black sweater with large black buttons down the middle front and a high collar. I got it in L and the sleeves are extra long. It’s so comfy and warm and you can just tell by the cut and look that it’s a one-off piece.
I highly recommend checking out the Men’s dept. for one-off “Uncle” inspired one-of-a-kinds :°))
Paris B says
Thanks Kristine! 🙂 I do confess I don’t check the men’s as often as I do the ladies’ section, but you scored such a deal! I think their Jil Sander collaboration was one of their best and I was very sad when they finally ended it. I did recently score a pair of Blocktech pants in the men’s section for a good price! Now to find me an excuse to go somewhere cold and wintry 😀