Uniqlo’s ‘sexy thermal collection’ is the fashion pack’s secret weapon against the icy weather RN

Even if your area hasn’t been blessed with a winter wonderland’s worth of snow this week, there’s no denying it’s bitter. But if you’re wrapped up in the Uniqlo HEATTECH collection, we guarantee you’ll be staving off the chill in style. 

A long-term secret beloved by the fashion pack – it’s what stylists and editors wear on winter location shoots, or attending New York Fashion Week’s February shows (when blizzard conditions make a regular appearance on-schedule) – HEATTECH is a genius invention.

Almost 20 years ago, Uniqlo trialled more than 10,000 prototypes of fabric, with the concept of creating clothing that was lightweight and thinner – instead of the usual method of using more fibres and heavier material to keep warm. While layering is also a classic solution to staying cosy – and it can add quirk to a simple outfit – sometimes extra pieces of clothing feel heavy, whereas HEATTECH is a lightweight option.

Here’s the science bit: The way HEATTECH works is by trapping warm air from your skin under the fabric so you have an extra layer of insulation. But if you start to sweat, water molecules are still small enough to escape through the material… You can now choose from three options of warmth, from regular, extra warm and ultra warm (which has a brushed layer of fibres that feel super-snuggly.) Hmmm, perhaps genius was an understatement… 

So, what are the pieces the GLAMOUR team have in their wardrobe?

Unlike old school thermals, HEATTECH is slinky enough to feel sexy. The HEATTECH thermal camisole top would sit perfectly under a cocktail blouse and allows you get more wear from eveningwear that would otherwise be saved for summer. The Marni x Uniqlo collaboration also includes some excellent HEATTECH options in bold prints that the Italian brand is known for, which proves that your basics never need to be boring.

HEATTECH Extra Warm Cotton Scoop Neck Long Sleeved Thermal Top

HEATTECH Thermal Camisole Top

Beauty Commerce Writer, Denise Primbet, is a long-term HEATTECH fan. “If there’s one clothing item that I’m consistently re-purchasing, it’s the HEATTECH Extra Warm Cotton Scoop Neck Long Sleeved Thermal Top. Not only does it feel incredibly soft and stretchy, but it’s also completely undetectable underneath any long-sleeved top. I literally have one in nearly every colour variation, ‘cos I simply can’t get enough of them during the colder months.”

What about accessories?

Lucy Smith, GLAMOUR’s Commerce Writer trialled the HEATTECH lined touchscreen thermal gloves, HEATTECH patterned scarf and HEATTECH ribbed beanie at an outside personal training session (it was -1 degrees.) “I normally leave with fingers chilled to the bone and my shoulders hugging my ears in a futile attempt to keep warm in-between press ups. With my HEATTECH gear, my head and hands – two of the places you lose the most heat – stayed super cosy and comfortable. A great success.”

HEATTECH Lined Touchscreen Thermal Gloves

Even if you’re doing nothing more active than Zooming, HEATTECH is still the best way to keep warm at home. Especially as fuel costs rocket and you might be turning the thermostat down a degree or two… I normally rely on a uniform of jeans and cashmere sweater when WFH and upgrade to wearing tights underneath on extra-chilly days, although this cuts off my circulation and doesn’t look chic (even if my legs are hidden under my desk.) I switched to a pair of HEATTECH ultra stretch high rise denim leggings for a day and they were as comfy as PJs, soft as cashmere and… warm! The tights under jeans combo can do one. 

Feeling warm but not sacrificing style? We’re absolutely here for it. Scroll down to see more of the GLAMOUR team’s favourite pieces of Uniqlo HEATTECH… 

HEATTECH Pile Lined Joggers, £24.90

HEATTECH Ultra Stretch High Rise Denim Thermal Leggings Trousers, £34.90

HEATTECH Turtleneck Long Sleeved Thermal Top, £14.90

Mame Kurogouchi HEATTECH Wool Blend Turtleneck Long Sleeved Thermal Top, £24.90

Marni x Uniqlo HEATTECH Checked Socks (Two Pairs), £14.90

HEATTECH Crew Neck Long Sleeved Thermal Top, £14.90

Read more from Glamour UK Fashion Director at large Alex Fullerton here or follow her on Instagram @alexandrafullerton