X-MINING Uniting Style with Function: The State of Fashionable Functional Fabrics in Apparel

In modern fashion, clothes with high functionality are particularly in the spotlight. At the same time, the demand for clothes with fashionability is increasing. Furthermore, the concept of ethical consumption is becoming more widespread, with a demand for materials and manufacturing methods that are environmentally friendly.

What are functional clothes (functional materials)?

Functional clothes are garments designed specifically for certain functions or purposes. These clothes are specially designed to provide various functions such as comfort, durability, warmth, breathability, and waterproofness.

The key to functional clothes is the “material.” For example, clothes for outdoor activities use lightweight and breathable materials to regulate body temperature and protect against rain and wind. Sportswear is made of materials with moisture-wicking properties to ensure comfort during exercise.

Functional clothes are essential for people leading active lifestyles or supporting activities in specific environments. Through the choice of materials and design innovations, these clothes are tailored to various needs, maximizing comfort and performance.

The Background to the demand for functionality

The rapid changes in lifestyles have influenced the demand for functionality in fashion.

For instance, workstyle reforms and the spread of technology in urban areas have led many people to seek more casual and flexible styles than traditional office attire. This has led to a demand for materials that emphasize comfort and ease of movement. Materials with stretch and breathability are valued in business casual and other scenes because they maintain comfort even after long hours of wear.

Moreover, the growing importance of health and active lifestyles has increased the demand for sportswear and activewear. Gym and fitness activities have become part of daily life, and materials with high flexibility and moisture-wicking properties are sought after for training wear. Additionally, rising interest in sustainable living related to the SDGs has brought attention to eco-friendly and recycled materials in clothing.

On the other hand, the spread of social media has led to the proliferation of unique and diverse styles. Fashion is increasingly seen not just as something to wear but as part of self-expression and identity. To support these unique styles, materials that combine innovative design and functionality are essential.

In short, the changes in modern lifestyles have created a trend in fashion that demands comfort, ease of movement, sustainability, and expression of individuality. Material manufacturers are focusing on developing innovative materials to meet these needs, steering the entire fashion industry toward providing more diverse and practical options.

Functional materials protect your body from heat and water and support comfortable outdoor activities. In addition, materials with high heat insulation and breathable properties also adapt to seasonal changes, improving convenience.

Protecting the body from heat and water

Functional materials for protecting the body from heat and water are particularly important in outdoor activities and severe weather conditions. For example, materials with heat shielding and UV cutting protect your skin from direct sunlight and heat and reduce the risk of sunburn and heat stroke. In addition, waterproof and windproof materials protect your body from rain and wind , providing a comfortable wearing experience, thus increasing their value for outdoor activities and travel.

Reducing heat and cold

Materials that reduce heat and cold help adapt to seasonal and climate changes. Warm materials keep the body temperature during cold seasons, providing support for a comfortable experience. Conversely, materials with good breathability and moisture-wicking properties quickly absorb and evaporate sweat, keeping the skin cool in hot environments, allowing for maintaining an appropriate temperature environment according to temperature fluctuations.

Improve convenience

Materials that enhance convenience improve the comfort and efficiency of daily life. For example, water-repellent and antibacterial materials keep clothes less prone to stains and maintain cleanliness for a long time. Stretchable materials offer excellent elasticity, providing comfort and ease of movement.

These functional materials make life more comfortable and safer for wearers, while also offering stylish and diverse options without compromising the appeal of fashion items. Continuous research and development by material manufacturers has led to materials that maximize these advantages, bringing new possibilities to the fashion industry.

Innovative technology has enabled the creation of textile materials that combine functionality with a wide range of colors. Materials with near-infrared absorbing technology can provide both functionality and a rich palette of colors.

For instance, features such as warmth from photothermal conversion and quick-drying capabilities can be maintained without compromising the variety of colors available.

This has enabled a wide variety of clothing that combines fashion and functionality to meet the diverse needs of today.

Sumitomo Metal Mining’s near-infrared absorbing materials utilize their characteristics and are applied to clothing textiles.

What is Sumitomo Metal Mining’s near-infrared absorbing material?

Sumitomo Metal Mining’s near-infrared absorbing material is an inorganic material with high near-infrared radiation absorbing and high transparency in the visible range. Applications for automotive windows and construction materials are expanding to textiles.

Various functions realized by Sumitomo Metal Mining’s near-infrared absorbing materials

Heat generation by photothermal conversion – warmth and quick-drying

Converting absorbed near-infrared light energy into heat, it generates heat. As a result, it exhibits quick-drying properties due to its warmth and heat-generating effect.

Voyeurism prevention through near-infrared absorbing function

With its high near-infrared absorption performance, it absorbs the wavelength of infrared rays, so it is expected to have the effect of preventing theft by infrared cameras.

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High Transparency Enables a Wide Range of Color Variations

The high transparency allows for application to colors that have been considered difficult to absorb light energy, such as white and fluorescent colors.

Learn more about the near-infrared absorbing materials from Sumitomo Metal Mining.

<dialogue>Textile Revolution through Co-Creation Applying SOLAMENT™

Functional clothes are important to meet the diverse lifestyles and needs of today. Functional materials can be expected to protect the body from heat and water, reduce heat and cold, and improve convenience. Clothes that combine fashion and function can have a wide variety of color variations with innovative technology. One example of this is textiles using Sumitomo Metal Mining’s near-infrared absorbing materials.

Sumitomo Metal Mining’s near-infrared absorbing material is an inorganic material with high near-infrared radiation absorbing and high transparency in the visible range. This has led to various functions such as photothermal conversion for heat generation, infrared voyeurism prevention, skin aging prevention, and high transparency for free color tuning.
If you are interested in Sumitomo Metal Mining’s near-infrared absorbing materials, please feel free to contact us.

Click here for the brand page of our  near-infrared absorbing materials (SOLAMENT™)