The concept behind Uniqlo Heattech is an interesting one: what if you could wear less bulky clothing, and still feel warm during the cold months. The explanation for how it works looks something like a science project, with graphs and figures, but how well does it really keep people warm?
How Does Heattech Clothing Actually Work?
The technology used to create this clothing has taken years to perfect. But now you can enjoy the winter months even more while staying cozy warm all over. Having to wear thick bulky clothing or multiple layers is a thing of the past.
- The fibers of this lightweight clothing actually absorbs the moisture that your body emits and then generates enough heat to warm your body and keep it toasty warm.
- It is because there is a layer of air in between the fibers of the clothing that prevents the heat from escaping that allows you to stay warm all over while you are wearing it.
Why Is Heattech Clothing Great For The Winter?
Heattech clothing is made from a lightweight high-tech fabric that is designed to actually generate heat that will not only warm you up, but keep you warm as well.
- The clothing is made to be extremely comfortable. It stretches and shrinks to fit your body like a glove.
- You will find that your movements are not restrictive at all, unlike big bulky clothes that may keep your body warm but is difficult to move around freely.
- The material is comprised of rayon so it converts the moisture that the body creates into heat.
- Ultra-fine micro fibers create layers of insulation which locks the body heat in.
- The heattech clothing is made up of a variety of different fibres that all support each other.
How Is Heattech Clothing Made?
Heattech clothing truly is innovative and ahead of its time. There were more than 10,000 prototypes created before the product line reached its full potential and the clothing needs specialized machinery as well as a dedicated assembly line to be produced.
It was because of a joint partnership between Uniqlo and textile manufacturer Toray that they were able to produce clothing that is the ultimate in comfort and warmth.
More Than Just Warmth
The company Uniqlo is a Japanese company and utilizes cutting edge fiber technology where Japan is a leader. In addition to creating extremely warm and comfortable clothing, there is far much more than just style.
This clothing actually fights bacteria, prevents odor buildup and even stops static electricity from being a problem. This clothing line hit the market in 2003 and since then they have kept making improvements based on what their customers think.
How Popular Is This Clothing?
When we say that this clothing line has taken the winter world by storm we are not exaggerating. Apparently they have sold over 100 million pieces of clothing in seven different countries all over the world including New York, London, and Paris, not to mention Japan. It really is changing how people dress for the cold all over the globe.
What Kind Of Heattech Products Does Uniqlo Produce?
There are several pieces of clothing that fall into the Heatech line, but they also fall into categories:
Heatech Standard:
This category is ideal for the standard winter weather
Heatech Extra Warm:
When there is dip in the average winter temperatures the extra warm category of this clothing will keep you warm and snug.
Heatech Ultra Warm:
There are some periods of winter where the temperatures can become extreme. Those that have some of the ultra warm clothing on hand will not be deterred from going outdoors in this weather.
The heattech line of clothing has grown over the last several years, so it now offers a great selection.
Innerwear Clothing
Uniqlo
When most are looking for warm clothing they tend to go for outerwear. With the technology that has gone into this line of clothing, it is the innerwear that is going to provide the results of keeping a person warm. There is a good list of this type of clothing to choose from such as:
- Turtleneck sweaters
- Crewneck sweaters
- Sleeveless tops
- Camisoles
- Leggings
- Pants
What Makes Uniqlo Such A Unique Company?
With a company mission statement to change the conventional way people buy clothing and to try and even change the world, this Japanese company is a subsidiary of Fast Retailing Company and since 2006 they have enjoyed a great deal of success using a business model that used a large number of small stores in suburban areas to showcase their wares. With prices much lower than bigger retail outlets, the service they provide is unparalleled in the clothing industry. For those that are looking for a different line of clothing, there are specialties in this too like athletic wear made by a different brand.
The Cost
Much of the Uniqlo Heattech product line is in the $20 range, with some of their items going for less. The clothing costs the same for both men and women, and compared to other competing products it seems more than reasonable. Typically with a product like this that is trying to incorporate science and technology into their items you’ll see inflated prices, but these seem to be an economical way to stay warm and toasty without having to spend a ton on clothing.
REVIEWS
CONS
There have been very little when it comes to negative reviews, with the only ones complaining they wished there were more items of clothing to choose from. Aside from that, this line of clothing from Uniqlo might truly change how people enjoy the cold weather, no matter where they live.
PROS
Also aside from the Heattech line of clothing they also have produced another technology that deals with the warmer climate and this is called AIRism fabric. This line of clothing uses fabric that is designed super thin, has anti-odor properties, absorbs perspiration and is cool to the touch.
Both these lines of clothing have become hugely popular all over the world and it seems that because they are always trying to improve their designs it seems we only have better things to look for in the future.
Works fairly well. But be careful after a few washes (especially the tops) as it loses some of it’s warmth ablity and you may need to double up on your clothing or purchase another item.
Which one can withstand a -6°C a 1.5x heatech leggings or an ultrawarm?
How warm you feel with Heattech also depends on your tolerance to cold temperatures. I feel cold easily and regular Heattech leggings worn under light-weight skinny jeans aren’t warm enough for temps below 45ºF. I had to double up using 2 pairs of regular Heattech leggings. Their knit leggings are more warmer although a bit more bulkier.
I also own two regular Heattech turtlenecks in medium and large. The medium works better, I think because you need a snug fit for the technology to work. The fabric feels really soft like rayon but I’m not too impressed with its performance. A regular cotton long sleeve top does the job just as well at keeping me warm.
Hahha, I kept laughing non stop when reading your comments. Bye bye Uniqlo then.
Bought the Ultra Warm Heattech Men’s L/S T-shirt and pants.
Sizing is somewhat off since it’s really based on Japanese sizing.
A men’s 44-46 is In-between sizes for a shirt so one can either buy a Large or XL size depending on preference or fit. A large sizes fit me though it’s more snug while a XL was looser.
A men’s 36 waist sizes is actually an XL and it’s still relatively snug. Can’t imagine the fitting of a Large sizes pants.
It’s relatively warm if you use it as a base layer under other clothes and go outside.
The shirt does hold in sweat so you may/may not feel relatively clammy/wet.
But it’s NOT (that) warm if you use it as loungewear by itself or even sleepwear especially on COLD, WINTRY nights! Best to wear Fleece shirt/pants combo for sleepwear on such cold, wintry nights while using a down comforter and flannel shirts for proper warmth and with some heat on overnight.
It’s not good for sleepwear when temps are in =<30s F but it OK when it's in the 40s-50s F though you'd still want to use a thick blanket and warm sheets for added warmth!
Thank you for this helpful information. I don’t understand the hostility of those who reject it, it’s really a matter of making an informed choice. And thanks to you we can choose wisely.
I can read here comments with some mixed emotions about “chemicals” being used (really ? ok !)…if anyone is indeed so much concerned about it, then why not to wear that Heattech “chemical” (?) shirt on a top of just a regular shirt – problem solved !
I just bought that light down parka on sale for $70 can$ at Eaton Centre in Toronto (regular price was $100) and it is just amazing – very thin, can be rolled into a small package of a fist size, and I incredibly warm – wearing just a regular cotton t-shirt underneath and this parka on top at 1 deg.C outside for half and hour walk and – I was just fine ! I just give it 5-stars.
This is called Raynaud’s syndrome…..
Seriously? Do you really believe that?? I mean haven’t you ever used an instant heat pack??
I LOVE heattech, I am soooo amazed by how well they keep me warm & How Comfortable both their leggings & shirts are, that I can not stop talking about them, I tell everyone I know, & have posted their products all over facebook. Absolutley AMAZING product. Did I say, I LOVE THEM.
Thank you Ann for this valuable information. I’m sure there are organic alternatives maybe Hannah Anderssen?
I am with you! I do not want to put that on my skin, either. Thanks for your review!
I purchased the Heattech undershirt. The product does not work. A limited amount of exertion resulted in the undershirt getting wet, it retains sweat and looses all its ability to retain heat. It also takes a while to dry. Unless you are wearing it to stand at the street corner it is useless. However, you get what you pay for. I do not like the fact that you cannot return it.
It should be noted that I own a number of their products (sweat pants) and am satisfied with them.
Tried the bottoms and am disappointed, the silk ones by terramar keep me warmer
I just got this shirt has a Christmas gift and I must say I’m disappointed, wish I could return it but once you open it.. my wife was not sure if it I was a medium or large and she is not the one to eat the cost if I was given the wrong size but the medium fit me fine. My home was a toasty 55 degrees and I took off my short sleeve cotton shirt to try on the long sleeve heattech one. After 10 minutes I had to change back because I was freezing to death! The shirt just felt cold on my skin, I had to check the package, I was wondering if my shirt was in reverse and keeping me cool like its summer, ha ha.
I run a lot and I needed something thin and light so I ran in it under my running shirt yesterday. I didn’t feel any noticeable differance and it was pretty funky after my run. I can’t take it back so I’m gonna get the most out of this shirt and send a review again in a couple of weeks.
It really works. My fingers would turn white and hurt and get numb. now that i use the heattech gloves i am warm and my fingers are ok. great price also.onlt ten dollars for these great gloves.
You’re ignorant. The proof is in the science. You have a Caveman mentality of thinking if you think this isn’t possible.
What a load of horsefeathers. It is scientifically impossible to “”create heat out of moisture.”
False advertising in my opinion
Shut up is right. Idiot – go live in the jungle naked
shut up and go back to your cave of no-technology, pleb
I was excited to find thin shirts which are still supposed to keep you warm. However, the Heattech shirts are treated with biocides (Zinc Pyrithione / 3-trimethoxysilyl Propyldimethyloctadecyle) supposedly for preventing odor and “durable against daily washing”. VERY DISAPPOINTED! Especially as this fact is concealed on the homepage as “odor-minimizing fabric”. Interestingly, on the packaging itself there is a clear warning “This product contains the biocide XY”. I would have never bought this product if I had known this in the beginning. Who wants to have biocides directly on his skin every day?