If your winter wardrobe needs a refresh but your budget doesn’t stretch to designer, Uniqlo is the place to start. The Japanese brand has built its name on well-made basics at fair prices — and its winter range covers you from the base layer out. The new JW Anderson X Uniqlo Autumn 2026 collection also has stunning pieces to take centre stage in your closet- we had to delve!

Jonathan Anderson built the new A/W 2026 collection  around what he calls “the worldview of theatre and academic culture.” The range takes preppy campus staples and gives them cropped proportions, bold colour and playful patterns, so it nods to dark academia without looking like costume. It has 29 pieces in total: 13 for women, 12 for men and 4 accessories. We are loving the preppy styles you can add to any item in your wardrobe for a fresh, outfit update.

Knitwear is the big story for autumn/winter 2026, and Jonathan Anderson is a fan. He often takes his end-of-show bow in a good jumper and jeans. He usually sticks to navy and grey, but his new Uniqlo collection is much brighter. Think autumn shades, pops of baby pink and red, and soft sherbet pastels. You’ll find V-neck jumpers, low-cut cardigans and sweater vests, plus beanies and striped scarves to finish the look.

Uniqlo Basics

What sets Uniqlo apart is the fabric technology. HEATTECH keeps you warm without bulk, Ultra Light Down packs into a pouch, and the cashmere and merino knits feel far pricier than they are. Add a steady stream of on-trend colours and collaborations, and you can kit out an entire season in one shop.

Your winter basics, head to toe

The base layer: HEATTECH

HEATTECH is the reason many people walk into Uniqlo in the first place. It’s a thin, stretchy thermal that turns body moisture into warmth, so you stay cosy without the bulk. It comes in three warmth levels:

• HEATTECH: for 5°C to 20°C — everyday commuting and offices.
• HEATTECH Extra Warm Cashmere Blend: for -5°C to 15°C, with 9% cashmere for a softer feel.
• HEATTECH Ultra Warm: for -20°C to 10°C — the warmest, for frosty days and winter breaks.

Our picks: The HEATTECH Scoop Neck Long Sleeve T-Shirt (£14.90) sits neatly under any knit. For something you can wear on its own, the Extra Warm Cashmere Blend Turtleneck comes in new shades this season, including bordeaux, brown and blush pink. Don’t forget the HEATTECH tights and leggings for under skirts and jeans.

The knitwear

• 100% Cashmere Crew Neck or V Neck Jumper (around £79.90): Uniqlo’s best-known knit. Pure cashmere for under £100, in more than 15 colours from oatmeal to olive. It’s thin enough to layer under a coat.
• Souffle Yarn Crew Neck Jumper: soft, non-itchy and oversized, with raglan sleeves. Ideal for anyone who finds wool scratchy.
• Pile Lined Fleece Relaxed Cardigan: collarless and fleecy, in five colours. Think of it as a dressed-up fleece for the sofa and the school run.

The outerwear

• Ultra-Light Down Jacket: the one that packs into its own pouch. It’s filled with 90% down, has a water-repellent face fabric and comes in nine colours. Wear it alone in autumn or under a wool coat in deep winter.
• Seamless Down Short Jacket (around £109.90): warmer and puffier, but still light. Fleece-lined pockets are a nice touch on cold mornings.
• PUFFERTECH Parka (around £69.90): the puffer look without the bulk, thanks to synthetic fill and subtle quilting. It’s also easier to wash than down.

The trousers and jeans

• Baggy Curve Jeans (around £34.90): the on-trend barrel leg in a soft cotton-lyocell denim. Reviewers call them a standout for comfort.
• Washable Milano Ribbed Trousers: a knitted trouser that looks smart but feels like loungewear, in four colours. Perfect for the office.
• Corduroy Curve Trousers: mid-rise cords in several autumn shades, with a matching Corduroy Short Jacket if you want a co-ord.

The trend pieces: Uniqlo C and Uniqlo U

This is where Uniqlo earns its “trend-packed” reputation. Uniqlo C, designed by Clare Waight Keller, has a new Fluffy Cashmere range — a vest, relaxed cardigan and V-neck jumper in long-pile cashmere. Uniqlo U brings standouts like the Hybrid Down Short Jacket and the Coated Blouson. Past drops have sold out in core sizes within two to three weeks, so don’t wait.

How to shop Uniqlo like a pro

• Check the size guide. Many pieces now come in several fits, from regular to oversized. Uniqlo C runs generous, so size down only if you’re between sizes.
• Match the HEATTECH to your plans. Regular for the office, Extra Warm for outdoor commutes, Ultra Warm for frosty walks or a ski trip.
• Buy the cashmere in colours. At under £80, it’s affordable enough to own in two or three shades.
• Look for “Limited Offer” tags. Uniqlo runs weekly price drops on core lines, so it pays to keep an eye out.
• Get the length right. Ask in store about alterations. Some Uniqlo shops can hem jeans and trousers, so check what your nearest store offers.

The verdict

From thermals to cashmere to a down jacket that fits in your handbag, Uniqlo covers every layer of a winter wardrobe at prices that won’t hurt. Start with the HEATTECH and a cashmere jumper, then build from there. What’s top of your Uniqlo list this winter?