Japanese clothing retailer Uniqlo will launch the new Fall/Winter 2017 Uniqlo U collection, which features items created with 3D U-Knit, a 3D knitting technique that employs Wholegarment technology by Japanese flat knitting machine manufacturer Shima Seiki to enhance fit and comfort.

3D U-Knit is developed at Innovation Factory, a joint venture that Uniqlo's parent company, Fast Retailing, established in 2016 with Shima Seiki. Wholegarment uses special machines to produce knitwear three-dimensionally in one entire piece, eliminating seams.

New range

The collection will launch at stores around Japan and through the uniqlo.com online store from 29 September. This is the third Uniqlo U collection from the design team at the Uniqlo Paris R&D Center, led by Artistic Director, Christophe Lemaire.

“The new range stems from a drive to make clothing an ideal expression of its wearer, taking LifeWear toward the future through design, pattern, fabric development, and stitching innovations as part of a commitment to reinventing wardrobe basics,” the company explains.

The full collection will be available at 62 Uniqlo stores and online in 19 countries and territories. All domestic stores will sell parts of the range. The line will comprise 46 women's and 27 men's items in S through XXL sizes, as well as 11 accessories. XL through XXL pieces will be available only online.

Enhancing fit and comfort

3D U-Knit is the first stage in the Uniqlo quest to redefine quality knitwear. While Wholegarment has primarily been the domain of knitwear from fashion houses, employing this technology will help Uniqlo to offer unprecedented refinement at prices that are affordable for all, the company says.

For this season, three dresses, one women's sweater, and one skirt have been created with this technique. A highlight of that range is a 3D Merino Ribbed Mock Neck Dress. The ribbing of this fit and flare piece accentuates natural femininity by following body contours. The skirt offers pleated drapes for a sophisticated and elegant look.

Coat and jacket range

Noteworthy additions to the Uniqlo U line-up this season are a women's Blocktech trench coat, men's Blocktech coat, and a men's Blocktech mods coat. This stylish town wear combines a matte cotton surface with advanced Blocktech technology that has become popular with Uniqlo sportswear for outstanding wind proofing, waterproofing, and breathability.

Also debuting this season are men's and women's seamless down track jackets that incorporate new technology developed with Toray. The outer fabric employs double-weave polyester, reducing the number of stitches for outstanding wind proofing. The lightness and streamlined fit of this outerwear enables it to double as innerwear. Women's items can also serve as vests by unzipping the sleeves.

www.uniqlo.com

Fast Retailing launches JV with Shima Seiki to produce WHOLEGARMENT knitwear for UNIQLO