Cold mornings are back, and wardrobes face a test: keep costs down while staying warm, dry and presentable from desk to doorstep.
That’s the promise behind Uniqlo’s new Warm Lined Trousers, a £39.90 pair designed to take the edge off winter without sacrificing everyday polish.
What you’re getting for £39.90
Uniqlo has built a reputation for pragmatic clothing that nods to trends without fuss. This winter release follows that brief. On the outside, the trousers read like relaxed chinos with a wide leg and a clean front. Inside, a full fleece lining traps heat without bulk. A water‑repellent finish beads off light rain. Drawcords at each hem let you cinch the leg closer when the wind bites or when you hop on a bike.
Fleece lining, water‑repellent shell and adjustable hems aim to keep legs warm and drier on wet, cold days.
Pockets are practical rather than token. There’s a roomy, popper‑fastened pocket on each side, plus a discreet zipped pocket on the right for keys or a card. An elasticated waistband sits flat for comfort under knitwear and coats. The cut stays smarter than joggers, which broadens where and how you can wear them.
Key specs at a glance
- Price: £39.90
- Lining: full fleece interior with heat‑retention fabric
- Finish: water‑repellent (not a rainstorm shell)
- Hem: adjustable drawcords for a snugger fit
- Pockets: two large popper pockets, one zipped security pocket
- Sizes: XXS to XXL
- Colours: olive, black, brown and natural
How they compare with jeans in winter
| Consideration | Warm lined trousers | Jeans |
|---|---|---|
| Warmth | Fleece lining retains body heat | Unlined denim runs cold in wind |
| Rain response | Water‑repellent beads light showers | Denim soaks and stays damp |
| Drying time | Faster to dry after drizzle | Slow to dry once saturated |
| Office‑friendliness | Chino‑like look, smart casual | Casual, workplace dependent |
| Adjustability | Hem drawcords block drafts | No adjustability |
Early shopper verdict
The trousers are new for autumn, and first reviews lean positive. Buyers praise the contrast between a sleek exterior and a cosy feel, noting that the lining adds warmth without ballooning the silhouette. Several mention that the elastic waist wears comfortably for commuting or long days, and that the water‑repellent fabric takes care of passing showers. One cyclist even reported feeling comfortable during a wet ride. Fit comments suggest they run true to size, with enough room for movement and layers.
Early feedback highlights warmth without bulk, a neat fit, and pockets that actually carry more than a phone.
Where they shine—and where they don’t
Strengths you notice immediately
- Heat you can feel when the wind picks up, especially around the thighs where jeans chill fastest.
- Drawcord hems help on platforms, on bikes and in drafts near the ankle.
- Security pocket reduces the risk of dropped keys or cards during cold‑fingered rummaging.
- Colour range that pairs cleanly with winter boots and neutral knitwear.
Limits worth keeping in mind
- Water‑repellent is not waterproof. Prolonged rain will get through at seams and fabric.
- Fleece can feel warm indoors, so you may want lighter layers up top when heating is on.
- Wide legs need the hem adjusted on very windy days to avoid flapping.
Cost per wear: the 83p test
Price is only half the story in winter. If you wear them three times a week across a 16‑week cold spell, that’s 48 outings. At £39.90, the cost per wear lands near 83p. Stretch those wears into March or add evening dog walks and that figure sinks further. Not every item clears that bar; lined trousers tend to get heavy rotation because they solve a daily problem—cold legs—without fuss.
Fit, sizes and who they suit
The cut reads as modern‑casual: straight to wide through the leg, with an unobtrusive waistline. Sizes run from XXS to XXL, which covers a broad range. If you sit between sizes, the elastic waist offers a margin of comfort. The drawcord hem lets shorter wearers avoid puddling over trainers, and taller wearers can leave the leg open over boots. The neutral colours play nicely with navy wool coats, black puffers and camel knits.
Care, water protection and longevity
Water‑repellent fabrics shed light rain thanks to a durable water‑repellent (DWR) finish. Machine washing can reduce beading over time. Wash cool, skip fabric softener, and tumble on low heat to help reactivate the finish. If beading fades after several cycles, a spray‑on DWR top‑up restores performance. Brush off dry mud rather than scrubbing, and empty the zipped pocket before washing to protect the zip.
How to style them for a British winter
- Commute ready: pair olive with a navy merino jumper, black Chelsea boots and a long mac.
- Weekend walk: black trousers, quilted liner jacket, beanie and waterproof trainers; cinch the hem for puddles.
- Office casual: brown with a crisp Oxford shirt and leather trainers; keep the silhouette tidy with the flat waistband.
What to pair underneath
The fleece lining makes a base layer optional, but a thin thermal tight on sub‑zero mornings adds insurance without bulk. Uniqlo’s own heat‑retention base layers are designed to sit close to the skin and work with lined shells. Keep socks wool‑rich to manage moisture and heat around the ankle.
Buying pointers before you part with £39.90
- Sit, squat and climb a few steps in the fitting room to check rise and thigh ease.
- Test the hem drawcords with your usual shoes to see where the fabric breaks.
- Use the zipped pocket with a single key or card to avoid bulging.
- Check the inside seam finish for comfort against bare skin if you skip base layers.
Who will get the most value
Commuters who queue on outdoor platforms, school‑run parents, dog walkers and anyone who cycles in drizzle stand to benefit. If your workplace steers away from denim, the chino‑adjacent look makes these easier to wear Monday to Friday. If you spend long hours indoors with heating high, consider a lighter knit up top to balance the extra leg warmth.
One last point on expectations: these trousers handle cold, daily showers and the odd blustery walk. For driving rain or hill hikes, you’ll still want a waterproof shell over the top. Think of them as a practical upgrade to your usual trousers rather than a replacement for technical rainwear. That, paired with the accessible price and broad sizing, explains why they’re rising up winter shopping lists already.
Water‑repellent isn’t waterproof—how soggy do they get in a proper downpour? Also, does the DWR still bead after a few washes, or are we re‑spraying by week 2? Been burnt by “drizzle-proof” claims befroe.