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.

I have never heard of it! So just browsed. it's what my mum would describe as 'mumsy' clothing just from what i had a look at

I'd also disagree with the 'boring basics' thing actually re the cut of some of the clothes - I bought a dress from there recently which is a neutral anthracite grey colour, but is a really unusual cut, which you get away with precisely because of the plain colour.

I have a tiny 18-year-old with a small chest, so Uniqlo is popular here. Their XS clothes fit her perfectly.

There's no Uniqlo where I live but I've been to their Tokyo flagship store and came out with a blue merino wool sweater and matching cardi, and a cream netlike jumper which I wear over a cream vest. Been complimented when wearing both with either wide leg trousers or midi narrow skirt. I'm short with broad shoulders and everything fitted perfectly. Size 12 here but size L there. I hate their bag tho.

I get knee-high socks from the boys' department in John Lewis and M & S, I'm a size 5 so the 4 - 7 fits me

I don't think their returns policy is any worse than many.
Most people don't live near a store.

I have been shopping at Uniqlo since they opened the first UK store in Wimbledon in 2000. The quality has gone downhill since then but that’s the same for everywhere. I’m larger now that I once was, so the fit isn’t all that great anymore. When I lived in SE Asia, they were the only place I could buy clothes that fit me. I love the Japanese androgynous, minimalist aesthetic though. I don’t buy anything that isn’t a natural fibre and don’t buy their underwear or heat tech. I also haven’t bought into the bag hype. The Jill Sander collabs were my favourite and sorry that has gone. But I am still brand loyal. No fast fashion is ethical, I would love to buy everything from The Row, Margaret Howell, JS and Lemaire but my budget doesn’t stretch to £500 for basic trousers.

Same here. Bought a merino jumper from there which is possibly the best fitting jumper I’ve ever owned but it was so itchy I rarely wore it so I ended up giving it away.

But in different tones of sludge, rather than at least the cheer of UCoB.

Interesting comments and like some of the shops on here that other rave over and I struggle with their quality and style, I don't have an issue with Uniqlo, but then I buy basics and am not into the baggy shapeless aesthetic of Uniqlo, but that why we have choice and long may we do so! DH rates their UT t-shirts and they wash and wear brilliantly, with a weight of cotton fabric rarely seen, alongside the Heattech items, again very comfortable to wear and he hates anything that itches, so fussy about the feel of his clothing. I have two knitted dresses, purchased on a pop in visit to the shop in Oxford Street early this year, which looked nothing on the hanger or indeed on the website, but once on, they are shockingly flattering (I definitely have lumps and bumps) and it also proves that trying on items outside of your usual comfort zone is always worth while. Oh, they also wash well, just hang and no need to iron. I have some of their blouses, jumpers and fleece tops, purchased over a few years, all of which compliment other more vibrant items in the wardrobe, but make for a great casual / basic wardrobe staple. You definitely do need to check the actual measurements for each item and not rely on buying the size you did previously, alongside using the feedback provided, which on many occasions gives a very good picture of how the items actually fit body shape and whether fitted or verging towards the box in shape! I think all retailers have a place and Uniqlo have a great basic breton, which are practically indestructable wash and wear wise, to the extent the duplicates I bought 3 years ago are still in the bags awaiting their place in the sun.

I have a couple of things from Uniqlo I absolutely love- a wool/cashmere coat that I got for about £120, and a gorgeous blouse from the Ines de la Fressange collection. But generally I agree that they’re overhyped. The tshirts may be lovely cotton but they’re too boxy and the necklines are too heavy and don’t look stylish. Tops and dresses tend to be too short in the waist, and trousers too short in the leg- and I’m only 5’5”, I’m not tall.

Can I put a word in for Gap returns? Gap is available online now and you can pick up the stuff and make completely frictionless returns at any branch of Next. No wrapping, paperwork or even tapping of cards required. If you live or work near a Next, you have Gap at your fingertips.

Fleece lined joggers, Heatech and the occasional shirt/striped top. Website rubbish, I tend to look in store then order online to save carrying it home.

Nothing suits me from there as I'm curvy with boobs

I have tried very hard to find something to buy at Uniqlo, but, nope

It’s very bland for me. I only ever get their Heat tech range and thermal socks.

DM has had some trousers from there as well as Heat tech and underwear and DB similar, maybe a jacket.

My aunt has bought DM some of their colab bits, Celia Birtwell, I wasn’t impressed.

I always wondered the same OP but I couldn't be bothered to start a thread on it.

Glad it's not just me - I think most of it looks really bland.

I'd always wear a long sleeved top under a jumper anyway, don't think that's a Uniqlo issue. Just don't want to wash jumpers very often.

Funny what a pp said but my wardrobe is possibly interchangeable with my partners in terms of non-fussiness. I'm a no hips small chest physique (but not so slim anymore) so Uniqlo mostly works. Next (when I used to buy from there) and M&S always had excess flappy fabric around the hips on their trousers.

I used to practically live in Uniqlo, loving their cashmere/merino knitwear. However the quality plummeted and I found I found vendors who provided better in quality, fit and price. However that was a long time ago so maybe it's worth going back for another look, following this thread. 🌹

I like the kids section, always find great layers for DS. Wash well etc. much prefer COS for the low key basic pieces but price point is higher.

Thanks that's encouraging as I did actually order some JL kids socks in 4-7 on sale last week (£3.50 for three pairs and just haven't collected them yet). https://www.johnlewis.com/john-lewis-kids-wool-rich-knee-high-socks-pack-of-3/black/p3075279