When it comes to rain jackets, we often find ourselves stuck with bright, fluorescent colors and flashy designs that are more suited for signaling in an emergency than for daily use. Sure, a neon yellow jacket might be useful if you’re lost at sea, but for regular strolls around town or a casual outing, it’s not exactly ideal. Thankfully, Uniqlo understands this, and their Blocktech rain jackets strike the perfect balance between style and functionality for travelers and urbanites alike.
But does it really live up to the hype? Let’s dive in.
The Design
The Uniqlo Blocktech Parka is a simple, zip-up rain jacket that avoids the usual over-the-top designs. Gone are the flashy logos, neon stripes, and unnecessary gimmicks. Instead, you get a sleek, minimalistic piece that blends seamlessly into any setting.
The jacket has a clean front, with only small reflective squares on the back near the hips to add a bit of visibility, but they’re subtle enough to not detract from the overall look. This makes it a great choice for travelers who want to look polished, even on rainy days.
Key Features
This jacket is built with simplicity in mind. It has two zippered hand pockets, an adjustable hood, cuffs, and hem. That’s pretty much it. It’s not loaded with features like chest pockets or underarm zippers, but for many, that’s a plus. The fabric is lightweight and rolls up easily, making it perfect for packing. It weighs in at just 11 oz (312 g) for a medium, so you won’t even notice it in your bag.
The hidden zippers are a nice touch, keeping the jacket’s design streamlined and sleek. While it’s not designed to pack into its own pocket, rolling it up is quick and easy, and the jacket deploys with a simple shake of the wrist.
The Fabric: What Makes It Special?
Where this jacket truly shines is in its fabric. Uniqlo has nailed the waterproofing without sacrificing comfort or style. The fabric is soft, quiet, stretchy, lightweight, and durable. It’s a far cry from the crinkly, noisy plastic feel that most rain jackets have. The stretchiness (around 10% horizontally and 20% vertically) makes it comfortable to wear and more resistant to wear and tear over time.
The fabric also doesn’t make the annoying “crinkle” noise that so many other jackets do when you move. It’s a small detail, but one that really enhances the overall experience. The surface texture feels more natural and less slick than traditional rain jackets, and the interior is almost rubbery, providing a more pleasant feel against the skin compared to the usual plastic lining.
The Hood: A Small but Significant Flaw
As much as I love this jacket, there’s one major flaw: the hood. While it offers some protection, it doesn’t extend far enough to fully cover your face. The brim could definitely use another inch or two to make it more effective at shielding from rain. Compared to other jackets, like the Marmot rain jacket, the Blocktech Parka’s hood falls short in terms of coverage.
This is a real downside if you’re planning on wearing the jacket in heavy rain. I find myself ducking under awnings or seeking shelter when it starts pouring, which kind of defeats the purpose of having a rain jacket in the first place. A simple adjustment to the hood could elevate this jacket from great to perfect.
Other Minor Complaints
There are a couple of other minor issues worth mentioning. First, the zipper is on the left side, which may be a small inconvenience for right-handed users, though it’s a common feature in many Japanese (and East Asian) brands. Additionally, while the jacket’s cuffs are adjustable with velcro, they don’t have elastic, which can make it tricky to get the right fit.
Fit and Sizing
In terms of sizing, I found that the Blocktech Parka runs small. I usually wear a small, but I could barely get into it, and layering was nearly impossible. Going up a size fixed the issue, and the fit was much more comfortable, allowing for some room underneath.
Final Thoughts
Despite the issues with the hood, the Uniqlo Blocktech Parka is still a fantastic jacket. The fabric is a game-changer, offering a combination of waterproofing, comfort, and durability that I haven’t found in many other jackets. The minimalist design is perfect for anyone who prefers subtlety over bright, eye-catching patterns. For just $70, it’s an affordable option that performs as well as jackets costing much more.
If you’re someone who needs a rain jacket for everyday wear, casual outings, or travel, the Uniqlo Blocktech Parka is definitely worth considering—just be prepared to seek cover when the rain really starts coming down.
