UNIQLO Tweaks Face Mask Design After Complaints From Dissatisfied Shoppers
Image via UNIQLO USA
UNIQLO filled shoppers around the world with anticipation following news that it was making its own reusable face masks to help meet the demand for face covers during the COVID-19 crisis, designing them with the proprietary material found in many of its undergarments, clothing, and even its bedding. Japanese customers had first dibs on purchasing the product, but it ended up leaving much to be desired in their eyes.
SoraNews24 reported that despite the AIRism mask being touted as highly breathable, cooling and moisture-wicking thanks to UNIQLO’s famous AIRism technology, customers ended up feeling disappointed at how the garment turned hot and uncomfortable after it was kept on for awhile.
The lightweight AIRism material wasn’t to blame. Rather, it was the three-layer setup—“silky-smooth” AIRism fabric at the innermost layer, a “high-performance” virus-blocking filter in the middle, and a mesh outer layer—that made the mask feel too thick after some time of wearing it.
UNIQLO quickly stepped up and made changes to the face covers. For protection, the new face masks retain a triple configuration, but both the inner and outer layers now feature mesh so customers can breathe better.
Image via UNIQLO Japan with rough translation by Google Translate
In addition to the two original colors of black and white, UNIQLO has added a gray shade too.
UNIQLO’s AIRism mask is now also retailing outside of Japan, and will go on sale in the United States on 24 August at US$14.90 for a pack of three reusable covers. It seems, though, that the new and improved version will remain in Japan for now.
[via SoraNews24, images via UNIQLO]
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