🕒 About 6 minutes to read.
I’ve never bought anything from Workman, but I kept hearing about their high-performance, budget-friendly innerwear.
Curious, I dug deep into reviews, comparisons with Uniqlo, Montbell, and The North Face.
In this post, I’m sharing what I learned—and why I think Workman might actually be a smart pick for guys like me in their 50s.
If you’ve ever wondered the same, I hope this helps!
Is Workman really a smart choice for men in their 50s?
With its affordable, high-performance gear, Workman is gaining attention — even among those who've never stepped into the store.
From stylish upgrades under the “Workman Colors” brand to surprisingly functional underwear for under ¥500, (approx. $3.33) there’s a lot to explore.
In this article, I dive into comparisons with Uniqlo, Montbell, and The North Face — and share why Workman might just be the best “innerwear pick” for the modern middle-aged man.
Table of Contents
- What Is “Workman Colors” That Everyone's Talking About?
- “Cheap and Functional”—Is It for Real? A Look into Workman’s Innerwear
- Workman vs. Uniqlo & Outdoor Giants — What's the Real Difference?
- Summary: It All Depends on How You Use It — Workman is Just Right for Innerwear
What Is “Workman Colors” That Everyone's Talking About?
Recently, I heard someone say, “You know, they changed #WorkmanJoshi to Workman Colors.”
And honestly… I was like,
“Wait, what even is Workman Joshi? Is it a store? Do only girls shop there or what?”Turns out, WorkmanJoshi was actually a real store brand.
It launched in 2020 in Ikebukuro, Tokyo, and focused on outdoor gear and innerwear designed for women.
The brand became popular for offering colorful, Instagram-worthy clothes—keeping the original functionality of Workman, but with a more stylish twist. It was a total image shift from their old “for laborers only” vibe.But here's the thing—
Because it had “Joshi” (meaning “women”) in the name, many men felt awkward going in.
They did have some men's items, but the men’s section was small, and it just didn’t feel welcoming for everyone.So, Workman made a bold move and renamed the brand to Workman Colors.
They redesigned the store concept and lineup to be more inclusive—regardless of age or gender.Today, the lineup is balanced 50/50 for men and women.
Functionality is still a top priority, but now there’s more fashion appeal.
The “workwear” look has softened, and their casual clothing is now fit for everyday life.This name change wasn’t just for show.
It’s a clear sign of Workman’s new direction—
making their stores more inviting and their clothes better suited to real, everyday life.
“Cheap and Functional”—Is It for Real? A Look into Workman’s Innerwear
You’ve probably heard the buzz: “Workman’s innerwear is cheap but super functional!”
But to be honest, I wasn’t sure whether to believe the hype.
So I did some digging—and wow, people really do rave about it.One item that stood out was the “Shin – Breathing Innerwear”—a name that grabs your attention.
It offers features like:
- Contact cooling
- Quick-drying and sweat-absorbing
- Odor-resistant and antibacterial
- UV protection
All that for just 490 yen (tax included).
Compared to Uniqlo’s Airism, which costs around 1,290 yen, that’s less than half the price with almost the same specs.They also offer a wide lineup like “Hot Innerwear” for winter and merino wool options for colder seasons.
You can tell these were designed with real-life, hardworking conditions in mind.Sure, some reviews mention that the fabric feels thin or that the design is too plain.
But even those reviews often end with:
“Still, at this price, I can’t complain.”
Innerwear gets worn out fast.
It soaks up sweat, goes through tons of washes—it’s the workhorse of daily clothing.
That’s why I started to see the logic in comments like:
“If it’s for daily wear, Workman is more than enough.”It might not match the high-performance gear of brands like Montbell or The North Face,
but for everyday use?
Maybe “just enough” is actually perfect.Of course, that led me to wonder—
So how exactly does Workman compare to Uniqlo, or even outdoor brands?Let’s dive into that in the next chapter. 👇
Workman vs. Uniqlo & Outdoor Giants — What's the Real Difference?
Uniqlo: Designed for City Life and Everyday Balance
Workman: Built from the Ground Up for Practical Use
Montbell & The North Face: Rugged Gear for Serious Situations
At first glance, Workman and Uniqlo seem pretty similar—both offer affordable, decent-quality basics.
But the more I looked into it, the more I realized:
Their strengths lie in totally different places.
🔹 Uniqlo: Designed for City Life and Everyday Balance
Uniqlo’s innerwear—especially the Airism series—feels great to wear.
Smooth, lightweight, and super comfortable against the skin.
It’s ideal for commuting, casual city outings, or relaxing at home.
Since the designs aren’t too “innerwear-ish,” you can even wear them on their own indoors.But for sweat-heavy situations—like summer hikes or construction work—it might not keep up.
Some users mention slow drying or a sticky feeling after sweating.
In terms of function, it can feel a bit lacking.Price-wise, you’re looking at around 1,000 to 1,500 yen.
That’s more than Workman, sure,
but for a neat, all-purpose everyday piece that “looks good” and “feels good”?
It still makes sense.
🔹 Workman: Built from the Ground Up for Practical Use
Workman’s innerwear shines when it comes to cost and raw function.
Odor control, sweat-wicking, cooling fabric—all at a fraction of the price.
Honestly, it performs better than some sportswear brands out there.That said, the design is practical—not stylish—and the fabric tends to be thinner.
If you care about how it looks when you step outside,
Uniqlo or outdoor brands might offer more peace of mind.But if it’s hidden under your shirt or used for workouts,
Workman gets the job done.
It’s that reliable sidekick you didn’t know you needed.
🔹 Montbell & The North Face: Rugged Gear for Serious Situations
These brands are in another league—built for tough environments.
Their innerwear offers reliable moisture-wicking, breathability, and durability.
Great for mountaineering, camping, or heavy physical labor.But they come at a premium—2,000 to 5,000 yen per piece.
For daily wear, that can feel a bit overkill.
Plus, their look is functional—not fashion-forward.So if you're heading into nature or need gear that truly performs, go for it.
But for regular use?
It's all about whether the cost feels worth it.
Summary: It All Depends on How You Use It — Workman is Just Right for Innerwear
Uniqlo offers “style-meets-comfort” for everyday urban life.
Montbell and The North Face deliver “trust and durability” for serious outdoor use.
And Workman? It hits that sweet spot of affordable performance.After comparing them all, here's what I realized:
- Use Workman for innerwear that you don’t mind getting sweaty or dirty.
- Go with Uniqlo when you want to look presentable in everyday situations.
- Rely on outdoor brands like Montbell for hikes, travel, or high-performance needs.
In your 50s, it’s not about picking just one.
Mix and match what works best for your lifestyle, energy level, and budget.You don’t need to go all-in on premium brands.
And you don’t have to go full budget-mode either.Just choose what feels right —
smart, relaxed, and comfortable.That’s what suits me best at this stage of life.
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