Uniqlo is without a doubt one of the best brands for affordable wardrobe essentials and has been a mainstay in my wardrobe since I first stepped foot in the Uniqlo London shop 15 years ago. When it comes to finding the best t-shirts, theirs are at the top of the list. Not to mention the ankle-length trousers that have laid the foundation for some of my favourite workwear over the years.
I went to the shop recently and found so many great finds, I thought it would be fun to share the ten best pieces to buy from Uniqlo right now.
1.UNIQLO PUFFTECH quilted vest
If you live in a cold climate, or are about to go on a winter holiday, then you might want to consider checking out Uniqlo’s Thermal Technology range. There are plenty of options, and aside from a basic warm layer (which is a must if you live somewhere particularly cold), my top pick is this quilted vest. In typical Uniqlo fashion, it comes in lots of pretty colours. But what sets it apart is its practicality. You can easily wear it under a blazer or jacket for your morning commute, or wear it as part of a look, adding a fun tactical quality in the process. It’s so fluffy and lightweight, but adds a lovely layer of warmth. And it wraps up really well.
2.Uniqlo Wide Pleated Pants
These trousers are as good as everyone says they are. Affordable, washable and available in a variety of textures and colours. I often recommend these trousers to my personal styling clients, especially those who are petite and looking for a pair of straight leg trousers that don’t make them feel bulky. The “wide” fit is perfectly tailored, not over the top, and in my opinion, looks great no matter how you style them. Stick to your usual size if you want a looser waist, or go a size smaller if you prefer a more flattering fit.
3.UNIQLO Cotton Casual 9/10 Pants
Kind of cold, I haven’t seen anyone talking about these trousers yet. But they’re fantastic. They have an elasticated waistband with a hidden drawstring; it’s a small detail, but with some clever styling, it’s enough of a detail to make these passable for the office. They’re 100% cotton, aka low-maintenance, and at $30 they’re accessible. I’m wearing them here in khaki, but they’re available in a few different colours. Love the shorter length too!
4.UNIQLO Wide Straight Jeans
I’ve definitely shared these jeans before, or a version of them. But I wanted to go back to them because they really are that good. Uniqlo’s sizing is usually on the larger side, but I’d say that for this particular style, the size you choose will be centred around how you want them to fit. For me, I wanted them to be snug on the hips and a classic straight cut on the legs, but not too wide. I am a size 26 in jeans, so sized down two sizes to a 24. If you want a casual relaxed fit, stick with your usual size or go down a size. These are 100% cotton, soft to the touch denim, not too thick in weight and not feeling fragile or thin. Plus, if you’re petite, you can always take advantage of their in-house tailoring service (most alterations are free) to adjust the length.
5.UNIQLO Ribbed Short Sleeveless Bra Top
The last item on my Uniqlo “best of” list is this ribbed short bra top. Perfect for layering or pairing with jeans and a high-waisted bustier to show off a little tummy. It has a built-in padded shelf bra which I love and is very easy to put on (and there are no visible bra straps!). . The ribbed texture adds a fun touch of visual element and the neckline and sleeve holes are beautifully cut. It does run large, so I would recommend sizing down. I’m wearing an XS here.
6..UNIQLO AIRism cotton T-shirt
The basic t-shirt is one of those items in your wardrobe that I always recommend you keep. Having purchased the budget and high end versions, I can safely say that you will get just as much mileage – if not more – from the high street version. These are high spinning parts that tend to wear out quickly. Uniqlo undoubtedly produces some of the best products and I love that it has a great variety. My personal favourite is their AIRism t-shirt, which is slightly looser and has longer sleeves. It’s the sleeve detailing that really sets them apart, as it feels more stylised than a basic cropped t-shirt (although the UNIQLO U Heavyweight t-shirt is great too!). . I’m wearing my usual size S here, which is very loose.