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On the off chance you’re unaware of Japanese retailer Uniqlo’s U line, let us summarize it for you: in conjunction with French designer Christophe Lemaire of eponymous Lemaire and Hermès fame, the hallowed collaboration is one of the most coveted drops of the year. Why? Because it’s just that good: versatile, beautifully cut, designer-esque garments at a fraction of the price. Sounds pretty great, right?
This season’s iteration lives up to the Uniqlo U name. Drenched in rich earth tones and subtle pops of taro, sand and sage, the obligatory warm-weather palette complements the relaxed fit Lemaire is so known for with pieces such as the Relaxed-Fit Tailored Jacket and Wide-Fit Jogger Pant. Everything feels exceptionally easy to pair and easy to pull off, like the 3-D Knit Sweater — the perfect toned-down layer for those tentative about crazy knit spring — or the IH favorite boxy, ultra-soft AIRism tee. Even the outwear invokes a sense of relaxation: while we’re not saying you should sleep in the Trench Coat, we’re not saying that you shouldn’t, either.
Unfortunately, The Uniqlo U line isn’t some well-kept InsideHook secret; the biannual line sells out every time, and if we were to put money on it, we’d say it’ll go sooner rather than later. The 29-item collection is now live at Uniqlo, and to save you the trouble of parsing through through it all on your own, we’ve pulled the ten items you won’t be able to live without this spring and summer. Ranging from some casual (but fully wedding-appropriate) suit to crispy selvage denim to draped knits and weaves guaranteed to keep you cool, there’s an upgrade for everyone, just waiting to be snagged.
Uniqlo U Wide-Fit Tailored Jacket & Tapered Pants
Wedding suit alert!
Uniqlo U AIRism Cotton Oversized Crewneck Half-Sleeve T-Shirt
A signature U style, the AIRism tee is the easiest, breeziest, and generally best tee we’ve had the pleasure of testing.
Uniqlo U French Rib Pants
You’ve heard of drawstring pants, but do you think you can handle the French rib?
Uniqlo U Trench Coat
You could fit two kids — stacked on top of each other, of course — in this billowy trench. If you’re a full blown adult, consider wearing it with your not-so-formal suit instead.
Uniqlo U Cotton Linen Long-Sleeve Shirt
The more crinkles, the better, we say.
Uniqlo U Knitted Short-Sleeve Polo Shirt
As we’ve said time and time again, the short-sleeve knit polo is the king of warm-weather formal. Wear with a big-ass suit or some big-ass pants for maximum big-ass style.
Uniqlo U Selvedge Regular Fit Jeans
Like the pair your hipster friend won’t stop talking about, without the break-in time.
Uniqlo U Striped Short-Sleeve T-Shirt
P.K. Fire!
Uniqlo U Climbing Shorts
Great if you’ve seen free solo. Great if you haven’t.
Uniqlo U Oversized Hooded Blouson
Lavender, oversized and cut to perfection, this is objectively the best jacket we’ve seen this year.
We've put in the work researching, reviewing and rounding up all the shirts, jackets, shoes and accessories you'll need this season, whether it's for yourself or for gifting purposes. Sign up here for weekly style inspo direct to your inbox.