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DOT FREE SUN-PROTECTIVE FABRIC
FILA SPORTS CO., LTD. | Fashion - Textiles & Materials - International
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Project Overview
As outdoor activities continue to grow in popularity, traditional sun-protective apparel is showing its limitations in high-temperature conditions—stuffiness, poor breathability, and discomfort, making it difficult to meet the pressing dual demands of today’s outdoor enthusiasts for powerful UV protection and exceptional breathability. In response, we have developed an innovative fabric that combines a micro-pore structure formed by water-soluble yarn with UV-blocking and cooling technologies, achieving an optimal balance between functionality and comfort. Designed for outdoor enthusiasts, urban commuters, and women and younger consumers who seek an outstanding sun protection experience, this material adapts seamlessly to a wide range of scenarios.
Organisation
Team
FILA SPORTS CO., LTD.
Project Brief
The design of the material takes inspiration from the stomata of plants. Plants use these tiny pores to exchange gases and regulate moisture, keeping their surfaces intact while sustaining life. The design team incorporated the core concept of “breathable sun protection” into the fabric, allowing air to circulate freely while maintaining durable and excellent UV protection. This gives the wearer a cool and refreshing sensation, as if immersed in nature.
Project Innovation/Need
Utilizing advanced water-soluble yarn technology, breathable micro-pores are naturally formed during the weaving process. This innovative approach eliminates the need for post-production perforation, preventing damage to the sun-protective layer and ensuring stable, long-lasting UV protection even after repeated washing. Together with the incorporation of cooling spandex, these technologies work in concert to successfully realize the trifecta of sun protection, breathability, and cooling, delivering a fully comfortable wearing experience.
The fabric is produced via shuttle weaving and undergoes water-soluble treatment, allowing the micro-pores to form in a single step without the use of any chemical coatings. Its unique structure ensures functional performance while providing a skin-friendly handfeel, achieving integrated functionality without compromising comfort or safety.
Design Challenge
Traditional sun-protective clothing often compromises comfort in pursuit of UV protection, leading to stuffiness and poor breathability. To overcome this, we conducted extensive research and experimentation, ultimately adopting a water-soluble yarn technique. This process naturally creates breathable micro-pores during weaving, ensuring excellent breathability without sacrificing sun protection. Paired with cooling spandex, the fabric further elevates wearing comfort, achieving an ideal balance of functionality and comfort.
Ensuring an appealing appearance while maintaining functionality was another major challenge. We used 3D tailoring, contoured waistline tailoring, partial mesh paneling, and curved lines to create a slim and stylish silhouette without compromising the garment’s performance. The use of fresh, cool summer colors adds a sense of freshness and energy, making the sun-protective clothing suitable not only for outdoor sports but also for everyday wear.
Sustainability
The primary fibers—nylon and spandex—are recyclable, promoting resource recycling and reducing resource waste and environmental impact.
The water-soluble yarn technique minimizes both water and chemical usage. Unlike traditional perforation methods, which rely on large amounts of water and chemicals, this technique naturally forms breathable micro-pores during weaving, eliminating the need for post-production perforation and significantly lowering the environmental footprint.
Sun-protective garments made from this fabric comply with stringent national standards, including GB-18401-201, with pH levels within safe limits and no formaldehyde detected, ensuring wearer safety. The fabric features a stable structure that resists snagging, and its UV-protection performance remains durable over time, allowing users to enjoy outdoor activities worry-free. In addition, the fabric is free of chemical coatings, eliminating potential skin hazards and providing a healthier, safer sun-protection solution.
Fashion - Textiles & Materials - International
Exemplary textiles and materials that have low consumed energy, low water use and low waste - aka Eco-Textiles. Over the coming 3 years we'll be furthering our Eco-Textile standards - be part of the evolving standard by nominating your innovations.
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