Updated 12/15/09: I finally got my Uniqlo package on 12/10/09. The package took 3 weeks to get here as it was shipped from Japan.

So I tested out my new leggings and undershirt this weekend. The material is really thin and light. It reminded me of leotards, but much more comfortable and softer.

The leggings really kept me warm. They are so thin I could wear them under any type of pants.

The top is very form fitting and best worn as an undershirt. I’ve worn them under sweaters and even worn them to sleep. It’s absolutely comfortable. The scoop neck wasn’t too low cut at all.

I found all the clothes to be true to size. I ordered medium and everything fit perfectly. I highly recommend Uniqlo Heattech clothing. I hope these last as long as they say. If they have free shipping next winter, I may order more.

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Uniqlo is one of Japan’s leading clothing retail chain. Uniqlo is also known for having a nice range of high-quality goods at affordable price.

They have even adopted the Gap’s retail strategy call “SPA” - which is short for “Specialty-store, retailer of Private-label Apparel.” Which means that they would produce their own clothing under their store brand and sell it exclusively.

Their philosophy also states you don’t need to wear huge logos to define yourself (which is what I find annoying from The Gap).

There is no Uniqlo retailer in the west coast and only 1 flagship store in SoHo fashion district of Manhattan, NYC. But you can still make orders at their online shop.

Uniqlo introduced Heat Tech clothing in 2006.  I have heard such great review of it that I can’t wait to try them out.

Even though I don’t live in the colder parts of the U.S., I do get cold very easily.  I have bought regular thermals before, but not something remarkable.  I even bought thermals made of bamboo and cotton fibers.  It was very comfortable, but not as warm.  And the fabric did not hold up 1 year later.

Heattech’s fabric technology (listed below and described by Uniqlo).

• HEAT GENERATING - The highly absorbent rayon mix fabric absorbs the moisture generated by the body and converts it into heat.

• HEAT RETAINING – Tiny pockets of air are trapped between each fibre, making it hard for the generated heat to escape.

• STRETCHABLE - The soft stretchy fabric moves with the body and creates a snug fit, making it the perfect outerwear or inner wear layering item.

• MOISTURE RETAINING (women’s only) - Milk protein containing natural amino acids has been mixed with the fibres ensuring the fabric is smooth and soft to touch.

• ANTIBACTERIAL (men’s only) – Antibacterial agents have been woven into the fibres to help keep the fabric fresh.

• NON-DEFORMING - made of highly resilient and durable material. Heattech maintains it’s shape even after repeated washing.

I like the list here.  Except for the “special antibacterial agent” used to keep the fabric fresh.  This just sound a bit too toxic for me!  But luckily, only the menswear shirts have the antibacterial agent.

Uniqlo’s Heattech shirt.  Materials:  Acrylic 39%, Polyester 33%, Rayon 20%, Spandex 8%.  Where’s the cotton?  I hope it will be comfortable. 

But it does have milk protein - that sounds pretty neat too! Image source.

More for Uniqlo’s Press Release: “Hailed as Japan’s Winter wardrobe essential with an estimated one in three Japanese residents owning a Heat Tech garment and now over 36 million pieces sold since its launch in 2006, UNIQLO’s Heat Tech is now a firm favourite in the UK following the phenomenal sell-out success of the collection last year.”

Some of Jil Sander’s design in collabration with Uniqlo. Reminds me of the 90’s. Photo from Telegraph.UK.

This autumn they have introduced a new line featuring designs by Jil Sanders. She is the popular German designer known for her minimalist look. I think that is a perfect match, but only the sales will tell if it’s a match made in heaven.

Other fashion designers who collaborated with Uniqlo in the past include Phillip Lim and Alexander Wang. “What is remarkable is that with her experience and desire to make clothing in its purest, most perfect form, it seems that we, the consumer, will be able to share in a unique opportunity to buy into the luxury that is Jil Sander’s clothing.” - Tamsin Blanchard.

Note: Free Shipping Offer (equiv. US$9.90) available on qualifying purchases (Heattech products only) made when you pay with PayPal. Offer available from November 20 -29, 2009 or as long as the UNIQLO website indicates that the promotion is available, whichever occurs first.