Elevate Your Basics
The UK high street can be a notoriously difficult place to shop. The majority of retailers are simply focused on churning out trend-led pieces before their competitors, meaning it can be hard to find high quality clothing at an affordable price point. Uniqlo are an exception to the fast fashion movement. Each season the Japanese label produces truly classic menswear: well cut, timeless designs constructed to the highest standard in superior materials – and for a price that will not break the bank. It’s the type of clothing that would set the foundation of any successful, versatile capsule wardrobe. Regular readers will already be aware of how highly we rate Uniqlo. They were included in our Five Key Retailers On A Budget AND Best Value For Money Menswear Brands articles, and continue to cement their spot within our Capsule Wardrobe Additions series. But don’t just take our word for it – the FashionBeans community continues to back up our claims by praising Uniqlo regularly within both our forum and the comments section of articles. With this in mind, we’re set to take a look at what the retailer has in store for us this autumn/winter, in our exclusive collection preview…
Uniqlo AW14 Menswear Collection
For AW14, Uniqlo have produced a superb range of cold-weather essentials that includes ultra light down-filled outerwear, 100 per cent merino wool knitwear and elevated wardrobe basics such as hoodies, sweatshirts and Oxford shirts.
Ultra Light Down Vest
Ideal for the transition into autumn, Uniqlo’s Ultra Light Down (ULD) outerwear is incredibly thin and warm, and perfect for layering. The brand’s ULD range contains 90 per cent down and 10 per cent feathers, achieving a fill power that exceeds 640. To put that in perspective, anything over 550 is regarded to be of high quality. Coming in both gilet and traditional padded jacket form, the highlight of the collection has to be the new compact ULD vest (£29.90). Featuring a sleek design and available in four classic colour ways, it can be worn as an outer or inner layer and even packs away into an attachable pouch for easy transporting. Great for carrying in your bag or keeping in your car glovebox/office desk drawer for when the weather turns. The snap closure down the front of the piece and a shallow v-neck make it easy to wear over a variety of tops or even jackets – try layering yours over the top of your blazer on the commute to work for a contemporary look.
Reversible Parka
A further outerwear highlight is the Reversible Parka (£29.90). Featuring a cropped cut and soft, thick fabric sides, its rich burgundy and neutral grey reversible colour way offers unrivalled versatility. Another item that can be folded into a compact size for easy carrying, it offers the perfect blend of style and function:
100% Extra Fine Merino Wool Knitwear
Uniqlo’s 100% Extra Fine Merino knitwear will slot seamlessly into any man’s capsule wardrobe. The softest type of sheep’s wool, merino is non-irritating when worn against the skin and provides warmth without overheating the wearer, making it ideal for winter layering. Uniqlo’s merino wool jumpers and cardigans are cut in a way that allows them to be layered or worn as a standalone piece. Try slotting a cardi in-between your shirt and blazer during the working week to create a modern ‘three-piece’, switching for a simple v-neck merino sweater and slim-cut chinos combination at the weekend. With prices ranging between £24.90 and £29.90, this is some of the most affordable 100 per cent merino knitwear you will find on the market. What’s more, it’s all machine washable, making it as easy to care for as it is to wear:
Cold-Weather Staples
The start of a new season is the perfect time to refresh your wardrobe basics, and Uniqlo have again provided a wide range of high quality staples for AW14. Highlights include hoodies and sweatshirts in a plethora of neutral colour ways that offer fuss free casual styling, along with smart button-down Oxford shirts that are great for when you need to appear more put together:
Availability
The first drop from Uniqlo’s autumn/winter 2014 menswear collection is available in Uniqlo stores and online at Uniqlo.com now. 
