Almost everyone has a few staples from Uniqlo in their closet. The Japanese retailer has mastered high-quality, ultra-practical, and affordable everyday basics, from versatile tees and lightweight jackets to the brand's innovative HEATTECH fabrics.
If you love Uniqlo’s minimalist and functional aesthetic, you’ll be happy to know that Korean fashion offers some incredible alternatives that deliver on style, quality, and value. For those looking to expand their wardrobe with some Seoul-inspired style, here are 17 Korean brands worth checking out.
While originally from Japan, MUJI has a huge footprint in Korea and shares a similar minimalist spirit with Uniqlo. MUJI offers a wide range of simple basics like tees, sweaters, and pants with an emphasis on comfort, natural fabrics, and neutral tones. Their look is clean, understated, and built for practical, everyday dressing.
Where Uniqlo champions innovative tech fabrics, MUJI leans into a more organic, eco-conscious feel with its sustainable material choices. Pricing is very comparable, with most pieces falling in the $15-$50 range, making it a perfect alternative for lovers of no-fuss, quality essentials.
Shop now at muji.com/kr
Think of 8 Seconds as the trendier, faster-moving cousin to Uniqlo. This popular Korean brand delivers affordable, fashion-forward basics that are perfect for daily wear but infused with a youthful, of-the-moment vibe. You'll find everything from casual t-shirts and hoodies to joggers and easy layering pieces in current cuts and colors.
If you find Uniqlo a bit too minimalist, 8 Seconds offers more personality with seasonal styles, bold prints, and contemporary silhouettes. With almost everything under $40, it's a go-to for stylish essentials that won't break the bank.
Shop now at 8seconds.co.kr
SPAO is a playground of affordable casualwear basics, known for its fun collaborations and energetic style. The brand offers a huge selection of everyday items like t-shirts, sweatshirts, and joggers that prioritize comfort and value. They often incorporate playful patterns and character collaborations that set them apart from more minimalist brands.
While Uniqlo focuses on timeless function, SPAO is unabashedly lively and trend-driven, appealing to a younger audience looking for comfortable closet-fillers with a bit of pop culture flair. Prices are very friendly, usually in the $10 to $40 range.
Shop now at spao.com
From Korea's top online fashion platform Musinsa, this in-house brand delivers curated everyday essentials with a clean, modern edge. Musinsa Standard focuses on high-quality fabrics for its collection of tees, hoodies, and chinos, all designed to be durable, versatile, and effortlessly stylish. The aesthetic is perfectly minimalist but with a subtle streetwear influence.
It's an excellent Uniqlo alternative for anyone wanting classic pieces that feel a bit more current and connected to today's street style trends. Pricing is just as accessible, with most items ranging from $20 to $50.
Shop now at musinsastandard.com
Covernat blends contemporary casualwear with understated streetwear style. Their collection is full of relaxed-fit shirts, basic sweaters, and versatile pants in easy-to-wear neutral tones. Known for its quality materials and subtle detailing, the brand provides durable, stylish essentials that are built to last.
Compared to Uniqlo's more classic and utilitarian focus, Covernat offers a slightly more fashion-forward point of view rooted in modern urban style. Expect to pay between $30 and $70 for most pieces, positioning it as an affordable-premium option.
Shop now at covernat.com
The North Face Korea merges high-performance outdoor gear with urban streetwear appeal, making it a go-to for functional, stylish essentials. Their lineup includes lightweight jackets, cozy fleece layers, and durable pants that are perfect for an active lifestyle or just navigating the city in comfort. The brand is beloved for its durability and technical fabrics.
This is the rugged, performance-driven version of Uniqlo. While pricier - generally in the $50-$200 range - the investment gets you superior durability and technical features for those who need their basics to do more.
Shop now at thenorthfacekorea.co.kr
Soybu Korea creates comfortable, athleisure-inspired pieces designed to move with you through your day. Their clothes emphasize soft fabrics, relaxed silhouettes, and functional designs that easily transition from a light workout to casual errands. It's all about an effortless and relaxed style perfect for daily life.
While Uniqlo’s basics are classics, Soybu's are rooted in activewear and wellness trends, giving them a distinctly modern, comfy feel. With prices mostly falling between $20-$60, it's a great choice for anyone building a comfortable wardrobe for an on-the-go lifestyle.
Shop now at soybu.co.kr
Le Coq Sportif Korea delivers sporty, athleisure basics that perfectly blend athletic performance with casual streetwear. From high-quality joggers and hoodies to performance tees, their collections use technical fabrics designed for comfort and breathability. It's a great brand for building an active, stylish wardrobe.
Unlike Uniqlo's simple basics, Le Coq Sportif's pieces have a clear sportswear identity, often featuring sleek logos and athletic details. Price points are moderate, usually between $30 and $70 for essential pieces.
Shop now at lecoqsportif.co.kr
Aimed at a younger audience, Dingdong Korea offers clean-cut staples focused on simplicity and affordability. Their collection consists mainly of no-fuss t-shirts, hoodies, and relaxed-fit pants in easy, minimal designs. The style is casual and laid-back, sharing a practical mission with Uniqlo's everyday essentials.
What sets it apart is its youthful energy and rock-bottom prices. Most items are priced under $30, making Dingdong a fantastic choice for stocking up on simple, daily-wear basics without a second thought.
Shop now at dingdong.co.kr
Kooding isn't a single brand but a fantastic retailer that curates a wide selection of Korean fashion, many of which specialize in minimalist, high-quality basics. It’s a great one-stop-shop to discover simple tees, well-made knitwear, and classic outerwear from various K-fashion labels that vibe with the Uniqlo aesthetic.
It's the perfect destination if you want to explore a broader range of styles and brands that prioritize simplicity and quality. Prices are generally accessible, falling mostly within the $20-$60 range, so you can easily find your next favorite staple piece.
Shop now at kooding.com
While known for its activewear, Andar also offers many eco-friendly, minimalist basics ideal for everyday life. The Korean brand is often compared to Lululemon, focusing on comfortable fabrics for leggings as well as organic cotton tees, hoodies, and joggers. Their aesthetic is clean and simple, appealing to shoppers who value comfort and sustainability.
While Uniqlo has its own sustainable initiatives, Andar roots its brand identity in eco-conscious materials and ethical production. Prices typically range from $20 to $50, making it an accessible and purposeful choice for your foundational pieces.
Shop now at andar.co.kr
Beyond Closet creates stylishly laid-back essentials with an elevated streetwear twist. Designed by Ko Taeyong, the brand's collections include relaxed shirts, classic crewnecks, and casual trousers, often with signature graphic patches. It takes comfortable basics and gives them a dose of high-fashion cool.
If you like Uniqlo's minimalism but want something with a bit more designer personality, Beyond Closet is your perfect match. Most items are priced between $40-$80, making it a stellar option for semi-premium casualwear.
Shop now at beyondcloset.co.kr
Famous for its iconic headwear, Kangol Korea has also expanded into a full line of apparel basics like tees, sweatshirts, and lightweight jackets. The overall aesthetic is heavily inspired by street culture, with a youthful and sporty vibe. Often featuring its signature kangaroo logo, the pieces add an element of branding to simple silhouettes.
It’s a great Uniqlo alternative for those who prefer their basics to be less anonymous and more connected to urban style. The apparel is affordable, with most basics priced under $50.
Shop now at kangol.co.kr
Low Classic is for the person who has graduated from simple basics to elevated essentials. The brand offers chic, minimalist designs with a sophisticated edge - think perfectly relaxed blouses, beautifully tailored trousers, and streamlined outerwear made from high-quality fabrics. It’s utilitarian beauty at its finest.
This brand takes the functional spirit of Uniqlo and injects it with thoughtful design and subtle luxury. As a more premium brand, prices typically fall in the $100-$200 range, making these true investment pieces for a polished everyday wardrobe.
Shop now at lowclassic.com
Daily Monday embodies a slow-fashion philosophy with its minimalist basics made from high-quality natural fabrics like linen, cotton, and wool. Their collection features relaxed shirts, timeless knitwear, and effortless wide-leg trousers. The entire vibe is understated, natural, and dedicated to longevity over trends.
While comparable to Uniqlo in its focus on daily wear, Daily Monday feels more artisanal and sustainable. The quality craftsmanship means a slightly higher price point, with most pieces between $50 and $150.
Shop now at dailymonday.co.kr
If Uniqlo is the definition of clean and simple, Ader Error is its rebellious, artistic counterpart. This Seoul-based creative collective designs gender-neutral streetwear that turns basics into statement pieces. Expect things like oversized tees, deconstructed sweatshirts, and casual pants, all with unique details, bold colors, or playful graphics.
Ader Error is for those who love the idea of a simple wardrobe but crave something more distinctive and experimental. Its designer positioning means higher prices, typically from $50 to $150 for essential items.
Shop now at adererror.com
Wooyoungmi offers minimalist luxury for the modern wardrobe. This high-end Korean designer brand focuses on pristine tailoring, premium fabrics, and a sophisticated, clean aesthetic. Their essentials include sleek outerwear, perfectly cut shirts, and refined casualwear that feel both timeless and contemporary.
This is the ultimate upgrade from Uniqlo for anyone seeking true investment pieces. These are exceptionally well-made staples designed to last a lifetime. With that comes luxury pricing, often starting at $200 and up for individual items.
Shop now at wooyoungmi.com
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