I couldn’t resist adding them to my basket when I spotted them and they are perfect for summer holidaysThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn moreA UNIQLO shirt and shorts comboA UNIQLO shirt and shorts combo

This week Liverpool shoppers welcomed the arrival of the city’s first UNIQLO store in the city centre, as the Liverpool ONE store opened its doors on Thursday, April 24. The Liverpool ONE site is the company’s 21st UK location, offering shoppers a range of exclusive items, brand collaborations and personalisation options.

I’ve been a huge UNIQLO fan for years and I never turn down the opportunity to pop into a store when I visit other cities that boast one of the brand’s locations. So I was absolutely made up when I heard the Japanese clothing brand would be coming to Liverpool – and I was one of the first people through the door when it opened.

I recently picked up three items of clothing from UNIQLO that instantly became summer wardrobe staples for me – and every time I’ve worn them I’ve received so many compliments on the simple and affordable items.

The first item is a pair of seersucker easy trousers in gingham. I bought the navy version last summer, and they quickly became a key part of my capsule wardrobe thanks to their potential to be matched up with lots of different looks.

I loved them so much that I recently bought the beige version for a bargain £19.90 and I haven’t stopped wearing them since. They’re super comfortable, flowy and light, with a drawstring waist and ultra soft fabrics.

UNIQLO's seersucker easy trousers in ginghamUNIQLO’s seersucker easy trousers in gingham

The soft rayon blends with a non-clingy, textured surface of seersucker fabric for a breezy look and the gingham check pattern is really versatile and matches most things. I find that they’re a really comfy option for work trousers, paired with a t-shirt and knitted tabard, or with a boxy shirt.

When I want to dress them down for a more casual look, I tend to opt for an oversized graphic tee, or a ribbed vest, which turns the trousers into the perfect outfit to wear when sitting out in a beer garden on a summer afternoon. I can just imagine changing into them after a day at the beach on holiday, before heading out for tea.

The stretchy waistband makes them a comfy option to wear to a nice meal, and they wash really well.

UNIQLO's seersucker easy trousers in ginghamUNIQLO’s seersucker easy trousers in gingham

Another UNIQLO item that I’ve had loads of wear out of since purchasing is the seersucker easy shorts in gingham, which come in four different colours. Reduced from £19.90 to £9.90, they’re a great option for days spent at the park with the kids, or sightseeing on a city break.

They feature a drawstring waistband and they’ve got really generously sized pockets. Sizes range from XXS to XXL and I’ve found them to be quite generously sized.

A UNIQLO shirt and shorts comboA UNIQLO shirt and shorts combo

The final item that’s become a wardrobe staple for me is the sleeveless linen blend blouse, which is also available in a range of different colours including natural, off white, green and navy. Priced at £24.90, I decided to pick up two of these simple tops – one in navy and one in green.

The material is a mixture of the cool feel of linen with the smooth texture of rayon, and I find these tops to be really handy to throw on with a pair of jeans or linen trousers for a laid-back summer look.

UNIQLO's sleeveless linen blend blouseUNIQLO’s sleeveless linen blend blouse

Shoppers at the new Liverpool ONE store can expect popular services such as UTme! customisable T-shirt station and a dedicated RE.UNIQLO Studio, allowing customers to repair, remake and recycle preloved items to sustain clothes for longer inside the store. There are also free alterations on offer when customers spend £19.90 or more on trousers or jeans, clothing repairs from £2 and embroidery starting from £10.

Customers will also be able to explore the brand’s premium linen range, as well as BLOCKTECH, the brand’s smart range of water resistant and windproof items, plus the the AIRism collection, renowned for its lightweight, moisture-wicking fabrics that adapt seamlessly to diverse climates.

Speaking about the store, Alessandro Dudech, COO of UNIQLO UK, told the ECHO: “Liverpool is such a special city – so culturally rich, so globally connected. It’s really a place that is so proud of its roots and this spirit resonated with us in UNIQLO.

“It’s not just a market but a community that truly embraces individuality and self expression. We wanted to bring a store reflective of that. This is not just a new opening, but hopefully the start of a long and successful relationship. We have designed the store to be a community hotspot where people get the chance to come together and experience life through UNIQLO clothing.

“I want us to think of this store not just as a normal retail location but as a hub for creativity and engagement. When we selected partnerships we wanted to connect with people who have done excellent work in Liverpool – people who are young and creative who have really authentically showcased the essence of Liverpool. We want to show that we understand Liverpool and want to be part of the community.”