Uniqlo’s Heattech range has been a hit with shoppers ever since it first launched in 2003, and one of the most popular items is the Souffle Yarn Beanie, which is priced at just £14.90
If you’re anything like me, this week’s freezing weather will have had you seriously regretting not putting thermals on in the morning. With snow still covering much of the country and temperatures remaining sub-zero, there’s never been a better time to invest in some warmer layers and accessories to keep you toasty.
One high street retailer, in particular, is renowned for their innovative selection of heat-retaining garments, with shoppers regularly raving about how warm they are without adding bulk. Uniqlo’s Heattech range was first launched in 2003, and over the last two decades, has been improved time and again to create pieces that are as stylish and comfortable as they are functional.
In the long history of people and clothing, the main solution to protect from cold was to make clothing thicker and heavier. But with Uniqlo’s collection, they’ve been developed to be thinner and lighter, while simultaneously being warmer.
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Heattech provides thermal insulation by converting vapour generated by the body into warmth. In addition to creating heat, it also retains it by using micro acrylic fibres to secure it.
One of the pieces most bought by shoppers from the Heattech range is the Soufflé Yarn Beanie . Coming in at £14.90, it’s an affordable way to keep warm while out on winter walks or defrosting the car.
The unisex design comes in five neutral but versatile colours, including dark grey, black, beige, green and blue, with shoppers saying it’s ‘perfect for the autumn and winter seasons’. The accessory has a near-perfect 4.8 star rating from shoppers, with many praising the fit and style.
One said: “This hat is nice and warm despite it not being very thick. So it is not too bulky but perfect during very cold winter days. It is also super soft, which is extra pleasant,” while another added: “I like how it fits and how soft it feels. It doesn’t itch or scratch my head like other warm beanies. Also, this is very warm. Perfect for Sweden.”
One shopper left a three-star review, which read: “It is very comfortable and soft to wear but pills quickly.” Meanwhile, a fourth shopper left a five-star rating and said it suits ‘every face shape’, commenting: “The hat is perfect for the autumn and winter seasons! Super cuddly soft and has a great shape. Fits every face shape.”
However, if you’re looking for the perfect base layer to go under, or be part of your winter outfits, the HEATTECH Extra Warm Cashmere Blend High Neck T-Shirt is a great choice. Priced under £20 at £19.90, and coming in six colours, it’s said to be 1.5 times warmer than the brand’s regular Heattech range.
Made with a 9% cashmere blend, it’s luxuriously smooth and fluffy, designed with a soft, non-constrictive turtleneck. What’s more is that the yarn used is approximately half as thin as the yarn used in cashmere sweaters, giving you the warmth of standard Extra Warm HEATTECH with around 70% of the weight.
Much like the Heattech hat, this has also received much praise from customers, with an average score of 4.7 out of five. “So soft, a daily icon,” wrote one shopper. “Can wear it to formal events or just chilling at home, such a staple would buy in every colour if I could.”
Another added: “Really warm and soft, never had something as soft as this long-sleeved shirt. Quickly warms up, so perfect on a cold day, lovely material, nice and simple to style.”
Though it must be noted that while many love the fact it’s thin and not bulky, others say it’s a little too transparent to wear alone. One three-star comment read: “I’m keeping it because it’s nice under a sweater. But it’s really see-through… so if you want to wear it like that you need to put something under.. But the fabric is nice.”
And finally, for those seeking head-to-toe warmth, there are even HEATTECH Easy Trousers (£39.90) which include handy zip pockets, as well as HEATTECH Socks for keeping your feet warm.
Elsewhere on the high street, M&S is famed for their Heatgen range, where prices start from £5.50. Their collection ranges from fleece tops to thermal leggings, as well as winter warmers like socks and scarves. Last year, I also tested out the H&M fleece lined thermal leggings, which helped me beat the chill in snowy Prague. You can read the full review here .
