UNIQLO Debuts Hugging Machines That Dispense HeatTech Wear When You Embrace

Video screenshot via UNIQLO France

UNIQLO is warming hearts in France with Hug to Unlock, where the power of a sweet embrace is more than just a gesture—it’s the key to receiving a cozy surprise. The everyday fashion retailer is encouraging the public to hold each other close, conveying the warmth of its HeatTech thermal garments in a personable way.

The centerpiece of this campaign is a one-of-a-kind dispenser that operates on hugs. Created by Parisian marketing agency The Pill, this machine lights up as people hold each other, with a meter that rises from yellow (warm) to red (ultra warm).

Video screenshot via UNIQLO France

Each loving squeeze dispenses one UNIQLO thermal garment, turning a simple embrace into a comforting gift.

Video screenshot via UNIQLO France

Video screenshot via UNIQLO France

If you haven’t put two and two together already, UNIQLO’s HeatTech kind of feels like a hug on the skin. The winter-friendly wear is crafted from a blend of synthetic fibers, including polyester, acrylic, rayon, and spandex—a combination that ensures heat retention, moisture-wicking, and comfortable stretch, making HeatTech an ideal base layer for colder days.

HeatTech pieces capture body heat and store it within the fibers’ air pockets, providing warmth without the bulk typically associated with thermal garments. Despite its insulating properties, the textile is thin, lightweight, and soft to the touch, enhancing the wearer’s comfort.

Mirroring the meter in this stunt, the HeatTech line comes in various warmth levels to suit different needs and climates. The regular version is perfect for mild coldness, HeatTech Extra Warm is designed for colder conditions, and HeatTech Ultra Warm is tailored for more extreme conditions. This range ensures that everyone can find their perfect match for staying warm, no matter the weather.

Video screenshot via UNIQLO France

This fun activation not only highlights the functional aspects of UNIQLO’s thermal wear but also brings a touch of human connection and warmth to the streets of France.

[via Ads of the World and The Inspiration, video and screenshots via UNIQLO France]