UNIQLO is a mega-popular Japanese based fashion retailer with locations all across the globe.
Before we start, you can check out my comprehensive no-show socks guide which includes all of the no-show socks I’ve worn and tested over the years.
And now let’s get into this Uniqlo No-Show Socks Review.
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Uniqlo
Let’s take a look at a pair of Uniqlo’s no-show socks.
Material
54% Cotton, 42% Polyester, 4% Spandex
1. Comfort & Fit: 3.5/5
UNIQLO’s low-cut socks are lightweight and fit well for only offering one size (6-13). I’m size 8 US for reference. I’m not sure what the ‘self-deodorization’ function that the website mentions is all about, but the socks look and feel durable.
2. Design & Style Options: 4/5
UNIQLO’s no shows come in one cut and one size and no patterned options. They do currently offer 6 versatile solid colors including white, gray, brown, and navy. There’s also a pile low-cut sock option which is ideal for sports or casual wear like sneakers.
3. Does it Slip?
Although the socks lean slightly big, but are thin and snug enough where they don’t slip in my shoes.
4. No-Show Test: 3/4
UNIQLO’s no show socks are pretty low cut and so they remain hidden in 3 out of the 4 shoes in the test. The only pair they show is with the suede penny loafers which isn’t surprising considering how other brands have fared so far.
5. The Bottom Line: 4/5 ★★★★★
UNIQLO is one of my favorite brands to shop. They have quality basics and highly affordable prices. Naturally, I had high expectations for their no-show socks, especially since I heard from many that they have some of the best no-show socks.
As expected, UNIQLO offers the most affordable socks at $5.90 and 3 for $14.90, which makes them perhaps the best value socks in this roundup.
Uniqlo: A Comprehensive Background
Uniqlo is a Japanese global apparel retailer known for its high-quality, affordable, and minimalist clothing. The brand is a subsidiary of Fast Retailing Co., Ltd., one of the largest retail companies in the world. Uniqlo has grown into an international fashion powerhouse with a strong emphasis on functional, timeless design, and innovative fabric technology.
1. Founding and History:
- Founded by: Uniqlo was founded by Tadashi Yanai in 1984.
- Origin: The brand’s roots trace back to a men’s clothing store called Ogori Shoji, which was established by Yanai’s father in 1949 in Ube, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan.
- First Store: The first Uniqlo store, originally named “Unique Clothing Warehouse,” opened in Hiroshima, Japan, in 1984. The name “Uniqlo” is a blend of “unique” and “clothing.”
2. Expansion and Growth:
- Rapid Growth in Japan: Uniqlo quickly gained popularity in Japan during the 1990s due to its focus on affordable, high-quality basics. The brand’s strategy of offering stylish yet simple clothing at reasonable prices resonated with Japanese consumers.
- Global Expansion: In the early 2000s, Uniqlo began expanding internationally, opening stores in the United Kingdom, China, South Korea, the United States, and other countries. The brand’s global footprint has since expanded to over 2,000 stores in more than 25 countries.
3. Product Philosophy:
- Lifewear Concept: Uniqlo’s product philosophy revolves around the concept of “Lifewear,” which emphasizes versatile, everyday clothing that is designed to improve the wearer’s quality of life. Lifewear is characterized by its simplicity, functionality, and timeless design.
- Innovative Fabrics: Uniqlo is known for its innovative use of fabrics and technology in its products. Some of its most popular innovations include:
- HEATTECH: A line of thermal wear designed to retain body heat and provide warmth during cold weather.
- AIRism: A range of breathable, moisture-wicking clothing designed for comfort in warm climates.
- Ultra Light Down: Lightweight, packable down jackets that offer warmth without bulk.
- Quality and Affordability: Uniqlo focuses on delivering high-quality products at affordable prices, making fashion accessible to a wide range of consumers.
4. Design and Collaboration:
- Minimalist Aesthetic: Uniqlo’s design ethos is rooted in minimalism, with a focus on clean lines, neutral colors, and simple silhouettes. This approach has made the brand a go-to for wardrobe essentials.
- Designer Collaborations: Uniqlo frequently collaborates with well-known designers and brands to create limited-edition collections. Notable collaborations include partnerships with Jil Sander (J+ line), Christophe Lemaire (Uniqlo U line), and more recently, JW Anderson and Marimekko.
5. Business Model:
- SPA Model: Uniqlo operates under the Specialty Store Retailer of Private Label Apparel (SPA) model, meaning it designs, manufactures, and sells its own products directly to consumers. This allows the company to control the entire supply chain, ensuring quality and cost efficiency.
- Global Supply Chain: The company maintains a vast global supply chain, sourcing materials and manufacturing products in various countries to optimize costs and quality.
6. Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility:
- Environmental Initiatives: Uniqlo is committed to sustainability and has launched various initiatives to reduce its environmental impact. This includes efforts to recycle clothing through the “RE.UNIQLO” program, reduce water usage in manufacturing, and use more sustainable materials like recycled polyester.
- Social Responsibility: The company is also involved in numerous social responsibility programs, including supporting education and disaster relief efforts. Uniqlo has partnered with organizations like the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to provide clothing to those in need.
7. Corporate Structure:
- Parent Company: Uniqlo is a subsidiary of Fast Retailing Co., Ltd., which is one of the largest apparel retailers in the world. Fast Retailing also owns other brands, such as GU, Theory, Helmut Lang, and J Brand.
- Leadership: Tadashi Yanai, the founder of Uniqlo, serves as the chairman and CEO of Fast Retailing. He is one of Japan’s wealthiest individuals and has been instrumental in the global expansion of Uniqlo.
8. Global Presence and Popularity:
- Market Influence: Uniqlo has become a dominant player in the global apparel market, particularly in Asia. Its stores are often located in prime shopping areas and attract a broad demographic, from young fashion-conscious consumers to professionals seeking quality basics.
- Digital Transformation: Uniqlo has invested heavily in its e-commerce platform and digital initiatives, including mobile apps and online shopping, to enhance customer experience and reach a global audience.
Uniqlo’s success is built on its ability to consistently deliver high-quality, affordable clothing that resonates with consumers around the world. The brand’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and its minimalist design philosophy have made it a key player in the global fashion industry.
Why You Should Wear No-Show Socks
No More Stink Feet
If you want to avoid the stank, no-show socks are the answer. Just say no to athlete’s foot and fungus feet. Ew.
Keep Those Shoes Fresh
In addition to rotating your shoes daily and making use of sneaker balls, rocking no show socks are a surefire way to keep your footwear smelling fresh all summer long.
Be More Stylish
There’s a reason that this stylish guy’s secret has become a summer staple. The sockless look has been on trend for a while now and isn’t going away anytime soon. Rock this look and you automatically get the style points.
Qualities of The Best No-Show Socks
1. Comfortable
Of course comfort is king here. You want for the socks to fit well and hug your feet without feeling restricting. The best no show socks feel like you’re wearing nothing at all and offer multiple sizes to guarantee a proper fit. As with shirts and jeans, the fit of your socks should be tailor-made. Socks with simple design and a seamless toe are what to look for.
2. Lightweight
It’s summertime and the more lightweight and breathable your socks, the better off your feet will be. I prefer lightweight fabrics since more often than not I’ll be wearing my no-shows in the summertime and I want my feet to keep cool as possible.
3. No-Slip
There’s nothing more annoying than the feeling of a no-show sock that won’t stay put. All of the no show socks tested in this round-up have an elastic arch band and a rubber non-slip heel, which helps to keep the socks secured around your foot. But that doesn’t guarantee no-slip since factors such as the rubber gripper, fabric weight and sock size play a role. Just because a brand says ‘no-slip’ doesn’t mean it won’t slip.
4. No-Show
Of course this is a primary purpose of this article. Does it show? The whole reason for wearing them is to keep our feet and shoes fresh, and just as importantly, remain invisible. The best no show sock brands have a variety of designs ranging from a low-cut, mid-cut and high-cut for different types of shoes and sneakers.
5. Affordable
And finally, price always plays a role. It’s all about value here and if I can save some money, all the better. I don’t mind paying a bit more for higher quality. But some socks are a bit pricey and that can hurt their bottom line.
The 4 Shoes I Tested
Sperry Boat Shoes
The ubiquitous Sperry Top-Sider boat shoe is one of the most iconic and popular summer shoes out there. And while most Sperrys would be okay to wear sockless because of their leather lining, some, like the canvas pair in this test have a fabric lining, thus suitable to pair with no show socks.
Classic Vans
These canvas Vans sneakers have a low-profile making them the perfect test sneaker. If the socks aren’t visible here, then they’ll most likely remain invisible on any other low-top sneakers.
Cole Haan Bit Loafers
Loafers are some of the lowest profile shoes a man can wear. They’re one of my favorite shoe essentials for all stylish men, so naturally they’re a part of this no show sock test.
Jay Butler Penny Loafers
I had to include what are perhaps loafers with the lowest cut that I know of. The vamp of the shoe is much lower than your typical penny loafer, making these shoes the perfect test shoe. If a pair of no-shows don’t show in a pair of Jay Butler loafers, then they won’t show in any other shoe.
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The best no-show sock brands offer a range of cuts from low-cut to mid-cut and high-cut socks good for wear with everything from boat shoes, loafers and espadrilles to moccasins and sneakers.
How to Care For Your No-Shows
Before we conclude, I thought it was a good idea to quickly go over some no-show sock care tips.
- Machine wash with like colors
- Keep them out of the dryer (tumble dry low if necessary)
- Avoid bleaching or ironing
And finally, mind your fabric weights. A heavier weight fabric is more appropriate for chunkier sneakers whereas a lightweight fabric is better for canvas sneakers, boat shoes and loafers.
In Conclusion
I have a couple of closing thoughts on no show socks that I wanted to share, not that this article isn’t already long enough.
1. One Size Fits All Is A Lie
When it comes to fit, there’s no such thing as one size fits all, especially when it comes to shoe sizes. Which is why I’m skeptical anytime I see a no-show sock brand with one size. Oftentimes they’re too big and bunches up around the heel and ankle when I try to slip my shoes on. And even worse, these one size no-show socks are prone to slip much easier than properly sized ones.
2. Fabric Weight Matters
I’ve found that the thicker the sock the higher probability for it to slip, whereas lighter the fabric the less prone to slipping.
3. The Best No Show Sock No-Slip Grip
For the most part every brand’s silicone grippers hold well, but the best hold come from Sheec’s extra thin hybrid solid/crosshatch grip. Boardroom Socks, Feetures and Pair of Thieves also offers a similarly strong grip. The next best are the brands with 3 band silicone grippers.
And finally, FITS Socks takes the cake with their fully knitted, one-piece construction. The seamless design eliminates the need for a silicone grip and the socks still stay up. Now that’s a win-win.
Before You Go
Check out these other top rated no-show sock reviews:
- Stomper Joe No-Show Socks Review
- FITS Socks No-Show Socks Review
- Feetures No-Show Socks Review
- Stance No-Show Socks Review
- Sheec No-Show Socks Review
- Feetures No-Show Sock Review
- Falke No-Show Socks Review
- Boardroom Socks No-Show Socks Review
What are your favorite pairs of no-show socks?
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