There's a Reason Style Nerds Love Uniqlo U So Much

Not to tip our cards or anything, but we're going to let you in on the fashion world's worst-kept secret: Menswear editors love—and I mean love—Uniqlo U. You can trace this impulse to two distinct but equally important influences. The first, of course, is Uniqlo. If you're into great clothes and you don't have a whole lot of money in your pocket, it's the go-to spot. One trip to the Japan-based brand's store or site, and you can lay down a little dough and score jeans and oxford-cloth button-downs and military-inspired parkas that have no business being as good as they are for the price point. The second is a seemingly universal regard for the designs Christophe Lemaire, who heads up Uniqlo U and blends utilitarianism and chicness like no other in his work for the brand.

Put 'em together, and you've got Uniqlo U, which gives folks the chance to tap into Lemaire's design ethos without worrying about making rent next month. And this week, we're greeted with the latest collection from Uniqlo U, a functional-but-fashionable lineup of clothes made to fend off spring showers, layer together perfectly, and generally make you look cooler than you are.

"This season focused on modular garments to layer and build upon—different silhouettes that offer protection and layering for warmth and versatility," Lemaire said in an email to Esquire. "There are a lot of hidden hoods and pockets for better utility and function, and jersey linings for ultimate comfort."

Offered in a range of muted neutrals and earth tones that look much pricier than they are—"a beautiful color is not more expensive than a common color," Lemaire explained—the collection is at once familiar and just different enough that you'll want to clear space in your closet to make room for some new additions. "Good clothing should be like a good friend," Lemaire said. "They can help us when we don’t feel good or confident. It should be there to make you feel protected—and a better version of yourself.”

We rounded up 18 examples of pieces that do just that below. If you know what's good for you, you'll buy 'em before we do.