The Japanese design label NEEDLES and global retailer UNIQLO just partnered for the first time to release the fleece collection this season. This collab merges UNIQLO’s unique style ideology with the distinct design perspective and acumen of NEEDLES founder Keizo Shimizu.

For decades, UNIQLO's fleece has served as a fixture in everyday wardrobes. Shimizu and his team now take this foundational garment and advance it. He remarks that incorporating the distinctive butterfly emblem and shaping the garments differently has elevated the standard UNIQLO fleece into something quite special, intending to introduce the spirit of NEEDLES to a broader market.

The range focuses sharply on essential design, limiting the offering to three key garments. Every item appears in simple, solid shades of black, grey, beige, and a rich purple. This deliberate restriction in the palette puts the attention firmly on the refined construction.

The Fleece Full-zip Jacket adopts a modern, relaxed shape. Its depth of colour and proportion takes its genesis from vintage garments of the 1970s, showcasing NEEDLES's signature approach to textiles. For those who favour a softer outer layer, the Fleece Oversized Cardigan offers a luxurious alternative. This piece is available in both solid colours and striped versions, tailoring the iconic patterns of NEEDLES to UNIQLO's established fit.

Finally, the Fleece Wide Pants complete the capsule. They present an elegant, straight leg profile, featuring subtle side stripes in the same tone as the main fabric; a choice that demonstrates considered presentation. UNIQLO has consciously created this collection as a genderless offering.

The combination of the UNIQLO platform and the detailed design philosophy of Keizo Shimizu and NEEDLES should appeal to those who value a subtle update to classic casualwear. The collaboration officially arrives on 30th October, 2025, with the full range available across the UK in physical stores and online.

With pieces priced at £39.90 for the jacket and £34.90 for the cardigan and trousers, this collection offers sophisticated detailing at a great price point. We certainly anticipate these items moving quickly. Want to stay on top of all the latest news from the world of UNIQLO? Simply download The Sole Supplier app.