Uniqlo unveils new apparel made on Shima Seiki machines

30 Aug '17

2 min read

Uniqlo, an apparel brand of retail holding firm Fast Retailing Co., Ltd, will unveil the Fall/Winter 2017 Uniqlo U collection made with Shima Seiki Wholegarment knitting machines in Japan and through the uniqlo.com online store from September 29, 2017. The collection is made at the Uniqlo Paris R&D centre by artistic director, Christophe Lemaire.

The new collection features items created with 3D U-Knit, a three-dimensional knitting technique that employs Wholegarment technology 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 Mfg., Ltd., a leading Japanese manufacturer of knitting machines. Wholegarment uses special machines to produce knitwear three-dimensionally in one entire piece, eliminating seams. Another advantage of this technology is that it is so flexible, empowering designers to perfectly materialise their visions.

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. 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.

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 so 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 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. (GK)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk – India

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