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10th Anniversary of the Series: What Is the Essence of the "AirSense Blazer" by UNIQLO?

2025.03.18
Even though the casualization of business style is advancing, there are still numerous occasions where adults wear jackets.
Therefore, it’s best to have something as light and flexible as possible. Given the current times, cost performance is also vital.
In such instances, UNIQLO's "AirSense Blazer" stands out as a top candidate.
2025 marks the 10th anniversary since the debut of the pants that inspired the series. The PR team of UNIQLO Co., Ltd. shares their thoughts behind the word "感動" (deep emotion).

The Origin: Pants Incorporating Opinions from Legendary Golfer

Let’s revisit the background of the birth of the AirSense Blazer.
"In 2014, UNIQLO released pants that incorporated the opinions of Australian professional golfer Adam Scott, who signed a global brand ambassador contract.
"This pants line is the starting point of the AirSense series. His request was for 'ultra-lightweight, ultra-stretch, and ultra-fast-drying pants.'
"However, since there was no material that could fully meet those requirements, we decided to collaborate with Toray, our strategic partner since 2006, to develop a new material."

Developing Unique Polyester Material with Toray

The development team focused on polyester materials used in sportswear.
After much trial and error, UNIQLO developed its unique polyester material and launched the "Dry Stretch Pants (Wool-like)" in 2015.
Subsequent improvements led to advancements in the material, giving it five functions: stretchability, quick drying, lightweight, comfortable on the skin, and breathability.
"The first condition was that it stretches according to the body's movements and posture.
"By combining two different types of yarn with varying stretch properties, the structure forms a spiral, creating excellent stretchability.
"Moreover, using high-performance fibers allows for quick drying, so even with sweat or after washing, it dries quickly."
The material successfully maintained a moderate firmness while purposely being woven coarsely, enhancing lightweight properties and breathability. The surface texture also contributes to a dry touch that doesn't cling to sweating skin.

Achieving a Natural Fiber Feel by Reducing Gloss

However, achieving a high-quality texture was a challenge.
"What UNIQLO aimed for was primarily daily wear that could be used in a broad range of everyday scenes.
"Especially for business settings, it was essential to provide a texture that resembled natural materials, not a synthetic feel.
"Thus, through further trial and error, the development team reduced the gloss of the material to create an elegant texture reminiscent of wool."
With the current material, it boasts a stretch rate of over 15%, and the jacket dries completely within about eight hours.
Moreover, in terms of weight, the jacket is kept at around 380g, less than half that of a wool jacket.
"The hit of the Dry Stretch Pants provided us the confidence to brand this pants line as the AirSense series."
In 2018, we released the AirSense Blazer using the same material.
"Now that we can coordinate jackets and pants as a set, it has permeated the realm of business wear. The AirSense Blazer has been updated in design and silhouette every season.
"In 2022, we started offering a women's line with added UV cut functionality."

This Season Features the First AirSense Blazer from UNIQLO : C

The Spring/Summer 2025 season marks the 10th anniversary of the AirSense series, with a significant increase in variety for both the AirSense Blazer and AirSense Pants.
"This season's product lineup features a total of 13 items, including the existing six items sold year-round, with an additional two new items launching at the end of January, and five items from UNIQLO : C launching on February 28."
"AirSense Blazer," 7,990 yen (tax included)
The highlight model of this season is the "AirSense Blazer" featuring in the UNIQLO : C lineup.
"This is the first AirSense Blazer designed by creative director Clare Waight Keller.
"The design includes basic flap pockets and a three-button configuration with a moderately relaxed regular silhouette. Attention was also given to convenience, with inner pockets on both sides and buttoned cuffs for ease of opening and closing."
The texture resembles wool or cotton, without the cheap feel typical of synthetic materials. It will also be advantageous in hot weather since it’s machine washable for easy care at home.
"AirSense Tucked Easy Pants," 4,990 yen (tax included)
Similarly, UNIQLO: The "AirSense Tucked Easy Pants" featured in line C is a slack type characterized by a single tuck and a relaxed fit around the waist.
The tapered silhouette and the center crease work together to create a sleek leg line.
It seems versatile for a wide range of scenes, whether paired with the "AirSense Blazer" or worn alone.
"The waist features an elastic design with a drawcord, providing a comfortable wearing experience similar to that of easy pants."
"AirSense Jacket Relaxed Fit," 6,990 yen (tax included)
In the women's collection, the "AirSense Jacket Relaxed Fit" stands out.
Featuring a relaxed silhouette that can be worn like a cardigan, its casual design with two buttons and patch pockets creates a relaxed vibe.
In addition to the functional qualities of the AirSense material, it is also equipped with UV cut features to protect against ultraviolet rays.

A Uniform for Urbanites that Combines Comfort & Elegance

Since the pandemic, the demand for comfortable clothing has increased significantly. Daily wear has begun to possess functionality akin to sportswear, while sportswear has expanded its realm into lifestyle. The boundaries between the two are increasingly becoming blurred.
“Various brands are creating clothing that merges daily wear and sportswear, but UNIQLO takes pride in achieving high levels in both functionality of materials and appearance.”
Users have expressed sentiments such as, “I was amazed by its extreme lightness and ease of movement,” and “It’s wrinkle-resistant, making traveling comfortable.”
“That said, the recognition of the AirSense series abroad is still limited. Just like with HeatTech, I am confident that once people try it on, they will appreciate its functionality. Moving forward, we will continue to update the materials and strengthen our promotional efforts overseas.”
The wearing comfort is similar to sportswear, yet it presents itself as neatly as a wool jacket. “AirSense” is spreading across the globe.

Text by Ryota Osujo

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