Anyone who has frequented a large retail store understands the challenge of knowing where to start. With an overwhelming number of options that all appear equally promising, the reality is that not every item from a single brand is of the same quality. Through consistent shopping, one learns that certain brands excel at specific categories while falling short in others. We have discovered that Uniqlo is one of those brands; its vast inventory requires careful curation to uncover gems like expert-vetted undergarments, affordable layering pieces, or the ideal pair of red socks. Here, we have gathered every piece of clothing for men and women that our contributors — including fashion editors, Alaskan cruisers, art directors, actresses, and style icons like Chris Black — have recommended. Another lesson learned from our experience with Uniqlo: its website can be temperamental. If a product appears to be out of stock, be sure to verify all sizes and colors before accepting the site’s status as final.
These selections remain our team’s favorites and have been refreshed to reflect current pricing and availability.
In our shopping guide to the best boxer briefs, we named these from Uniqlo’s Airism line our favorite ultrathin pair. They feature moisture-wicking fabric that feels cool and dry to the touch. Nicolás Lazaro, an editorial manager at Buck Mason, says he used to wear cotton boxer briefs but hasn’t looked back since switching to these. “You’ll forget you even have them on,” he says, describing them as lightweight and breathable, with enough stretch for comfort while still providing the necessary support.
When we asked a bunch of cool guys, including creative directors, street photographers, and celebrity stylists, about the best men’s socks, Uniqlo’s socks (in 50 shades) received the most mentions. Phillip Wong, the co-founder and creative director of Hawthorne, told us he always heads to Uniqlo to stock up. “They’re medium height and thickness, so they’re versatile for many different outfits and activities,” explains Wong, who adds that the socks “come in a wide range of amazing colors, so depending on your outfit, you can have a nice tonal moment.” Photographer Patrick O’Rourke likes to wear them with black loafers “so you can catch a glimpse of color on top.” With 50 shades to choose from, the color options are endless, from the perfect cheery red shade to cobalt blue, muted marigold, and more.
No-show socks are designed to make it look as if you’re not wearing socks at all. And Uniqlo’s Low-Cuts, which are our best no-show socks for men, feature a little rubbery patch at the back of the cuff that keeps them in place where other options might slip down. Publicist Jon Salas says he “lives and dies” by Uniqlo socks, telling us that this “no-show” pair is one of his favorites. “They’re supercomfortable, durable, light, and breathable. And you just can’t beat the price,” Salas says.
Yuuki Hirano, the studio director and co-founder of Dou Yoga in Brooklyn, recommended Uniqlo’s Airism line when we asked him — along with several other men — about their favorite yoga clothes. He likes this machine-washable T-shirt because the material is thin (meaning he won’t overheat while moving) and comfortable. It also “dries really quickly,” he says. The fabric is a blend of cotton, polyester, and spandex, so it’s slightly stretchy and moisture-wicking.
Many fashion experts consider Uniqlo’s Supima Cotton Crew Neck a vital wardrobe staple. It is featured in our roundups for both the best white and black T-shirts because the brand’s Supima cotton retains its shape and color over time. Matt Schonfeld, founder and host of podcast NOT 97, owns the “light and breathable” tee and says it’s “hands-down the best black T-shirt I own.” And luxury-leather-goods designer Jeff Wan told us he’s had the white version for more than three years, which is an impressive amount of time for a $20 tee.
If you prefer a thicker option, we named Uniqlo’s U Crew-Neck the best heavyweight white T-shirt for men. It is more substantial and structured than the brand’s Supima Cotton Crew Neck mentioned above, yet it remains soft and never feels overly stiff. “Even though it’s a heavier shirt, I find it to be breathable during the warmer months,” she says. Mickey Pangilinan, a creative lead at Apple, is also a fan of the tee’s “weighty material and nice texture.”
For just $50, it is difficult to find a better-fitting or more affordable Oxford than Uniqlo’s slim-fit shirt, which is why we labeled it the best budget-friendly Oxford. Chris Black has worn his for over eight years, and Strategist writer Jeremy Rellosa wears his throughout the year, whether tucked under a sweater or worn open during the summer.
Transitional weather, characterized by frequent rain and high humidity, often requires specific weatherproof gear that keeps the elements out without feeling stifling or damp. According to Tyler Gaul, the founder of skin-care brand Protocol, Uniqlo’s Blocktech Parka is “an ideal, old-faithful, grab-and-go water-repeller.” The lightweight jacket features a water-resistant and windproof shell, while the interior includes a moisture-wicking lining to keep you dry. Availability varies by color, so be sure to check all the options.
When a reader requested advice on how to improve their boyfriend’s wardrobe, Donnell Baldwin, a former style director for Mr Porter, recommended this affordable pair of Uniqlo jeans. According to Baldwin, “Uniqlo typically has pants with a little bit of stretch to them, which is perfect if you’ve got thighs or a butt.”
UX designer Nehemiah Blackburn told us he has worn the same pair of these slim-fit chinos for three years and they’re “still in great shape.” Nicolas Lazaro, a community specialist at the menswear platform Grailed, is also a fan, noting that “with a little tailoring or a folded cuff, they can look as good (if not better than) most luxury options.” If all the tailoring you need is a shorter length, Uniqlo will do that for free. The inseam for all sizes is set at 34 inches by default, but if you know exactly what length you need, you can order them online and Uniqlo will shorten them to your preferred length (from 16 inches to 32.5 inches in half-inch increments). They also offer free in-store hemming within 30 days of your purchase.
Fashion stylist Valerie Halfon highlighted these seamless hip-huggers in our guide to the best expert-recommended clothing for hiding sweat. They “use the type of [moisture-wicking] technology found in activewear,” she says, making them a great choice for hot yoga or other intense physical activities.
Another sweat-hiding piece recommended by Halfon, this top with a built-in bra wicks moisture to help prevent under-boob dampness.
Hannah Kotzen, our audience growth manager, is a big fan of this Uniqlo top, which she has already convinced several people to purchase. “It’s changed my life (not exaggerating) and has been perfect for summer,” Kotzen says, adding that it will serve as an excellent base layer in the fall. She appreciates the built-in cups, which mean there’s “no bra required,” and notes that it works well for larger breasts. The brand’s signature Airism fabric is also very light and breathable, and the removable straps allow it to be worn as a tube top.
Scarlett Johansson told us that she loves this built-in-bra tank, which she layers under sweaters and even wears while working out. It’s also her summer staple for wearing all over the city. “It’s so nice to not have to wear a bra when it’s hot outside, and they give you full coverage,” Johansson says. “And they’re so affordable and just the best.”
The U Crew is crafted from a dense cotton that is quite opaque, ensuring your bra doesn’t show through. Priced at less than $20, it earned a spot as one of the best women’s white T-shirts available at that price point. It features a slightly more tailored fit without being clingy, and we particularly like the crisp, pure white shade.
If you are looking for a cropped T-shirt, our junior writer Bella Druckman recommends this version, which she owns in seven colors. Druckman discovered these miniature tees at Uniqlo Soho and notes that their “ever-so-thick neckline perfect for layering; extra short, fitted sleeves; and smooth, non-itchy blend of cotton and spandex” are exactly what she had been looking for. We named it our best black baby tee because it is Druckman’s favorite for layering under a crewneck sweater, and she also finds it comfortable enough for lounging after work.
Our senior editor Jen Trolio is a fan of this top because it acts as “a hybrid between a long-sleeve tee and a lighter-weight crewneck sweatshirt.” Trolio says she first bought one during a trip to New York after seeing it on a Uniqlo employee. While it features cuffs at the sleeves, the flowy, curved hem makes it her ideal silhouette. Plus, Trolio says, “It’s a casual basic that’s not too boring thanks to the texture of the waffle.”
“No fuss and effortless,” is how author Ivy Pochoda describes this Uniqlo linen shirt, which she calls one of the best things she bought herself in 2020. The shirts, Pachoda explains, are comfortable-yet-polished, “forgiving of wine and coffee stains, and actually look better wrinkled.”
Another turtleneck favored by stylish women is this version made with extra-fine merino wool. Leigh Plessner, chief creative officer at Catbird, wears hers layered under antique slip dresses and nightgowns, noting that the sleeves are the perfect length “to show just a bit of wrist and bracelet.” Even after frequent wear, hers has remained in great condition.
Our deputy editor Simone Kitchens first mentioned these cargos in our weekly Secret Strategist Substack newsletter. She owns two pairs (in mushroom-brown and black) and says she wears them constantly. They feature an elastic waist, rear pockets with slide fasteners, and cinch at the ankles for a customizable tapered fit.
Our team has heard more about Uniqlo’s Heattech line than perhaps any other offering, from both men and women. We named these our favorite affordable long underwear for women because the lined material is ideal for everyday wear, such as under jeans or sweatpants. “I love Uniqlo Heattech for layering because it has different warmth levels, it’s breathable, and it’s made of comfortable fabric,” says celebrity stylist Krisana Sotelo. “It’s perfect for those extremely cold winter days. It is also very easy on the wallet.” The high-rise leggings helped Iva Pawling, co-founder and CEO of Richer Poorer, survive a freezing-cold NYC trip. “These are superthin, so they were easy to wear under jeans and saved my built-for-70-degrees self,” she says.
A longtime favorite among Strategist staffers, Uniqlo’s Ultra Light Down Hooded Coat is our top pick for a women’s parka. It is lightweight and packable, yet its 750-fill rating provides significant warmth, and a DWR coating makes it relatively rainproof. Do not let the price tag—under $200, which is low for a winter coat—fool you; it is our writer Kat Gillespie’s go-to parka all winter long. She says, “This is a worthwhile purchase that can be worn as your primary winter coat and should last several seasons.”
This Uniqlo jacket has long been a Strategist favorite for being packable, incredibly lightweight, surprisingly warm, and highly affordable at under $100. Strategist writer Lauren Ro pairs hers with her Barbour and says “the combination has always kept me toasty.” Former associate editor Louis Cheslaw also appreciates that it’s thin enough to “slip (relatively) unnoticed under a wool or canvas coat, adding a layer of warmth anytime you’re worried that your stylish jacket alone won’t be enough.” After eight years of wear, it has reached the end of its life, he says — “the down has just about fully flattened by now” — but eight years is “a hell of a run,” he adds.
