UNIQLO Unveils Reusable Masks Designed With Lightweight Underwear Material
Images via UNIQLO Japan
Japan’s famed everyday fashion retailer UNIQLO has revealed new face masks designed to fight the spread of coronavirus.
The company had second thoughts about venturing into reusable face masks, but changed its mind after receiving multiple requests from customers to make comfortable options that even children wouldn’t mind wearing.
The result is the AIRism face mask, a version constructed with UNIQLO’s proprietary technology for clothing that is lightweight, breathable, quick-drying and moisture-wicking, cooling, while sporting a smooth and silky texture. The technique is typically used for undergarments, undershirts, tops, bottoms, and loungewear.
The reusable face mask employs a three-layer structure to ensure comfort and protection against numerous elements.
The innermost layer entails non-woven AIRism fabric with a “silky-smooth texture” that “feels dry even if you perspire,” perfect for summer. There’s also a “high-performance filter” with a 99-percent Bacterial Filtration Efficiency (BFE), blocking out bacteria, viruses, and pollen in splashes and particles. The outermost mesh layer contains ultraviolet protection of UPF40, fending off 90-percent of ultraviolet rays.
The masks arrive in packs of three at JP¥990 (US$9.22), and come in two adult sizes with an option for children.
Customers can easily clean them with regular detergent by hand or through machine-washing. UNIQLO cites a test suggesting that the garments will remain at peak condition even after as many as 20 washes.
The reusable masks are scheduled for release in Japan on 19 June, with 500,000 packs being manufactured each week. The company will release more details about their rollout to its 2,000 global locations soon.
Image via UNIQLO Japan
Image via UNIQLO Japan
[via Bloomberg, images via UNIQLO Japan]
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