How Uniqlo AIRism technology works

For some years now, in the fashion world, utility wear has begun its transition from pure technology to design. Technical fabrics and structural innovations of fabrics have begun to become more accessible and the opening up of the fashion world to the codes of sportswear has introduced in the creative processes a huge amount of new materials and textures, as well as a freedom of imagination that was previously unimaginable. The innovation was not limited to cult brands such as Gramicci or Arc'teryx, but also managed to get down to the level of large distribution of a brand like Uniqlo - which for years has awarded its LifeWear line the greatest experiments in textile technology, especially collaborating with Toray, a leading Japanese company in the field of chemistry and synthetic fiber production. One of their most important products, launched in 2013 and constantly updated every year, is AIRism technology - a type of artificial fabric designed to surpass any of its predecessors in breathability. The new AIRism products for the 2020 season were presented last September at The Art and Science of LifeWear event at Somerset House in London. 

Uniqlo's AIRism fabrics are made by Toray using ultra-thin polyester fibers twelve times smaller than a human hair and free of superficial irregularities. Thanks to their structure, they prevent a build-up of body moisture at the skin level and the formation of microbes and precisely because, in addition to naturally absorbing the smells, their subtlety result in having an elasticity and adaptability much greater than those of natural cotton - which compared to the microfiber of Toray, for example, can retain moisture but not release it in a short time.

The powerful drying capacity of the fibers is precisely what allows a constant adjustment of heat, functioning exactly like a second skin. The size of the fiber, then, are as important as the texture of its surface: the smoother the surface of the cloth, the easier it will be for the body heat and moisture of the wearer to transfer to the dress and then disperse outside. The composition of the garments varies between the men's and women's collections: the garments in the men's collection are aimed at eliminating sweat more quickly, while those of the woman's collection, composed in a cupra produced by Ashai Kasei, possess a silkier texture that prevents the fabric from sticking to the skin. 

The combination of these innovations, on which the two companies have been working for over seven years, has its roots in the Uniqlo philosophy, which always puts innovation at the service of functionality, taking care to put more emphasis on materials technology than on the eccentricities of design - a type of philosophy that shares precisely with those brands that have made cutting-edge techwear their raison d'etre like Arc'teryx or Stone Island. Here's how Rei Matsunuma, Global PR Director of Uniqulo, commented on the innovations introduced in this year's collection:

“Since the basis of clothes is materials, having good materials is crucial to the development of LifeWear’s innovative products. By working closely with Toray for close to two decades, we have been able to blend traditional techniques with new technologies to create clothes that are of exceptional design and comfort, made for everyone, and positively impact the society and environment.”.

The Uniqlo AIRism collection is already available online on Uniqlo's official website and in all the brand's official stores.