Heattech from UNIQLO is a highly popular product, especially among those interested in Japan.
Many people try it out and become loyal users afterward. In fact, this clothing often makes its way onto the must-have list for winter or trips to cold regions.
Currently, UNIQLO offers three types of Heattech with varying levels of warmth. Do you know the differences between them and the right occasions to wear them?
If you’ve never owned UNIQLO Heattech or are planning to buy it in Japan, you should learn more about this product.
How HEATTECH Works
The secret of UNIQLO’s HEATTECH lies in its fibers, which absorb water vapor, such as sweat, released by the human body and convert it into heat energy.
This process keeps the garment warm while providing a heat-retention effect.
In addition to “generating heat,” the materials used offer several added benefits, as shown in the table above.
These include thermal insulation, sweat absorption and quick drying, moisture elimination, high elasticity, anti-static properties, odor reduction, antibacterial features, moisturizing effects, a comfortable texture, and shape retention.
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Three Types of Heattech
Since its launch in 2003, UNIQLO has developed three types of Heattech with different warmth levels.
This allows customers to choose clothing that suits their needs and the environment they’re in.
The main appeal is the convenience of staying warm without wearing multiple layers that can restrict movement.
Based on thickness and suitable situations, UNIQLO Heattech is divided into three series:
- Heattech: Thinner and suitable for regular cold weather.
- Heattech Extra Warm: Slightly thicker, ideal for temperatures around 0°C.
- Heattech Ultra Warm: The thickest option, designed for cold and snowy weather around -20°C.
Each type of Heattech comes with a distinct icon on the packaging, such as a rectangle, a white circle, or a red circle. This makes it easy for consumers to identify the type of Heattech they need.
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Heattech Series
The Heattech series is the original and most versatile model. You can choose an inner layer that matches your clothing style.
This product is available in various designs, including round neck, V-neck, short sleeves, three-quarter sleeves, inner pants, and more.
The three-quarter sleeve design is especially practical, as it is tailored to remain invisible when worn under a shirt. This small detail reflects the designer’s attention to consumer comfort.
Heattech Extra Warm Series
The Heattech Extra Warm series is designed for colder weather, providing 1.5 times more warmth than the standard Heattech model.
To retain more warm air, this series uses a special weaving method that enhances fiber loftiness, generating greater warmth.
Unlike the standard model, the inside of this product features a light padding to trap warm air, making it feel cozy to the touch.
Heattech Ultra Warm Series
The Heattech Ultra Warm series is crafted for winter, extremely cold environments, and outdoor activities during the winter season.
As the name suggests, this product offers exceptional heat retention thanks to its waffle-knit pattern, which makes the fabric thicker.
Heattech Ultra Warm provides approximately 1.5 times more warmth than the Extra Warm series and about 2.25 times more than the standard Heattech series.
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Tips for Using Heattech
If you’ve never purchased or worn heattech before and aren’t sure how to use it, UNIQLO has some tips.
1. Choose The right size, Not Too Big
Since Heattech works by converting water vapor into heat upon contact with its fibers, the clothing must be in direct contact with your skin for optimal performance.
Therefore, select a snug size that isn’t too loose, allowing the garment to touch your skin and provide proper thermal insulation.
If your Heattech becomes loose after years of use, it’s recommended to replace it to maintain its functionality.
2. Avoid Using Multiple Layers of Heattech
Some may wonder if wearing multiple layers of Heattech increases its effectiveness. The answer is “No!”
Garments in the second layer don’t make direct contact with your skin, so they can’t absorb your body’s water vapor. This vapor is essential for warming the fabric and retaining heat.
3. Don’t Wear Heattech Over Other Clothing
Wearing Heattech over another garment prevents it from coming into direct contact with your skin, reducing its effectiveness.
Use Heattech as an inner layer directly against your skin for the best results.
4. Do Not Use Heattech when Sweating Excessively
While Heattech absorbs water vapor from the body and converts it into heat, excessive sweating may make the fabric damp and cold, reducing its thermal insulation.
Alternatively, the clothing might become too warm, causing discomfort.
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How to Clean Heattech
To maintain its quality, wash Heattech in a laundry bag to prevent the fibers from breaking or tearing during washing.
It’s also best to avoid dry cleaning or using a tumble dryer. Hang-dry your Heattech in a shaded, well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight.
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Don’t Hesitate to Buy UNIQLO Heattech
UNIQLO Heattech has been a bestseller for years, consistently winning public approval.
During winter, many people purchase this thermal clothing to improve heat insulation without having to wear numerous layers.
After reading this article, you should have a clearer understanding of the types, usage tips, and cleaning methods for UNIQLO Heattech.
If you’re planning to visit Japan and want to buy this product, consider your situation and frequency of use, then make an informed shopping list!
