Uniqlo Black Silk Shirt(s)

Thursday, 9 October 2014


Hmmmm. Now this is an interesting one. The Uniqlo pocket silk shirt that I ordered arrived and I had really high hopes for it based on my previous experiences of their silk shirts. And ... it didn't deliver. Why? It was nothing to do with the silk itself - it just wasn't a great fit on me. Or maybe the one I received wasn't a good one? Going by the reviews which all said the shirt was quite loose fitting, I thought I would have no problems with the size small that I ordered. I'd had no problems with my previous ones, so I didn't expect this one to fit any different. However ....

1. It was snug on the sleeves.



2. It gaped at the bust.



3. The buttons were positioned in such a way that with a few buttons undone, it looked either too prudish or too brazen.



4. It just didn't fit as nicely as my previous ones. A little neater and not as flowy which is what I was hoping for.



.... but I'm inclined to think it was just that particular shirt I got that wasn't quite right. I had a little chat with my niece as she ordered one as well and we agreed about the positioning of the buttons but whereas she found it too flowy, I found it too neat. I also have love handles. She does not.

But all is not lost! I also ordered the placket version of the silk blouse (I had been deliberating over both for some time) and this was much much better hence the fact that I think the pocket shirt was an odd dud one. The fit on the placket shirt was just right (you just know when you put something on and it immediately feels good) and even though the button positions were similar, it doesn't feel as brazen if that cheeky extra button was left undone. Infact because of the placket, I can even sew in a sneaky little snap fastener to protect my modesty and no one would be any the wiser.

So look ... no gaping!


Look. Looser on the sleeves!



Look. Looser through the body!




Much better - agreed? This one's a keeper. I had it in mind for a night out soon and I don't doubt it will earn it's keep beyond that. So, all's well that end's well - we got there!


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Last Note :

  • Did anyone else order any of the Uniqlo silk shirts and out of curiosity how did you get on?
  • The pocket shirt looks a bit messier as I didn't iron it before I took the photos. I gave the placket one a quick iron as I knew that one was staying because of the fit and just wanted to get a better feel for how the shirt should look without creases.



32 comments

  1. The second one just hangs perfectly- you can tell even from the pictures. The first one would always be a little "off" and bug you. Send that thing right back!

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    1. The first one with the pockets is going back without a shadow of a doubt - it would bug me that it wasn't as I wanted and there's no room for those items which are nearly there. I'm sure it was a glitchy one as all the size smalls I've had to date have fitted nice and flowing.

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  2. Loving the second one. The pocket one....hum...would never go for that one myself as I'm...ahem...blessed in the tit department so anything drawing attention to those assets is a no-no.

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    1. I'd forgotten about the ladies who are more blessed in the chest region and you definitely could do without that extra something drawing attention to them ... unless that was the idea?

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  3. Placket but not stand collar (I don't like stand collars on myself too much) is nice. How's the sheerness? It doesn't look bad in these photos, but I've looked at some of the silk shirts in person and the beige and white seemed a lot more sheer.

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    1. I contemplated the stand collar one as well as I saw MiH had a nice one on the Outnet a little while back for 3 times the price. But at the end of the day, you can't and shouldn't be influenced solely by something which looks like a dupe for a designer item. It's got to work for you and flatter your body and your budget.

      And as for the ones in the paler colour way - I've not seen them in real life but in general, the lighter colours in white/ivory and beige do tend to be a little sheerer. The dark ones usually look a little more expensive consequently. Having said that, my ivory white spotty silk one is not sheer or not that I've noticed.

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  4. I ordered the placket one in cream size small after reading your blog the other day. I've been looking for a classic cream shirt for ages. The fit is great on me, I measured one of my shirts and compared measurements on the web but still expected it not to fit my urangutan arms but it does, it fits across my shoulders and over my boobs, I'm 5'8" and nearly always have arm length problems in clothes. So thank you Sue it's an absolute winner! I might order the navy too xx

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    1. And it's not too sheer? I'm asking because Kristina above mentions they can be a little sheer the paler ones. I'm glad to hear the shirt worked out for you as you're nearly half a foot taller than me. My sleeves are a fraction long but I never wear them down anyway so they don't bother me. And if I were you and you think you're on to something good, get the navy if the offer is still on and you know you're going to wear it. You'll kick yourself afterwards otherwise.

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    2. It's not so sheer that I'm uncomfortable with it but I do need a flesh coloured plain bra with it. Just looked for the navy on line and I can't find it! Will have to wait till I get home to look x

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  5. The second one is gorgeous on you Sue, love it the perfect fit, I think I may order the cream one as I think it would be really useful x

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    1. The cream sounds popular. I'm so scared of getting a cream one dirty though that I haven't even contemplated it. I can handle my ivory one with the navy spots as they are a great distraction for any stains though. If you do, let us know how you get on. Pockets or placket though?

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  6. Oh I need one of those in my wardrobe - second one all the way. Isn't it strange that with a company as big as Uniqlo, you can get strange sizing like that. Ax

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    1. It is isn't it Avril? But I would say 3 out of 4 their silk shirts which I have purchased have been spot on now so only one glitchy one so far! You just can't tell!

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  7. Mine just arrived and is exactly like your first one. A bit gape -ey and annoying pockets. However, I'm keeping it as its a really nice lilac shade and I'm in Dublin so posting returns is always more expensive than I expect. And we NEVER get the free delivery and returns offers. Poor us! First World problems eh?

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    1. I wasn't 100 percent sure about the pockets hence the fact that I ordered the placket one as well. But yes the gape is somewhat annoying but avoidable if you don't mind being brazen ;o) And I didn't know that you got such a raw deal over there with the Uniqlo delivery and offers - I just assumed everyone benefitted.

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  8. I ordered the M in the pocket one and therefore my sleeves are a nice fit. However, I been messing with the buttons myself, I think I will be brazen and open the extra one. I do love the plain one on ....... I am going for another try on to be sure.

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    1. So what conclusion did you come to about the shirt? Is the pocket one a keeper or are you going for a plainer style?

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  9. Love the second one on you, Sue. It just hangs perfectly. Gorgeous! It's funny how little details make or break a shirt. Lynne x

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    1. Yes I wasn't sure if the placket one was going to be too plain but once it's on, it works. And yep - the fit of something is so important to how you feel in something and how it looks.

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  10. I prefer the second one too Sue! I think it's the same shape as the spotty Uniqlo one I bought a while back which I find super flattering. I just wish there was a Uniqlo closer to me as I prefer to try a couple of the same sizes in the thing to make sure I get the perfect one for me, mind you I bet my husband is glad there isn't as it would probably cost him dearly! xx

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    1. I would be deadly if there was a Uniqlo near me - I just love good basics. But I would most certainly have a field day trying on everything to ascertain the perfect fit. And the finish on the jeans is really hard to work out online - that's definitely one for in store.

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  11. Black is too harsh for me so I am very jealous of you being able to wear because they look so good. What a shame about the Uniqlo shirt

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    1. Now that you mention it, I very rarely see you in black. I have a sister who looks strange when she wears black ... just like me when I wear pink.

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  12. How weird that they would fit so dramatically differently! Because it really does look dramatic. That first one is a total dud and the second one is beautiful!

    www.nomadicd.com

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    1. Very weird! I didn't expect such a difference and I wasn't sure if they had altered their cut until I tried the placket one and that one fitted fine. Fingers crossed for me that I get to experience some Everlane magic next year!

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    2. You headed Stateside or is Everlane starting to ship abroad? My mom just brought me a ton of stuff when she came to visit and I am in Everlane heaven right now. You will love it!

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    3. No but I have a friend stateside who helps me out with anything over there that I can't get over here. I've got a small Everlane order going currently and if that all works out, then I'm in the market for some more stuff if she's obliging!

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  13. I made a decision a few weeks ago after seeing a nice black top in Marks that I need some black tops and a shirt would be perfect but I fancy the second one you have after your review of the first. The placket one looks fab on you x

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    1. The second one would definitely be more flattering - less going on. They are definitely worth a try and not too long for even us shorties.

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  14. Such a shame that the pocket silk blouse wasn't the right fit - but I have to say I think that the placket version looks SO much better. It's a lot less fussy. I've got the placket blouse in cream with black spots and it's so easy to look after. Will you be buying any more? They're quite good for those in between seasons

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    1. Not a worry about the pocket blouse - the placket one worked out just dandy. I can't say I will be buying anymore currently, I have 6-7 silk shirts altogether (three of them at least 10 years old) so I will be getting my wear out of these ones hopefully. But yes, they are so easy to wear and look after. I find silk shirts particularly fab under a cardigan or jumper - less bulky and very warm actually.

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  15. I tried both of these on in store and found the same as you. In fact, I tried both in all the colours I could find and none of the pocketed ones were a good fit, so think they are all a bit dodge, not just the one you tried! Bit of a shame as it looked like the perfect dupe for the equipment one.

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Susie So So