UNIQLO: The Good, So-So, and What To Steer Clear Of.
Gotta hand it to their shipping department. UNIQLO launched their e-commerce operation on Monday 10/22, and just four or five days later, the big box of ready-to-be-tested stuff arrived at the Dappered home offices. Pretty impressive considering that their site seemed to be under a crush of orders right from the start.
Uniqlo clothes are incredibly affordable, but a deal is only a deal if it fits, feels, and looks right. Separating the good from the “mneh” is as follows. All sizes are medium unless otherwise noted.
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THE GOOD: Chesterfield Coat – $129.90
Well… how warm do you need to be? The one drawback is that it’s not the thickest thing. It’s 90% wool, but it’s as thin if not thinner than the Banana Republic topcoats that many seem to think aren’t warm enough. But everything else is nails. The color, the lapels, the under collar grey felt (on the navy), the length & fit, etc. The size of the armholes aren’t enormous, but they are big enough to accommodate a normal size suit jacket. If you’re the layering type that sees your coat as only a part of your warmth solution and not the entire answer, then this is a winner.
Heavy Gauge Button Up Cardigan – $39.90
The 60% Poly, 30% Wool, and 10% Nylon fabric doesn’t feel like it’s mostly poly, and it fits like one of these thicker sweaters should. It’s not super trim, but not enormous at the sides either. Knit has that shaker-thick look & feel to it. One of those sweaters you’ll reach for on those colder than you had expected weekend mornings.
Washed Cotton Jacket – $59.90
Much, much better silhouette than their “Regular Fit” cord blazer. More on that one in a second. This is like a chino version of an INC ultra light. No lining whatsoever, no shoulder pads. Lightweight but not flimsy. The tail doesn’t look chopped, but the sleeves do run long. So that would require some tailoring (buttons are non-functioning and there’s not even any of the usual accent stitching around them.) Has a “colors may bleed” warning on it, which is somewhat concerning.
Men Regular Fit Straight Color Jeans – $9.90
Fit is probably pretty close to a 514, and guys with big thighs beware. These feel a little slimmer through the thigh than the already slim Levi’s 514. But for ten bucks? They’re all but sold out, and they were a steal at that price. Nice saturated colors, solid feeling construction, and medium weight fabric. Nowhere near as heavy as most denim. 32×32 here and I’ll need to have them hemmed up an inch or two.
Washable Rib Turtleneck – $29.90
70% acrylic and 30% wool means you get a blend that you can throw in the washer, yet it still has some semblance of natural fiber feel once you get it on. Slim fitting and free of bulk. Not going to be for everyone, but great for those who want a dark turtleneck that doesn’t scream “I’m headed to a poetry slam”.
THE SO-SO: Tweed Check Jacket – $99.90
If you prefer your blazers short to chopped, or you’re closer to the ground than 5’8″, then this particular blazer from Uniqlo might end up holding a favorite place in your closet. For whatever reason, thicker wool blazers tend to show off their chopped-ness more than cotton twill or corduroy. Probably has something to do with the depth of the fabric. Speaking of, the fabric is a sturdy feeling 70% wool / 30% nylon blend, and the pattern will look great with jeans.
THE STEER CLEAR: Regular Fit Corduroy Jacket – $69.90
The descriptions says this has a “contoured fit”. Hardly. A label on the inside of the jacket clearly calls it a “regular” fit, and it fits awfully boxy. 3/2 lapel already rolled/pressed, a nice fine wale on the corduroy, and no padding in the shoulders. All nice details, but… it’s boxy, and the sleeves from elbow to wrist seem to have been designed for Popeye’s forearms. Way too much space there. Lots of tailoring would be required.
Thoughts from those of you who ordered from Uniqlo this past week? Leave it all in the comments. Still waiting on two sweaters (Lambswool & Merino) to arrive for review.
I ordered the cord jacket and it fits me really well. Did you order the small or the medium? We have similar measurements so I’m surprises by your take on it. I’m going to get the sleeves shortened by an inch or so (same as the tweed), but the sides are perfect with a sweater and the shoulders are spot on.
Joe, would you recommend the Uniqlo Chesterfield coat or the BR Houndstooth wool coat if cost was not a concern?
Nice – what sizes did you order?
Im liking the heavy guage cardigan but LEC has some nice ones out as well. Hopefully they will drop the price on those soon….
I got really excited for the camel chesterfield topcoat, but I found the button stance on it to be a just a little too high, and it messed with the overall proportions. It has a lighter camel felt undercollar if anybody was wondering. Also, the side pockets cut at a diagonal on the camel (didn’t look quite right) but run straight on the blue and black. Maybe it was the sizes (xs) in the store but the blue and black fit better, and the camel’s sleaves were slightly shorter. I’m going to try one on again hoping the buttons and the sleaves were an error of fabrication. Has anybody tried the stafford topcoat at jcp? Are they too boxy? Run true to size at the shoulders? Etc…
Hey Joe, I’m just trying to understand the lingo. What do you mean by “chopped” when describing the blazers?
Blazers generally are cut to cover your ass. When Joe calls something ‘cropped’ he’s suggesting it’s cut short. This has been ‘in’ for a while now along with slimmer lapels. It’s starting to lose favor though.
I’m pretty excited about that cheap turtleneck. I’ve been wanting to reenact my favorite scenes from Archer.
Medium unless otherwise stated.
That washed cotton jacket is easily my favorite blazer- fit is as perfect on it as anything else I’ve owned. For what it’s worth, I’ve never had any issues with the color bleeding.
Will you get it in black or slightly darker black?
Are the sport coats center or side vented? Uniqlo doesn’t have many shots of the back of their sport coats. I need side vents because my large butt pulls center vents apart when I button the jacket.
I picked up the slim lambswool sweater – really happy with the fit and the weight. Jeans were a bit tighter than I had in mind, I’ll hold on to them for 10$ seeing as a return costs 7, but I wouldn’t buy them again.
There are 3 Chesterfields at 3 price points with varying cuts and details. Joe has on the $129 version which is also cut slimmer than the $100 camel version.
Heh, thanks Alex. Shoulda put that up there.
Uniqlo believe it or not. It’s not as thick though.
Center vents on all of em’.
To me there’s standard, shorter, and chopped in the tail of the jacket. Chopped is the most severe.
I ordered the medium. Just doesn’t sit on me right.
Would you recommend sizing down on the Cardigan to get a better fit?
I bought some of the $10 jeans (regular fit) and a pair of the Made in Japan denim (slim fit). All in my typical size of 35×34.
The Regular Fit at 35×34 fit, but are tighter than expected for a regular fit. I would say they are slimmer than the Bonobos Straight Leg Chinos I am wearing right now – and they are 34×34. The denim is also lighter – but this is perfect since I live in Las Vegas and we’re still in the low 80s this week. Wine was a great color. The green was more vibrant than expected. And the grey was bluer in shade than expected.
The Slim Fit are in a box ready to be sent back today. I could get them on, but barely. My junk was absolutely smashed and sitting would not have been comfortable. I do have a pair of the MIJ in Regular Fit on the way. And also one of the Lambswool V-Necks. I read a couple of good things about it somewhere so decided to give it a try. The Merino and Cashmere don’t interest me at those prices. Too cheap to be good…
Thanks for the reviews Joe! I was really hoping to see someone put up a hands-on before I ordered.
One underrated category from Uniqlo, based on my visit to the store in NY, is the basics – v-neck tees, socks, polos. Especially with those prices.
P.S. – Good to see winter beard season has begun! Solidarity!
I picked up a couple of the slim-fit OCBDs and the lambswool crew-necks, and I’m really happy with them. I’m 5’9″, 145 lbs. and their X-Small seems to fit me perfectly.
Eh…. maybe. It was a little tight in the forearms on me. But I suppose it could have gone down a size.
i’d also like to vouch for the slim-fit OCBDs. i’m 6’2″ 160lb and got a couple mediums. a tiny bit short on the sleeves for my long arms, but they’re definitely the best fitting oxfords i’ve owned. they don’t billow in the back like LEC oxfords do
What are other people buying from Uniqlo? I have some items on the way (I think Hurricane Sandy has delayed the shipment), and I’d like to see if other people bought them. Unlike most people here, I’m on the absolute lowest end of the spectrum: H&M, thrifting, and Gap sales account for the majority of my wardrobe. In other words, I am in the market for the lower-quality, lowest-price stuff that Uniqlo offers.
1. I bought one of the $50 down jackets, with a hood. I know it’s going to be light–but I hope it will be warm.
2. The $20 lambswool v-neck sweater. Sounds like this is getting good marks.
3. The $20 plaid shirts. I think they’re all cotton, or a good blend. Anyone know? Great selection of patterns.
4. The ridiculous-looking $20 long underwear. I know, I know. And I bought them in Fair Isle (I do the Fair Isle thing). But honestly, I’m practically a monk so quite probably I’ll be the only one to ever see me in them. They’re supposed to have some “heat tech” for extra warmth.
Has anyone tried these items? Thanks!
http://mostexerent.tumblr.com/post/11058463975/cover-your-ass-there-is-a-common-misconception
What shirt are you wearing with the corduroy jacket? Need a simple check shirt
Joe, thank you for your reviews! I like the cotton Blazer here… however I’m about the same measurements as you but on a 6’3″ frame. My arms are closer to 36″ but my chest is still around a 38″. Do you think that extra length in the sleeves will be enough for me if I get the medium?
Joe, your answer surprises me! Too bad it’s so thin; it’d be nice to have an overcoat that can stand up to a Scottish winter.
A little on my stats:
I’m 5’9, 215 lbs, and built like a rugby player. Got some upper body mass and a little chunk in the tummy to keep it company… so by no way am I skinny. I typically wear either L (16.5 neck, 34 arm), am a 42-44R but usually need to get the check let out a bit… and a 36-Waist / 30/31-Leg… usually wearing Levi 508s or Dockers D1s sided up at 38W/30L.
So you could describe me a “burly” or “solid”
I was a little cautious about ordering from Uniqlo since they brand all their stuff as Slim, etc and most people I’ve seen post about them are well… shrimpy.
And that was another problem I had – couldn’t really find many actual reviews of their products and cut… other than Reddit orgasming all over about the wonder that is Uniqlo and hipsters who don’t live in NYC or San Fran will never understand… till now.
But I went ahead and said what the hell and ordered –
– Undershirts (mesh in gray, and regular vneck- gray and white). These fit great. The judges are still out on mesh shirts that I have been using as under shirts but the regular vnecks are a WIN. They are long enough but not too long, and they def do their part in contouring and creating a good base silhouette… and they are super soft and comfortable.
Zip Hoodie Sweatshirt (cream) – Large: a little tight for my liking and short on the shoulder… I probably could have gone with an XL but it loosened up quick after about 15 minutes and is every comfortable.
Soft-touch long sleeve v-neck T (maroon) – almost the same as the hoodie… I put it on and thought it was gonna be too tight but after a few minutes and loosened up and kept its shape which was awesome. Super soft – gonna order some more.
Slim fit OCBD – so yeah… I got ambitious and this didn’t work haha… this is going back
Socks – ordered a couple of their stripped and checkered socks… can’t go wrong here.
A couple of items on my “WANT” list:
– I want that trench coat… for $69.99??? Hell yes. Too bad I already have a Banana one. Cross it off.
– The Men’s wool blended duffle… I’m waiting on some reviews to pour in before I pull the trigger on this one.
– Quilted Vest (Charcoal): on the edge… I don’t know if I can wear a vest without thinking about SWPL “Cold Chest, Hot Arm syndrome”
– Premium Down Ultralight Jacket: I would like to get one to layer it, but It looks like there’s a like of shine… but I don’t know. Also waiting for more reviews.
Anyone have any experience with these? What about with their regular cut shirts?
I’m waiting for my next shipment of stuff but I’m still curious. They opened just in time for me to unload my winter budget… between them and those 40% off Banana coupons that hit me like once a week I’m gonna be cashed
I can speak to two of those:
I’m happy with the v-neck lambswool. It’s pretty itchy for lambswool but warm enough and looks good for $20. Notable that the arms are very long and torso is long as well so don’t be afraid to size down if you’re debating it.
The plaid is 100% cotton, at least the one I got was, they’re labelled on the website. Real soft and I’m happy with the fit. A great buy at $20 as well.
I bought size M in both, I’m 6’1″ and 180 lbs
Single malt every time you leave the house? Should be good then?
Y’know, I think it might end up working for you, as long as you like showing some shirtcuff. Here they are on my 33″ish (maybe 33.25″) arms: http://dappered.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Uniqlo-grey-cotton-blazer-arm.jpg
perhaps “none more black”? http://youtu.be/wx6fwfBKCIQ?t=34s
Great, thanks for the response! I think I’ll give it a shot!
at 5’8″, 130 pounds, should i pass on an xs blazer, or do you think it would be doable with tailoring?
Did you get the slim fit cord jacket? I have similar measurements as well, and I bought both a slim and a regular knowing I’d return at least one of them. Joe was spot on with the boxy regular- the fit is just plain bizarre. The slim fit (mine is in black) was great, on the other hand. Medium fits my chest and waist almost perfectly, and while the arms are definitely longer than comparable brands, that works just fine for my oddly long arms.
How is the button stance on the blazers?
I’ve heard that Uniqlo sizes run big and that I should order a size down. Did you find that the mediums were comparable to a Banana Republic medium?
Good luck! Hope it works out for you.
Thanks man! I’m 5’9″, 140, but I have fairly long arms and torso. Hopefully I won’t swim in a small. I think I’m a pretty average-sized small guy.
I see there is a lot of excitement about UNIQLO’s gear; however at its current price point my main interest is durability. Are they going to be items that fall apart after a couple of washes? I’m curious to know from anyone who has owned their clothing for a while now…
I wear their OCBD’s pretty much every day and I have for 8 or 9 months now. They’re holding up fine. They still look like they have plenty of life left in them. I have sweaters from a year ago that still look fine for this winter. My chinos are from there, and I had to retire two pairs after 2 years of wear. So, for the price, they wear pretty well. At least in my opinion.
Their coats have gotten progressively thinner over the last three years.
Damnit… I’m tall.
It says “Regular fit”. I ordered a small. It fits much better than the j crew cord blazer I replaced with it.
Nice thanks, and youre normally size 38 right? So my gamble with a S instead of XS for my 36 should work out hopefully…
Thats me exactly and you think an XS would be too big? I got a slim S so we’ll see…
Would you elaborate on your size a bit? I am also 5’9″, though more like 150 lbs, and I wear a size 38 jacket. Given the measurements stated, I figured that I would be a small, although my arms are a tad short.