The idea of layering is a concept foreign to many Filipinos. That is, until they go on their first overseas trip and realize how it helps one deal with the sudden drop in temperature. A light jacket is fine for Baguio-like weather but sometimes, only layers can help ward off the chill. In the past, one had to go to different stores or, in a bind, borrow a trench coat, puffer or quilted jacket from someone with a similar build. Accessories like mittens, warm gloves and tightly knitted bonnets were also hard to come by unless one was open to buying from a shop selling overruns or previously owned pieces. The arrival of the Japanese apparel brand Uniqlo in 2012 helped take out the guesswork out of layering. It sold many of the elements needed for a trip to a cold-weather country from thermal underwear and heat-retaining pullovers to down jackets and fleece coats. Now, tech-savvy customers can even put together a virtual wardrobe by clicking on the Uniqlo app (uniqlo.com). By typing in the country they plan to visit and the month they will be there, the app can suggest pieces designed to work together. At the flagship store in Glorietta, there is a large touchscreen where visitors can try out the app for themselves. It reminded one of that opening scene in the 1995 movie “Clueless” where Cher (Alicia Silverstone) picks out her OOTD, the now iconic plaid yellow jacket with matching mini skirt. While the process of putting on and doffing the different components during the day can get tedious, trying them on at the store can be a fun experience. This year, their full-zip fleece jackets come in classic solids with raglan sleeves or color-blocked such as black and gray, and brown and beige. It’s a piece worth considering as the brand has been making and updating this particular line since 1994. They also have pile-lined fleece blousons, button-up pullovers, oversized hoodies and a range of down jackets in varying weights and hefts. One reads from their in-store magazine LifeWear that the down and feathers used in their products is “sourced exclusively from waterfowl raised under strict ethical standards.” For their fall-winter 2026 collection, Uniqlo only used feathers from three Chinese facilities. According to the article, “China produces about 40,000 tons of down yearly yet only the top 10 percent of this satisfies Uniqlo’s exacting standards.” The new collection from Uniqlo is available in stores and online. Hoodie day This weekend, Gap is celebrating the hoodie with its Gap Hoodie Day. To mark the occasion, the brand launched a limited edition reversible logo hoodie. Featuring two wearable looks in one, and crafted from Gap’s heavyweight structured fleece, the special-edition style offers a fresh take on a classic icon. Gap collaborated with Filipino artist Denzel Chang to create limited-edition iron-on patches that can be added to the hoodie as a means of expression. Also this weekend, the brand has a buy one, get one promo on all Gap logo styles. All items emblazoned with the Gap logo are included in the promo. Online shoppers (gap.com.ph) can also avail themselves of a 40 percent discount on logo items like the t-shirts, joggers and even the hoodies.