HEATTECH Offers More than Just Warmth!
Choose the Right Model to Get that Extra!

Since its introduction in 2003, HEATTECH has been popular with a wide audience as thin yet warm, high-tech thermal innerwear. UNIQLO has ceaselessly made modifications to the product in the 17 years since, adding improvements and tweaks every year. In other words, the new models that are currently available are more comfortable than the models that you purchased last year. Moreover, the range of models has increased to three types, each offering different warmth. Fashion expert and HEATTECH wearer himself, Naoyuki Ikura outlines the qualities of the latest 2019 models and the features of each series and offers suggestions for choosing the right model for the time of year and occasion.

Presenter
Fashion writer Naoyuki Ikura

After doing PR for a popular manufacturer of American casual wear, Naoyuki Ikura became the editor of Boon, a legendary fashion magazine that was hugely influential during the nineties in Japan. He currently brings his expertise to a wide range of media, from Oceans and Begin magazines to the catalogs and webpages of major boutiques and renowned brands.

The first name in innerwear and worn throughout the world

HEATTECH is so firmly established throughout the nation as thermal innerwear it doesn’t require an introduction. A 2017 survey showed an extremely high awareness level and usage level. Of the 594 men and women in their 20s, 30s, and 40s surveyed throughout Japan, 98.1% were aware of HEATTECH and 67.8% owned it.

Another survey was held when the 2017/18 fall and winter Paris Collections were unveiled. This local survey elicited answers from 385 fashion insiders from around the world. Over one in four answered they’d tried HEATTECH. HEATTECH’s popularity can probably be attributed to indiscernibility. HEATTECH doesn’t change body lines or interfere with designs, even when the coordinated looks feature thin or tight-fitting items.

I’ve been wearing it for a long time now. Many people whom I work with, including editors, stylists, and models, also love it. It’s essential during early morning shoots by the sea or in the hills in winter and also during city shoots where waiting for long hours is commonplace. That said, more than a few people think of HEATTECH as only thermal innerwear. So, in this article, I’d like to present the true value of the improved HEATTECH.

Easy answers to “what to wear today?"

Fast-fact chart showing the best HEATTECH for the time of year and setting

The HEATTECH series of innerwear consists of the following three types, each offering different warmth. You can pass the winter in greater comfort by wearing the model that’s appropriate for the cold, but you might be uncertain of which model to wear at certain times and in certain places. To help and give you a better idea, I put together this chart that shows the best HEATTECH for the time and setting. Consider referring to it before stepping outside.
・HEATTECH (jersey)
・HEATTECH Extra Warm
・HEATTECH Ultra Warm

1. Mostly indoors all day
E.g., lounging at home

2. Short periods outdoors
E.g., commuting

3. Alternating between indoors and outdoors
E.g., shopping

4. Several hours outdoors
E.g., watching sports outdoors, playing at a park

5. Long hours outdoors
E.g., doing outdoor work

6. Mostly outdoors all day
E.g., camping

NOTE: The chart is only a guideline. Actual usage will vary depending on the weather, the individual’s sensitivity to the cold, the accompanying tops and outerwear, and other factors.

Warmth is a given! With many additional comfort-adding features!

HEATTECH is universally known for its warmth. But it offers more. It has many surprisingly overlooked features that add comfort. Let’s review them.

Heat Generation
The fibers absorb and convert water vapor that the body produces, like perspiration, into heat so that the fabric itself has a warming effect.

Heat Retention
Layers of air that form between the fibers produce an insulating effect that traps the generated heat and limits its escape.

Perspiration Absorption and Quick Drying
The fabric efficiently wicks moisture and quickly dries. The silky feel lasts for a long time, even when the wearer perspires.

Moisture Absorption and Release
The fabric quickly absorbs and evaporates excess moisture under the HEATTECH garment to minimize clamminess.

Stretchable Comfort
The fabric flexibly stretches in all directions to provide a fit that’s snug but never constrictive.

Anti-Static
Fibers that excel at retaining moisture minimize the irritating static that develops when dressing and undressing.

Anti-odor
The fabric has been specially processed to absorb and neutralize the odor-causing agents that are present in perspiration and more. The effect continues even after laundering.

Anti-Bacterial, Anti-odor
The fabric minimizes the growth of bacteria that leads to odors. It also minimizes odors that result from indoor drip drying.

Moisturizing Effect
Known for its moisturizing effect, argan oil has been blended into the fibers to produce a texture that is moist and smooth to the touch.

Smooth Texture
The fabric’s ultra-fine fibers produce a smooth texture that easily slides over skin.

Shape Retention
The fabric offers superior levels of both elasticity and durability. HEATTECH items retain their shape even after repeated laundering.

Three types to choose from, in response to the cold! Full ranges of models!

As I mentioned earlier, HEATTECH comes in three types, each offering a different level of warmth and each coming in a variety of shapes. You’ll be able to gain warmth or avoid excess warmth and pass the winter in much greater comfort if you keep their respective qualities in mind.

Cold level: ★☆☆ HEATTECH
Most basic type that’s ideal for everyday wear
Regular HEATTECH is positioned as the most basic of the series’ three types and is most recognized. Even snug or slender inner layers can be easily worn without fear of bloating or bulking because the fabric is extremely thin. Regular HEATTECH comes in a variety of models, so it’s easy to choose the one that’s best suited to the coordinate or need. By the way, UNIQLO’s attention to detail is evident in the long-sleeve T-shirts, which all types are available in. The sleeves are cropped to prevent the tee from peeking out from under the sleeve openings of tops.

Cold level: ★★☆ HEATTECH Extra Warm
Extra Warm” is 1.5 times warmer, owing to a brushed lining
HEATTECH Extra Warm has a special weave that plumps the fibers to trap more amounts of warm air and improve heat retention. Unlike regular jersey HEATTECH, this type has a brushed lining to trap more air and produce a warmer sensation directly on the skin. I recommend Extra Warm on freezing days and in settings where you’ll be spending long hours in the cold.

NOTE: About 1.5 times more compared to regular HEATTECH. Based on clo values, which measure clothing's thermal insulation.

Cold level: ★★★ HEATTECH Ultra Warm
Ultra Warm” is about 2.25 times warmer, owing to a waffle weave and brushed lining
HEATTECH Ultra Warm delivers fantastic warmth, as the name suggests. It’s the type to rely on when you’re going to be in extremely cold settings, like outdoors on a frigid midwinter day or at a winter sporting event. Its exterior has a fluffy waffle weave that traps more warm air. Its brushed lining has a longer nap and the fabric is thicker, so Ultra Warm is about 1.5 times warmer than Extra Warm and offers about 2.25 times the heat retention of regular HEATTECH. That Ultra Warm is popular with many people who must brave the cold at their jobs, like farmers, fishermen, and traffic cops, is testimony to its excellent warmth

Tip: It’s okay to wear HEATTECH Ultra Warm tees in the manner of regular long-sleeve tees
HEATTECH Ultra Warm tees are made of a thick fabric, and they have neckline widths and depths that are similar to those of regular tees, so they don’t look overly like innerwear. They can be worn like regular tees, as attested by the growing number of people who wear the Ultra Warm tees as loungewear, pajama tops, and neighborhood attire that’s good enough for going to a convenience store in.

【Staff Credit】
Direction and text: Naoyuki Ikura