When it comes to affordable wardrobe staples, Uniqlo is often touted as a paragon. With the Japanese retail brand’s remit encompassing men’s, women’s, and children’s wear and spanning everything from t-shirts, shirts, jeans, and dresses to handbags, workwear, and designer collaborations, Uniqlo has all its bases covered. That said, its sheer magnitude is something of a double-edged sword; while Uniqlo undeniably has something for everyone, it can also be difficult to navigate and sizing can vary between products — and, the website can often be confusing. Amongst its comprehensive inventory are a selection of sartorial heavy hitters that hold their own when compared to more expensive alternatives within the same category. Take the Uniqlo 100% Cotton Crew Neck, for example. Priced at under $20AUD, it’s a mainstay on best t-shirt recommendation articles the world over.
The best items to shop at Uniqlo deliver a solid price-to-quality ratio across both classic and contemporary pieces. While the brand is best known for its wardrobe staples, its designer collaborations—including cultural stalwarts like Christophe Lemaire, Jil Sander, JW Anderson, and Anya Hindmarch—and seasonal releases keep things fresh, meaning a well-designed Uniqlo collaboration will (almost) never look dated. Here at Albert Review, Uniqlo pieces feature throughout many of our editors’ and writers’ wardrobes.
We’ve been shopping at Uniqlo for years now, with certain pieces standing the test of time better than others. Whether you’re looking to build out a versatile capsule wardrobe or add a couple of missing basics to your style arsenal, it’s quite likely Uniqlo has you covered. To make things easier—and prevent you from aimlessly walking up and down the seemingly endless aisles of the Japanese retailer—we’ve rounded up the best products from Uniqlo.
Table of Contents
T-shirts & tops
If there’s one basic worth getting on the cheap, it’s the humble t-shirt. Uniqlo has a wide array of t-shirts in different cuts and weights, meaning there’s something for every style.
Uniqlo U 100% Cotton Crew Neck T-Shirt
The Japanese retailer has an assortment of t-shirt styles, but when it comes to finding the best heavyweight tee, the Uniqlo U 100% Cotton Crew Neck T-Shirt is the way to go. Our publisher John Deckard favours the shirt for its “thick collar that doesn’t stretch out or lose its shape when washed,” while our beauty editor Arabella Johnson likes its “weighty material that’s never see-through and close but not tight fit.”
100% Supima Cotton Crew Neck T-Shirt
Meanwhile, our writers Theo Rosen and Henry Blake are partial to the lightweight 100% Supima Cotton Crew Neck T-Shirt. Blake says it’s the “best white t-shirt” he owns, with its soft, breathable fabric lending itself well to layering. It’s worth noting that lighter colours can be slightly sheer.
Mini T-Shirt
For those who find themselves dwarfed by the proportions of most t-shirts, the Uniqlo Mini T-Shirt is cropped without being boxy. Made from 96% cotton and 4% elastane, it’s soft and has just a hint of stretch, keeping it both soft and comfortable. “This is the Goldilocks of mini tees,” says our editor Tanisha Angel. “It’s short without being too short and when worn with high-waisted jeans or trousers doesn’t show any skin but gives more flattering proportions than a classic t-shirt.” We prefer Uniqlo’s cotton Mini T-Shirt over the AIRism Ultra Stretch Cropped T-Shirt, which has a more activewear feel.
Ribbed Cropped Sleeveless Bra Top
Uniqlo’s range of bra tops are a favourite amongst those looking for easy throw on and go pieces. The built-in bra cups allow you to forgo a bra, and unlike many tops with built-in bras, Uniqlo’s range also works for larger breasts. It’s also available in a longer length.
AIRism Active Cropped Sleeveless Bra Top
A similar bra top, this time made from Uniqlo’s AIRism fabric which works to wick moisture and keep you dry while exercising.
Knitwear
Knitwear is one of the Japanese clothing brand’s most talked about categories. Uniqlo’s comprehensive knitwear range spans sweaters and cardigans in a variety of cuts and fabrications, including lambswool, cashmere, cotton, and acrylic blends. While the fabrications change with the season, the cuts remain classic; think crewnecks, v-necks, half-zips, and turtlenecks.
Knitted Short Jacket
This collarless knit jacket features a sturdy oversized weave that lends it a satisfying heft and texture. Crafted from cotton and acrylic, it adds another layer to autumn and winter outfits yet is light enough to be worn on its own or over dresses during warmer transitional weather. While by no means a ‘dupe’ for either of these items, the Knitted Short Jacket is reminiscent of jackets and cardigans from Chanel and Sezane, with the collarless design and front pockets contributing to a tailored look and making it look like you’ve tried even when you haven’t.
100% Merino Crew Neck Sweater
For pure merino wool, you can’t get a better price-to-value ratio than this. The Uniqlo 100% Merino Crew Neck Sweater is non-itchy and soft enough to be worn as a first layer (or over the brand’s Heattech garments in colder weather). The simple cut looks good styled over the brand’s Pleated Wide Pants, jeans, or skirts, while the sturdy collar retains its shape over time. The breathable properties of merino wool mean it doesn’t cling to odours, but when it requires a wash the 100% Merino Crew Neck Sweater is machine washable (on the delicate cycle), which is a win in our book.
Souffle Yarn Long Sleeve High Neck Sweater
When it comes to sweaters, acrylic blends often get a bad rap. However, there’s no denying how soft and warm the Uniqlo Souffle Yarn Long Sleeve High Neck Sweater is, making it a viable alternative to those who find lambswool itchy. Our beauty writer Arabella Johnson loves how the turtleneck makes outfits look instantly put-together and the fabric is light enough to layer under coats and jackets without adding bulk.
100% Premium Lambswool Crew Neck Sweater
The pure wool fabrication and classic cut of the 100% Premium Lambswool Crew Neck Sweater make these staple in our wardrobes come autumn and winter. We recommend wearing this over Heattech or a classic turtleneck skivvy to keep out the winter chill.
Trousers & shorts
Pants and trousers are something of a sleeper hit at Uniqlo. While they don’t get as much attention as, say, the Heattech and t-shirts, Uniqlo’s range of trousers show off the understated tailoring and attention to craftsmanship archetypal of Japanese style. The Smart Ankle Pants and Pleated Wide Pants punch well above their price points.
Pleated Wide Pants
These are a staple for our editor Tanisha Angel and writer Theo Rosen. Rosen is partial to the cut and fit of the women’s iteration of the Pleated Wide Pants: “they sit on the waist rather than low-slung on the hips [like the men’s version], are wide at the bottom rather than tapered, and come without the elasticated detail on the back which makes them look more polished — overall, they give off that louche vintage vibe better.” Meanwhile, Angel has them in three colours and says they “form the foundation of [her] work capsule wardrobe.”
Smart Ankle Pants
Another excellent work staple, the Smart Ankle Pants are a slightly tapered straight legged style with a cropped length. “These are the perfect length for petites,” says Johnson. The stretchy fabric of these trousers ensures a comfortable fit, while the pressed central crease lends them a tailored look akin to suit trousers.
Pleated Shorts
The Uniqlo Pleated Shorts have the same cut and fit as the Pleated Wide Trousers, so if you have a pair of those you can take the same size in these. The belt loops and pleated details give these shorts a tailored look, with the longer length perfect for office wear during the cooler months. We’ve compared these to similar pleated shorts and find they look just as good—if not better than—more expensive alternatives.
Denim
Selvedge denim has experienced something of a resurgence in the #menswear world over the past decade or so, with its popularity accompanied by ever-increasing price tags. However, Uniqlo manages to provide the slow-woven style at a solid price point without skimping on quality. There’s regular denim too, in wide, straight, and skinny styles, as well as cuts that speak to seasonal trends.
Stretch Selvedge Slim Fit Jeans
Selvedge denim has been hyped by the menswear community for several years now, with selvedge jeans often accompanied by higher price tags. The Uniqlo Stretch Selvedge Slim Fit Jeans marry quality craftsmanship with affordable pricing. Produced by Kaihara Mills—the same company responsible for denim from the likes of Nudie and Evisu—the Stretch Selvedge Slim Fit Jeans are finished with a hardwearing self-edge that prevents them from fraying or unravelling.
Wide Straight Jeans
The Uniqlo Wide Straight Jeans tap into the baggy jeans trend without being overly bulbous. The unisex style is flattering and gives off an effortless aesthetic when paired with a Mini T-Shirt or a crew neck sweater.
Innerwear
Uniqlo’s Heattech range is one of the Japanese retailer’s most popular lines — and for good reason.
Heattech Crew Neck Long Sleeve T-Shirt & Leggings
Adding warmth without bulk, the Heattech line is perfect for layering under your jeans and sweaters during winter. “The fabric is softer and less itchy than merino wool long underwear,” notes Blake. The Heattech range comes in different warmth levels, with the Ultra Warm items offering the most protection against the elements.
Accessories
Bits and pieces that deserve a mention.
Round Mini Shoulder Bag
Nylon should be two things: cheap and durable. Don’t let the luxury fashion houses tell you otherwise. The Uniqlo Round Mini Shoulder Bag fits the bill on both counts, with its unfussy nature making it well suited to going places you wouldn’t dare to take your leather crossbody. “I never thought I’d be one to carry a nylon bag—let alone in a sling style—but there’s something charming about this durable daily driver,” says Angel. “It’s deceptively spacious and fits a surprising amount; it’s become my new favourite for taking on hikes and coastal walks.”
Colourful 50 Socks
These are just solid socks. Found in the men’s section (but hey, they’re just socks — anyone can wear them), the Uniqlo Colourful 50 Socks are available in even more colours than the name suggests. Made of a cotton and acrylic blend, they feature a ribbed pattern and are surprisingly durable. The Colourful 50 Socks are a favourite across the Albert Review team — whether teamed with Oxford shoes or peeking out of loafers, they add a fun pop of colour to formal and casual outfits alike (although they’re also available in neutral shades).
Words by T. Angel, Theo Rosen, and Arabella Johnson
