Uniqlo U SS20 Review: Top Picks & Styling Guide
Why This Uniqlo U Collection Stands Out
Uniqlo U's Spring/Summer 2020 collection represents a significant evolution in accessible fashion-forward design. Under Christophe Lemaire's Paris-based creative direction, this line delivers innovative silhouettes and premium materials at Uniqlo's signature affordable prices. After analyzing the entire 14-piece drop, I confirm this is their strongest offering yet—particularly for those seeking elevated basics with contemporary twists. The collection masterfully balances avant-garde shapes with wearability, featuring relaxed tailoring, vintage athletic influences, and a sophisticated monochromatic palette perfect for modern wardrobes. What sets it apart is Uniqlo U's new focus on looser men's fits, eliminating the previous need to browse women's sections for wider pants.
Top 5 Must-Have Pieces Analyzed
Cardigan (Beige/Orange/Black/Light Blue)
This heavyweight knit emerged as the collection's superstar. Constructed with substantial yarns, it offers exceptional drape that rivals premium alternatives like Studio Nicholson at a fraction of the cost. The light blue version provides a brilliant value alternative to high-end designers. For the intended oversized silhouette, size up one—I typically wear Large but found XL ideal. Its versatility shines when layered over the knitted polo or worn solo with tailored trousers.
Drizzler Jacket (Purple/Brown/Black)
Surprisingly minimalist yet impactful, this water-repellent jacket features a precision-engineered relaxed fit that works equally well with smart trousers or casual denim. The matte finish and clean lines create sophistication uncommon at this price point. After testing all outerwear, this jacket delivered the best cost-per-wear potential due to its four-season versatility in transitional climates.
Relaxed Wide Fit Pants (Dark Brown/Beige/Orange/Black)
A revolutionary offering from Uniqlo's menswear, these pants feature a comfortable high-rise waist and artful drape. The dark brown version proved exceptionally versatile during testing, pairing seamlessly with every top in the collection. The 98% cotton/2% elastane blend provides structure without restriction. These fill a critical gap for affordable, fashion-forward bottoms.
Knitted Long Sleeve Polo (Black/Beige/Brown/Dark Orange)
This 100% cotton standout merges heritage aesthetics with contemporary ease. The dark orange variant (shown in the video) offers unique tonal depth perfect for monochromatic outfits. Its lightweight construction makes it ideal for warm weather layering. Pair with high-waisted trousers for a premium minimalist look that outperforms fast-fashion alternatives.
Wide Fit Hoodie (Beige/Blue/Black/Purple)
Constructed with substantial 340gsm cotton, this hoodie delivers exceptional quality at just $39.90. The dropped shoulders and boxy silhouette reference vintage sportswear without appearing costume-like. While substantial for summer, it's perfect for cool evenings. The beige colorway showed minimal pilling after multiple washes in testing.
Fit Guide and Sizing Recommendations
Proper sizing dramatically impacts how these fashion-forward pieces perform. Based on hands-on testing:
| Item Category | Sizing Advice | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Knitwear (Cardigan) | Size up for oversized fit | XL achieved intended slouch |
| Sweatshirts | True to size for boxy look | Size down for fitted appearance |
| Shirts | Size down for standard fit | Linen blends run slightly large |
| Pants | True to size | Consistent waist measurements |
The cotton-linen blend shirts (52% linen/48% cotton) require special attention. These develop beautiful drape over time but initially appear oversized. The military jersey shirt runs particularly large through the torso—consider sizing down for cleaner lines if layering isn't planned.
Styling Strategies for Maximum Impact
Monochromatic Mastery
The collection's cohesive color palette (beige, brown, orange, black) enables effortless tonal dressing. Combine the dark orange polo with brown wide-fit pants for depth-on-depth sophistication. Add the drizzler jacket in black for contrast without breaking the color story.
Vintage Sportswear Revival
Lean into athletic references with the wide-fit sweatpants in brown paired with the beige hoodie. Introduce texture through the worker pants' ripstop fabric when grounding bold pieces like the green trucker jacket.
Smart Casual Elevation
Transform the linen-cotton blazer (77% cotton/23% linen) from business to casual by pairing it with the knitted polo and relaxed wide pants. Roll the sleeves and leave the shirt unbuttoned for a deliberately undone look that works perfectly for spring weddings or gallery openings.
Value Assessment and Alternatives
While most pieces deliver exceptional value, some warrant consideration:
- Linen-Cotton Blazer ($129.90): Though beautifully cut, vintage stores offer similar textural blazers at lower prices
- Worker Straight Pants ($49.90): Excellent Roaring Wild cargo alternative at one-third the cost
- Cardigan ($79.90): Studio Nicholson-quality drape at 80% less
The collection's true standouts—particularly the wide pants, drizzler jacket, and cardigan—represent undeniable value that's difficult to match at this price tier. Materials consistently outperformed fast-fashion competitors in abrasion testing, with the heavyweight hoodie showing minimal pilling after 10+ washes.
Final Verdict and Action Plan
Uniqlo U's SS20 collection successfully bridges fashion-forward design and everyday wearability. The expanded pants offerings and sophisticated outerwear represent significant progress for accessible menswear. For those building a versatile, trend-aware wardrobe, these pieces deliver exceptional cost-per-wear value.
Immediate Action Steps:
- Prioritize the cardigan and wide-fit pants—these sold out fastest in previous drops
- Try the green trucker jacket if stepping outside comfort zones
- Pair dark orange pieces with brown bases for tonal depth
- Size strategically using our fit guide to avoid returns
- Layer linen shirts under jackets for textural contrast
Which piece from the collection best solves your current wardrobe gap? Share your styling challenges below for personalized solutions.
