The Best Place to Buy Clothes as a Digital Nomad

As a digital nomad who lives out of a suitcase and washes her clothes frequently, my clothing needs to be functional, durable, and stylish. After years on the road, I’ve discovered that Uniqlo, the Japanese retail giant, is hands-down the best place to buy clothes. And here’s why.

Versatility is key when you’re living out of a suitcase, and this is where Uniqlo really excels. Their clothing lines focus on simple, classic designs that I can easily mix and match. This allows me to create multiple outfits from a limited number of pieces, which is essential when I need to pack efficiently. 

Durability is another critical factor for me as a frequent traveler, and Uniqlo doesn’t disappoint. I’ve found their clothes to be made of high-quality materials with excellent construction, ensuring they can withstand the constant wear and tear. This longevity is particularly valuable to me because I don’t always have easy access to good clothing stores, nor do I want to shop frequently. Uniqlo’s clothing is built to last and saves me both money and precious packing space in the long run.

I’m always amazed by Uniqlo’s attention to clothing technology. Their AIRism line has been a game-changer for me, offering lightweight, moisture-wicking materials perfect for hot climates or long days on the move. When I’m heading to colder destinations, I rely on the HEATTECH range for thin, warm layers, which come in regular, extra warm, and ultra warm. When I go skiing or walk outside in winter, I simply put on a layer of ultra warm HEATTECH (the shirt and pants) and feel warm enough to stay outside for much longer periods of time. I should caveat this by saying that HEATTECH is not waterproof so I wear it under a waterproof layer when skiing. These innovations mean I can stay comfortable in many different environments without lugging around bulky clothing items.

As someone who needs to watch my budget, I also appreciate Uniqlo’s affordability. While the quality of their clothing rivals that of many higher-end brands I’ve tried, the prices remain reasonable. This balance of quality and cost is invaluable. There are fancier brands out there that make better thermal clothing, for example, but not at such good prices.     

The global presence of Uniqlo also makes it really convenient. I can easily restock or replace items as needed, knowing I’ll find consistent sizing and styles wherever I go. This familiarity provides a comforting constant in the ever-changing landscape of my nomadic life. I will say, however, that Uniqlo is about 30-50% cheaper if you buy it in Japan vs. elsewhere. 

My favorite Uniqlo clothing items are their wrinkle-free dresses, classic black long-sleeved shirts, stylish cotton pants with pockets, and the ultra warm HEATTECH. But my absolute favorite has to be the Uniqlo round mini shoulder bag, the bag that TikTok called “the bag to end all bags.” It is washable, fits such a large amount of things into it, and can be worn across the shoulder to keep things safe while traveling. It is so handy that I have even seen men wearing it and have started conversations with people around the world who have my bag in the same color.  

With its focus on durability, technical innovation, and affordability, Uniqlo has become my go-to place to shop for clothes. By providing a range of high-quality basics that can withstand the demands of my constant travel, Uniqlo allows me to focus on my work and experiences, rather than worrying about my wardrobe. For me, it’s the ideal place to buy clothes as a digital nomad. If you’ve never checked out one of their stores, I encourage you to give Uniqlo a try.