The Uniqlo x NEEDLES collaboration has arrived, uniting two Japanese brands that rarely partner with others. This first-time meeting between the retail giant and the cult Tokyo label centers on fleece – that everyday fabric both brands have made their own. The collection launches globally this week.
Keizo Shimizu doesn’t collaborate often. The founder of the NEPENTHES store and the NEEDLES brand has spent decades building his fashion empire from a small studio in Tokyo’s Jingumae district. Since establishing NEPENTHES in 1988 and NEEDLES seven years later, Shimizu has maintained strict control over his vision.
UNIQLO convinced Shimizu to reimagine their signature fleece pieces through his distinctive lens. The result is clothing that feels both familiar and fresh — practical pieces with unexpected details that fashion insiders will recognize immediately.
The collection consists of three pieces: A zip-up fleece jacket, an oversized cardigan, and wide-leg pants. Each comes in four colors: black, gray, beige, and purple. The purple shade stands out as a NEEDLES signature that rarely appears in Uniqlo’s typically neutral palette.
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Shimizu’s approach to the collaboration was straightforward. He took Uniqlo’s existing fleece templates and incorporated NEEDLES’ visual codes. The butterfly motif that NEEDLES fans know well appears subtly throughout. Track-inspired side stripes run down the pants. The proportions are slightly wider and longer, reflecting the vintage pieces from the 1970s that inspire much of NEEDLES’ work.
This approach is clearly seen in the fleece jacket. Uniqlo’s technical expertise with the fabric meets Shimizu’s eye for proportion. The relaxed cut is not overly fitted or oversized. Small details matter here: the zipper pull, pocket placement, and collar stand.
The cardigan comes in two versions. One is solid and the other is striped. Both feature NEEDLES’s signature relaxed fit, adapted to Uniqlo’s production standards. The striping pattern comes directly from NEEDLES’ archives and has been scaled to work with fleece rather than the brand’s usual materials.
Wide-leg pants complete the collection. The silhouette stays true to NEEDLES’ aesthetic while remaining wearable for Uniqlo’s broader customer base. Tonal side stripes add visual interest without overwhelming the design. The fit works equally well for men and women, continuing both brands’ move toward unisex clothing.
The timing feels right. Fleece has moved beyond outdoor gear to become a fashion staple. Younger consumers seek pieces that work for city life and weekend getaways. This collection meets that need while adding design credibility through the NEEDLES connection.
Pricing follows Uniqlo’s accessible model. The jacket retails for under $60, the cardigan for $50, and the pants for $40. These prices make Shimizu’s designs accessible to customers who might never shop at NEPENTHES or purchase NEEDLES’s mainline pieces.
Distribution will follow Uniqlo’s global network. The pieces will first launch in Japan, then roll out to stores in North America, Europe, and Asia. Online availability ensures that customers worldwide can access the collection.
