On the 25th, UNIQLO held a press conference to announce its 2013 Fall/Winter "ULTRA LIGHT DOWN" and "HEATTECH" collections. Design Director Naoki Takizawa spoke about the product development process, while Shuichi Nakajima, Fast Retailing's Director and General Manager of Product Development, gave a product presentation. The ultra-lightweight Ultra Light Down (priced from ¥3,990 to ¥7,990) has been evolved into a "mobile wear" concept, with each jacket including a compact, portable pouch. In addition to the traditional zippered front, a new collarless cardigan-style item, the "Compact Down," with a buttoned front closure, is also available this season. At just 79g, this is the lightest light down jacket ever. Furthermore, thanks to Toray's technology, transfer printing is now possible, expanding the color and pattern options available for patterns like denim and herringbone, instead of the traditional silkscreen printing. A total of 12 styles and approximately 160 colors and patterns will be available for both men and women.

The concept of HEATTECH (priced from 990 to 1,500 yen) is "another skin." A new product, "HEATTECH Extra Warm," will be released in November, boasting 1.5 times the warmth of conventional HEATTECH. This season, "Women's HEATTECH" will use fibers infused with camellia oil, developed by Toray. Because the fibers themselves are treated, the oil will not wash off. Instead, it has a smooth, supple feel, similar to the skincare cream you apply after a bath. The "HEATTECH Family," which goes beyond the boundaries of innerwear and includes sweaters, fleece, dresses, leggings, and corduroy pants, will also be introduced, bringing the total to approximately 250 items.

Sales targets for both items will not be disclosed from this season. However, Nakajima said, "Heattech is a very important product for Uniqlo as it has a big impact on sales, so we have increased production compared to last year."

In addition, "Airism," which has cooling and drying properties and was only sold until summer last year, will be sold year-round from this season.