This striped Uniqlo piece for less than $40 is already dethroning the sweatshirt at the start of the school year

The last rays of sunshine are still here, but the desire for back-to-school looks is already starting to set in. Between two afterworks on the terrace, many are looking for the piece capable of replacing the sweatshirt without losing comfort, while gaining in style. What if, this year, the sweatshirt was no longer the reflex piece to face the cool September mornings?

Worn on the Miu Miu catwalks and brought back to the forefront by brands like Lacoste, the striped polo sweater is coming back to the forefront. The Japanese brand Uniqlo is riding this wave with a striped model designed for fall-winter 2026-2027, designed for real life: office, lecture hall, weekend. The promise is a simple but very effective idea.

Why the Uniqlo striped polo sweater is better than the back-to-school sweatshirt

A sweatshirt instantly gives a very casual look, sometimes almost pure sportswear. The polo sweater keeps the comfortable spirit of the sweatshirt, but adds a collar, a button placket and a more structured knit which frames the face and better outlines the build. On jeans or straight pants, the level of outfit immediately goes to the next level.

Back-to-school time often calls for “casual chic” looks: we want to stay comfortable, while still being presentable at the office or in class. The striped long-sleeved polo shirt meets exactly this need. The sportswear world has taken on a huge place, and this type of hybrid piece allows you to mix sneakers, moccasins, school skirts or tailored pants without giving the impression of being in sportswear.

The Uniqlo striped polo sweater that will mark fall-winter 2026-2027

In its new collection, Uniqlo offers a white and beige striped long-sleeved polo sweater that ticks all the boxes for the back-to-school piece. Made from a classic pique fabric, it features a flat knit collar with button placket, ribbed cuffs and side slits. Available from XXS to XXL at a price of $29.90, it asserts itself as a new timeless addition to the fall wardrobe.

Another option for those who prefer a warmer look: a brown and red striped polo sweater, in a material described as decidedly soft and featuring a skipper collar. Also available from XXS to XXL, it is priced at $39.90. These two models form a very complementary duo for fall and winter, with stripes that are sometimes neutral, sometimes more assertive.

Look ideas to adopt the Uniqlo striped polo sweater without moderation

For the week, the simplest combo remains the striped polo sweater with raw straight jeans and a pair of moccasins. You can add a fashion touch with visible socks in a bright red or buttery yellow that match the stripes. Another very tucked-in option: combine it with a short schoolgirl-style skirt and sneakers or moccasins, for an unapologetic preppy spirit.

On the weekend or on a relaxing day, the striped polo sweater works perfectly with wide-leg pants and a pair of sneakers. For a more dressy date, simply slip it into straight or flare-cut tailored pants: the knit remains comfortable, but the look becomes much more elegant. A unique piece, several style scenarios, without the need to change tops.

What is the price of the Uniqlo striped polo sweater for back to school?

The white and beige striped model is priced at $29.90, while the brown and red version with skipper collar is priced at $39.90.

What sizes are available for the Uniqlo striped polo sweater?

The two Uniqlo striped polo sweaters are available from XXS to XXL, covering a wide range of silhouettes.

With which pieces to wear the Uniqlo striped polo sweater in fall-winter 2026-2027?

It can be easily worn with straight jeans, a short schoolgirl-style skirt, wide-leg pants or tailored pants, accompanied by sneakers or moccasins.

Sources

  • Marie France

    “Uniqlo, better than the sweatshirt, this striped polo sweater is the perfect piece for back to school to wear without moderation”

  • Marie France

    “Uniqlo: better than a sweatshirt, this comfortable and ultra chic sweater will follow you everywhere come back to school”