After using the UNIQLO AirSense Blazer for five years, I decided to let it go.
When I bought it, it was called the Kando Jacket in Japan.
I was very satisfied with its functionality.
It’s lightweight, stretchy, and easy to maintain.
Still, I eventually decided to part with it.
I previously worked at UNIQLO in Australia for about three and a half years.
In this article, I’ll share the pros and cons of the AirSense Blazer based on my five years of experience, along with some insights from my time as a UNIQLO employee.
I’ll also explain why I ultimately decided to let it go.
The AirSense Blazer From a Former UNIQLO Employee’s Perspective
The AirSense Blazer is an interesting product in UNIQLO’s lineup.
It’s not a flagship product like HEATTECH or AIRism.
It doesn’t receive nearly as much attention or promotion.
Yet, it has remained a staple in UNIQLO’s collection, receiving small updates year after year.
When I worked at UNIQLO, I remember it quietly sitting in a corner of the store.
It wasn’t particularly eye-catching, but it was always there.
That’s how I remember the AirSense Blazer.
Three Key Features of the UNIQLO AirSense Blazer
The biggest strength of the AirSense Blazer is its functionality.
There are three features that particularly stand out.
1. Excellent Stretch
The AirSense Blazer was developed in collaboration with Toray, a Japanese textile manufacturer.
It uses performance-oriented fabrics, primarily made from polyester, to achieve excellent stretch.
When you actually wear it, the difference in mobility compared to a conventional jacket is noticeable.
Even when moving your arms, the fabric doesn’t feel restrictive.
It’s so comfortable that you almost forget you’re wearing a jacket.
Another interesting feature is that the polyester fabric is designed to resemble natural materials such as wool or cotton.
However, I’ll discuss the fabric’s appearance and texture in more detail later.
2. Extremely Lightweight
Another major feature is its weight.
Compared to a conventional jacket, the AirSense Blazer is remarkably lightweight.
You notice the difference not only when holding it but also when wearing it.
It barely feels like you’re wearing a jacket.
This is particularly useful during summer.
Even in hot weather, it’s relatively comfortable to throw on.
3. Machine Washable
Another advantage of the AirSense Blazer is that it can be washed at home.
Conventional wool jackets often require dry cleaning.
In contrast, the AirSense Blazer can be washed at home by following the care instructions.
However, I never actually washed mine at home.
Therefore, I can’t comment on how well it maintains its shape or how the fabric changes after washing.
Still, being designed for home washing is a significant advantage for everyday use.
How I Used It: A Jacket to Keep at the Office
For me, the AirSense Blazer was something I kept at the office.
Whenever I had an unexpected online meeting or needed to wear a jacket for a business meeting, I could simply throw it on.
For this purpose, it worked extremely well.
First, I didn’t have to worry too much about how I handled it.
With an expensive wool jacket, you tend to be more careful about storage and stains.
But with the AirSense Blazer, I didn’t need to be nearly as cautious.
Another advantage was that it was lightweight and relatively cool to wear.
Especially during summer, simply putting on a jacket can feel uncomfortable.
The AirSense Blazer made those situations much more manageable.
Whenever I needed a jacket, I could just grab it and put it on.
For that purpose, I think it’s an extremely practical product.
Why I Sold It After Five Years
As I’ve explained so far, I was very satisfied with the AirSense Blazer’s functionality.
Nevertheless, after five years, I decided to let it go.
There were three main reasons.
1. The Fabric Still Looks Like Polyester
The first thing that bothered me was the fabric’s appearance and texture.
The AirSense Blazer is designed to resemble natural materials such as wool or cotton, despite being made primarily from polyester.
However, after using it for years, I still felt that it looked and felt like polyester.
This was particularly noticeable with the navy version.
Depending on the lighting, the synthetic appearance of the fabric became quite obvious.
On the other hand, I find this less noticeable with gray.
In fact, I still own a pair of gray AirSense Pants, which were sold as Kando Pants in Japan.
I’ve never owned the gray blazer, but based on my experience with the pants, I personally prefer the appearance of the gray fabric.
2. The Silhouette Is Too Ordinary
Another thing that bothered me was the silhouette.
The AirSense Blazer has a very conventional fit.
It’s neither too slim nor too loose.
I think it’s a shape that works for many people.
However, I found it a little underwhelming.
What bothered me most was the lack of three-dimensional structure.
The overall silhouette feels somewhat flat, without the beautiful shape and structure I appreciate in a well-designed jacket.
Of course, this comes down to personal preference.
Some people simply want a practical jacket for work and don’t care much about its design.
But for me, silhouette and design are important aspects of clothing.
Over time, I became increasingly aware of this limitation.
3. It Wasn’t Something I Grew More Attached to Over Time
The biggest reason I eventually let go of the AirSense Blazer was discovering another jacket.
I found a cotton jacket from WORKERS, a Japanese clothing brand.
I much preferred its silhouette and design.
The difference was significant.
Another appealing feature was its cotton fabric.
As cotton ages, it gradually develops signs of wear and a unique character.
The fabric changes over time, becoming more personal with use.
I really appreciate that kind of aging.
And I realized that this was exactly what I wanted from a jacket.
Something I could wear casually without worrying too much about it.
But also something that would develop character the longer I owned it.
The AirSense Blazer is an extremely functional product.
However, for me, it wasn’t something I became more attached to over time.
So I decided to replace it with the WORKERS jacket.
I’ll review that jacket in a separate article.
Final Verdict: Excellent Functionality, but Little Emotional Appeal
After using the AirSense Blazer for five years, what impressed me most was its functionality.
It’s lightweight.
It’s stretchy.
And it can be washed at home.
As an everyday jacket, I think it’s an extremely well-designed product.
I would particularly recommend it to anyone looking for a practical jacket for work.
However, I found the fabric’s appearance and silhouette somewhat disappointing.
And personally, it wasn’t something I grew more attached to over time.
Something can be highly functional without necessarily being something you want to own for years.
That’s what I realized after five years with the AirSense Blazer.
If I Were Buying One Today
If I were buying an AirSense Blazer today, I would consider the gray version.
Based on my experience, gray seems to make the synthetic appearance of the fabric less noticeable than navy.
However, since I’ve never actually owned the gray blazer, I recommend checking the fabric in person before buying.
Another thing worth knowing is that UNIQLO regularly updates the AirSense Blazer.
When a new version is introduced, older models sometimes go on sale.
If you’re not in a hurry, waiting for one of these sales could be a good way to save money.
For anyone who prioritizes functionality, I think the AirSense Blazer is still an excellent option.
See More of What I Use in Everyday Life
On this blog, I mainly review products I’ve actually used for years.
I also document my daily life on YouTube and Instagram, including work, reading, and everyday routines.
If you’re interested in seeing how the things I write about fit into my life, you can find more there.
