2023 Uniqlo - Quality Decline

Uniqlo Quality Decline: A 2023 Shopping Haul Retrospective

The biggest takeaway from my 2023 Uniqlo purchases is simple: most of the items barely lasted a few months. While Uniqlo was once known for delivering solid quality at affordable prices, that value proposition no longer feels reliable.

Out of everything I purchased, only the green U Crew T-shirt remains wearable today—and even that has noticeably faded. The most disappointing items were the Supima Cotton T-shirts, which shrank significantly and developed holes within weeks of regular wear.

Before 2020, Uniqlo consistently delivered durable basics at reasonable prices. Today, the prices remain affordable, but the quality no longer matches what the brand was known for.

What Failed (and How Quickly)

I purchased these items in 2023 expecting them to function as long-term wardrobe staples. Instead, the majority deteriorated far sooner than expected.

• Supima Cotton T-Shirts: Shrunk significantly and developed holes within a few weeks of wear. These were the biggest letdown, given their positioning as a premium option.

• Airism T-Shirts: Both shirts had to be discarded within months. One shrank noticeably, while the other developed holes.

• U Crew T-Shirt: The only item still usable, though the green color has faded over time.

• Sweaters: While inexpensive, longevity remains to be seen and expectations are low given the performance of the other items.

The Shopping Haul (Context)

I made these purchases during a trip to Korea, where Uniqlo prices are roughly 40% cheaper than in the U.S., and likely even lower in Japan.

Shopping Details:

• Total Spent: 197,700 KRW (≈ $150 USD)

• Estimated U.S. Cost: ≈ $250 USD

• Total Items: 11

Item Breakdown:

• Supima Cotton T-Shirts (XL): 6 (4 black, 2 white)

• Airism T-Shirts (XL): 2 (red, green)

• U Crew T-Shirt (XL): 1 (green)

• Sweaters (XL): 2 (gray, green)

At the time, the sweaters felt like an exceptional deal at 12,900 KRW (about $9.62 USD), which made the overall haul feel like a win—initially.

Wardrobe Perspective

My core wardrobe currently consists of over 54 items, and I regularly reassess staples to improve quality and longevity. Pieces I’m actively looking to upgrade include:

• A well-made MA-1 bomber jacket

• A pair of selvedge jeans

This experience reinforced the importance of prioritizing durability over price, even when the upfront cost feels appealing.

Final Takeaway

Uniqlo can still offer value, but it’s no longer safe to assume consistent quality across all product lines. For basics meant to withstand frequent wear and washing, Uniqlo’s offerings—particularly Supima and Airism—fell short.

Going forward, I’ll be far more selective and willing to pay more upfront for pieces that actually last.