The KAWS x UNIQLO UT tee is the most accessible way to own a piece of KAWS artwork, and it has become a genuine collector's category in its own right. If you are buying your first one, or adding to a collection, this guide covers the designs, the fabric, the fit and how to choose. Shop the range in the KAWS x UNIQLO collection at Shoe Religion.
What is a UT tee?
UT is UNIQLO's graphic T-shirt line, the platform it uses for collaborations with artists, brands and cultural properties. The tees are cotton, printed rather than embroidered, and priced to be worn rather than kept in a drawer, which is precisely why the KAWS partnership landed so widely.
The trade-off worth knowing: these are high street tees, not heavyweight boutique blanks. The value is in the artwork and the scarcity of specific drops, not in a premium fabric weight.
The core graphic tees
The backbone of the range is the short sleeve graphic tee, available in the two colourways most people start with:
- UT Short Sleeve Graphic T-Shirt Black - the graphic pops hardest against black, and it is the easier of the two to keep looking fresh.
- UT Short Sleeve Graphic T-Shirt White - cleaner and more summery, with the artwork reading in full colour.
Struggling to pick? We compare them directly in black vs white KAWS tee.
The Artbook Cover tee
The Artbook Cover T-Shirt is a different proposition to the character graphics: more art object, less cartoon. If you want something that reads as considered rather than obvious, this is the one to look at.
The Warhol collaboration
The KAWS x Warhol UT tees connect two artists who both built careers reworking mass culture, and they remain among the most discussed releases in the line. Available in black and white, with the full background in our KAWS x Warhol explainer.
Seasonal and heavier pieces
Beyond the core tees, the Valentine T-Shirt is a seasonal release with its own following, and the Longsleeve Sweatshirt takes the collaboration into cooler weather with more substantial fabric.
Fit and sizing
UT tees run true to size with a regular, fairly straight cut rather than the boxy oversized shape a lot of streetwear uses. If you want the looser modern silhouette, sizing up one is the common move. Our KAWS x UNIQLO sizing guide goes into detail.
Caring for the print
The graphic is the whole point, so protect it. Wash cold and inside out, skip the tumble dryer, and never iron directly over the print. Done properly, these tees hold up well over years of wear.
Frequently asked questions
Are KAWS x UNIQLO tees good quality? They are well-made high street cotton tees. The appeal is the artwork and the limited nature of the drops rather than a heavyweight fabric.
Which KAWS tee should I buy first? The black or white core graphic tee is the standard entry point.
Do they run small? No, generally true to size with a regular cut. Size up for a looser fit.
Where can I buy them in the UK? Shop the KAWS x UNIQLO collection at Shoe Religion.
Related reading: Complete Collector's Guide | How to Spot Genuine KAWS | Best KAWS Pieces