SOMETHING is revealing about trying on clothes outside the usual rush of a shopping trip.
Without the pressure to pick a size, line up at the cashier, or move on to the next rack, the question becomes less about what looks good on the hanger and more about what actually works when worn.
That was the idea behind UNIQLO Philippines’ exclusive early try-on experience for the latest UNIQLO U Collection, held September 10 at its BGC High Street store. This marked the 10th anniversary of UNIQLO U, the line shaped by artistic director Christophe Lemaire and designer Sarah-Linh Tran.
Rather than treating the anniversary as simply a milestone, the setup gave guests time to interact with the clothes-trying on pieces, examining their materials and details, and seeing how the silhouettes translated from display to actual wear.
The selection available during the event was relatively small, occupying only part of the store, but the presentation was organized. Dedicated fitting rooms also allowed guests to try the new pieces without the usual feel of squeezing a collection into a regular shopping run.
Designed for more than one season
THE collection itself stays close to the visual language UNIQLO U has developed over the years: understated silhouettes, muted tones and functional pieces that can be mixed and matched.
At first glance, some of the designs can feel familiar, especially for shoppers already acquainted with UNIQLO’s other collections. The differences become more apparent in the materials and construction of individual pieces rather than in radically new shapes.
That makes the Fall/Winter 2026 collection easier to place in everyday wardrobes. The heavier fabrics and layered pieces suit colder destinations, but they can also work for Filipinos heading to cooler places such as Baguio-or simply navigating rainy days when a little extra layering makes sense.
Many of the pieces are unisex, reinforcing the collection’s emphasis on versatility.
One of the more noticeable pieces was the coated cotton shoulder bag. Compared with the more familiar UNIQLO bag styles, its finish gave it a different texture and made it an easy contrast against knitted clothing.
The overall appeal, then, is less about having a completely new wardrobe and more about having pieces that can move between different settings and seasons.
The price of familiar
THAT versatility, however, comes with a price.
For shoppers who already own several UNIQLO pieces, some of the collection may feel expensive relative to how familiar the designs look.
The materials and construction provide part of the justification, but whether they are worth the premium ultimately depends on how often a piece will be used.
For a Philippine buyer, that distinction matters. A Fall/Winter collection is not necessarily an everyday necessity in a tropical climate, so the more practical purchases are arguably the ones that can be worn beyond cold-weather trips.
The collection also leaves room for improvement. Smaller sizes could make some pieces more accessible to petite shoppers, even if those sizes were offered only in limited quantities.
Additional color choices would likewise give buyers more room to personalize otherwise restrained silhouettes.
Bringing LifeWear closer
THE event also came as UNIQLO expanded its Philippine footprint for Fall/Winter 2026, with new stores planned in Zamboanga, NAIA Terminal 3 and Nuvali, alongside expanded or refreshed locations in Marikina, Cabanatuan, Cebu and General Santos.
The rollout includes the introduction of Modest Wear in Zamboanga and forms part of the brand’s activities marking the 70th anniversary of Philippines-Japan friendship. With reports from Julian Michael Gulles