UNIQLO AIR-ism - What's behind the tech?

Summary

In this episode of 'Industry Secrets,' Joe explores Uniqlo's AIRism technology, focusing on a half-sleeve oversized t-shirt. He dissects the garment's construction, revealing a double-knit fabric with 53% cotton and 47% polyester, including 30% recycled polyester. The inside polyester wicks sweat away from the skin, while the outer cotton layer promotes breathability. Joe rates the shirt's fabric, construction, attention to detail, and value, giving it an overall score of 34 out of 40, highlighting its innovative fabric and good value for $24.90.

Takeaways

• 👕 The Unico U collection by Uniqlo is a line of progressive essentials designed in Paris, aiming to reinvent wardrobe basics.
• 🌐 The collection is crafted by an international team of designers using advanced materials and exploring unique shapes and craftsmanship.
• 🧵 The Arism cotton half-sleeve oversized t-shirt is made with a blend of 53% cotton and 47% polyester, with 30% of the polyester being recycled.
• 🔄 The garment uses a double-knit technique, with cotton on the outside and polyester on the inside to enhance wicking and breathability.
• 💧 The inner polyester layer is hydrophobic, drawing moisture away from the skin and transferring it to the cotton outer layer for evaporation.
• 👍 The t-shirt is manufactured in Bangladesh and has received positive feedback for its quality and technology at the price point of $24.90.
• 🔍 The fabric is 205 GSM, indicating a balance between thickness and comfort, and the workmanship is considered decent with minor room for improvement.
• 👁️‍🗨️ Attention to detail is evident in the garment's construction, such as the use of an immobilizer to prevent seam stretching and cover stitching for a flat interior.
• 🔄 The t-shirt's design includes elements to prevent bacterial growth and odor, emphasizing the need for proper care and washing.
• 🏆 The final score given to the Uniqlo Unico U t-shirt is 34 out of 40, reflecting a good value and quality for its price, with high scores in fabric, construction, and attention to detail.

Q & A

What is Uniqlo's AIRism technology?

Uniqlo's AIRism technology is a fabric technology that focuses on wicking and breathability. It uses a double knitting machine to create a fabric with cotton on the outside and polyester on the inside, where the polyester is hydrophobic and wicks moisture away from the skin.

What percentage of the Uniqlo AIRism t-shirt is made from recycled polyester fiber?

30% of the polyester used in the Uniqlo AIRism t-shirt is made from recycled polyester fiber.

Where is the Uniqlo AIRism t-shirt manufactured?

The Uniqlo AIRism t-shirt is manufactured in Bangladesh.

How does the double knitting technique contribute to the functionality of the Uniqlo AIRism t-shirt?

The double knitting technique allows for the creation of a fabric with different properties on each side. The polyester on the inside wicks moisture away from the skin, while the cotton on the outside spreads it out for evaporation.

What is the GSM (grams per square meter) of the Uniqlo AIRism fabric discussed in the script?

The GSM of the Uniqlo AIRism fabric is approximately 205 GSM.

What are the potential long-term care issues with the Uniqlo AIRism t-shirt due to its fabric composition?

The polyester on the inside of the Uniqlo AIRism t-shirt can absorb oils and bacteria, which may lead to the garment smelling over time if not properly cleaned and maintained.

What is the price point of the Uniqlo AIRism t-shirt mentioned in the script?

The price point of the Uniqlo AIRism t-shirt is $24.90 Canadian.

What is the final score given by the reviewer for the Uniqlo AIRism t-shirt in terms of fabric?

The reviewer gave the Uniqlo AIRism t-shirt a score of 8 out of 10 in terms of fabric.

What is the final score given by the reviewer for the Uniqlo AIRism t-shirt in terms of construction?

The reviewer gave the Uniqlo AIRism t-shirt a score of 10 out of 10 in terms of construction.

What is the final score given by the reviewer for the Uniqlo AIRism t-shirt in terms of attention to detail?

The reviewer gave the Uniqlo AIRism t-shirt a score of 8 out of 10 in terms of attention to detail.

What is the final score given by the reviewer for the Uniqlo AIRism t-shirt in terms of value?

The reviewer gave the Uniqlo AIRism t-shirt a score of 9 out of 10 in terms of value.