To not understand the love for Uniqlo?

[EnchantedAutumn]

It isn't ugly, it isn't great, but wtf is it exactly?
I understand that it is affordable basics in some natural fabrics and that's a great idea, it's a giant improvement on Primark's model (not to mention many higher market brands), but everything has always looked so dull to me. I once purchased a few items and the fit was off, the cotton felt too stiff and the merino had a weird sheen and felt too thin. I didn't bother again. A lot of their clothing reminds me of my old school uniform: square, similar hues and depressing. And I say this as someone who likes minimalism.

We all like different things, this is understandable, but what surprises me is it's popularity on MN. Almost any S&B quest will be met with joyous cries of "uniqlo!" and I just don't get the love.

I believe that many higher priced, "authentic" brands are also taking the piss, which could be seen as more problematic, but the Uniqlo love escapes me.

It reminds me of the United colours of Benetton.

I guess I dress to blend in so I love it. I imagine if you are interested in fashion then it’s probably not your thing.

As you said it’s affordable basics, but not everyone wants to stand out. I think a lot of people just want to be able to put together outfits that are somewhat classic and stylish without much thought. Thus, Uniqlo fits that criteria.

The only Uniqlo item I own is the nylon bag for the record!

It’s about finding the stuff that works for you. I like their Heattech underwear but as a typical British woman, the Japanese styling looks shit on me.

They are good quality and well-priced, once you find what suits you.

I used to like their basics, but can’t bring myself to shop there since finding out about their use of slave Uyghur labour.

Ah but i dont like to stand out and dont like trends.
I am very navy/grey.
In theory it should work for me, hence the disappointment I suppose!

edit for typo.

Yes,, but i second the bizarre fit.

It's the colours. I can't stand them. Their palette is so weird. Occasionally they have great collaborative t shirts, and the Ines de la Fressange collections are gorgeous, but not for my shape.

I also love Japanese aesthetics, so Uniqlo loses me there. I don't see much similarity tbh.

By and large most of the dull colours they do don't suit me. However, their T-shirts are excellent quality, the navy sleeveless dress I bought this year is excellent and the merino jumpers wash brilliantly and are very warm. I am about to buy another one in a different colour.

I don't get the love for the Uniqlo bag (that no-one round here owns).

Without the colours 😂

Although, I do like their ultra light down gilets

I had issues with their merino forming holes.
The fit bothered me too, like a school cardigan - a sort of inbetween kind of fit that didn't seem to know what it wanted to be.

I guess they are designing for Japanese women, who tend to have compact figures, less curves, and less fat. A lot of their dresses especially look terrible on anyone with discernable breasts.

I also find the merino gets holes pretty soon, although in fairness I throw them in the wash more than I probably should.

I don't buy new clothes that often, but I bought a cashmere cardigan with pockets from the Jil Sander collab last year (or possibly the year before?) and it's lovely. The dresses are just weird, though.

Where do you shop OP? Genuinely interested.

Genuinely?

They sell proper wool and it’s affordable, that’s what I like.

I think other things are crap: thin puffas, sweaty vests etc but the Wool is great

I think uniqlo fills the gap that GAP used to fill. Good quality basic clothing for those who like a generic look. I like some of their collabs more than their standard lines.

I have genuinely never even heard of Uniqlo!
Going to google now!

I used to have a few decent things from Gap, they weren't perfect but great for basics you didn't want to spend much on. I still have some great cotton tops from there. DIdn't get along with the shapes much though, on average.

I mean the GAP stuff really lasted, wash after wash!

I like their Supima cotton t-shirts. lovely thick, wash really well and hold their shape, no twisting hems, etc I usually pick up a few each year. I have some 5 years old now and they still look like new.

I really like it, they are the only shop I can get skinny trousers that fit from, as they have decent stretch in them! I have 3 work dresses, two coats, gym top and leggings, jumper, and 4 trousers. I hate shopping and rarely go so that is quite a lot! I havent noticed anything ill fitting, but I do tend to choose stretchy things.