Fabric Innovation: Resurrection of the Thermal Underwear Market in 2010
Some experts are predicting that the winter of 2010 might be the coldest in recent history. With temperatures continuing to drop, thermal underwear brands in Beijing’s major shopping malls seem to be gearing up for a fierce battle this season.
Since its introduction, thermal underwear has been known for its low investment and high returns, making it a unique success story in the apparel industry. Over the past decade, the market has seen dramatic shifts. In 2000, thermal underwear was at its peak, but by 2001, competition intensified. Brands engaged in price wars, advertising campaigns, and even "saliva wars" — all in an effort to stand out. By 2003, the price war came to an end, and the market experienced a bubble burst. After the unusually warm winter of 2006, the thermal underwear market entered a period of quiet growth in 2007 and 2008. In 2009, it returned with a more subdued presence.
So, with the arrival of winter, will the thermal underwear market make a strong comeback this year?
If the thermal underwear war is indeed starting, fabric innovation will be the main focus. During a recent visit to several Beijing shopping malls, I noticed that Salam and Outlast have taken center stage, while Modal and acrylic fibers have become supporting players. According to reports, these new fabrics incorporate far-infrared radiation technology, combining acrylic fiber with ceramic particles that emit far-infrared rays. This material helps convert body heat into infrared radiation, which is then re-radiated back to the body, providing enhanced warmth. The fabric is also soft, flexible, and easy to wear.
This advanced fabric technology was originally developed in Japan. The ceramic particles act as the source of far-infrared radiation, but they need a carrier like acrylic fiber to be integrated into the fabric. The process involves adding ceramic particles directly into the spinning solution of polypropylene acrylic fiber, resulting in a fabric that emits electromagnetic waves in the 8–15 mm range. These far-infrared rays are believed to improve blood circulation, boost metabolism, and strengthen the immune system. However, during my visit, I found that most product labels didn’t clearly explain the significance of the acrylic content. Instead, the “Salam†label served as a key indicator of authenticity. According to sales staff, the higher the acrylic content, the better the warming performance. Brands like German Shuya and Aimer have already introduced similar products.
Meanwhile, the U.S. brand Danba uses Outlast phase-change fiber, which regulates temperature to prevent overheating or overcooling. It is combined with Austrian blue fine modal fiber and manufactured through advanced techniques. These products are certified by Outlast Technologies, Inc., and feature the official Outlast tag with a U.S. Aerospace Science and Technology Certification Mark. Diane is another leading brand in the thermal underwear space, specializing in ultra-fine ice tyrant, copper ammonia, and ultra-fine acrylic materials. They’re aiming to capture a significant share of the market this winter.
Increasing the technological value of products is not only a way to enhance quality but also a crucial strategy for boosting brand competitiveness. As the industry evolves, innovation becomes essential.
There are many ways to build brand strength — from environmental sustainability and low-carbon practices to the convenience of e-commerce. After over a decade of development, China's thermal underwear market has matured, moving from product differentiation to brand identity, and from virtual trends to real-world impact. How this winter's market will unfold remains to be seen. Let's keep an eye on it.
Since its introduction, thermal underwear has been known for its low investment and high returns, making it a unique success story in the apparel industry. Over the past decade, the market has seen dramatic shifts. In 2000, thermal underwear was at its peak, but by 2001, competition intensified. Brands engaged in price wars, advertising campaigns, and even "saliva wars" — all in an effort to stand out. By 2003, the price war came to an end, and the market experienced a bubble burst. After the unusually warm winter of 2006, the thermal underwear market entered a period of quiet growth in 2007 and 2008. In 2009, it returned with a more subdued presence.
So, with the arrival of winter, will the thermal underwear market make a strong comeback this year?
If the thermal underwear war is indeed starting, fabric innovation will be the main focus. During a recent visit to several Beijing shopping malls, I noticed that Salam and Outlast have taken center stage, while Modal and acrylic fibers have become supporting players. According to reports, these new fabrics incorporate far-infrared radiation technology, combining acrylic fiber with ceramic particles that emit far-infrared rays. This material helps convert body heat into infrared radiation, which is then re-radiated back to the body, providing enhanced warmth. The fabric is also soft, flexible, and easy to wear.
This advanced fabric technology was originally developed in Japan. The ceramic particles act as the source of far-infrared radiation, but they need a carrier like acrylic fiber to be integrated into the fabric. The process involves adding ceramic particles directly into the spinning solution of polypropylene acrylic fiber, resulting in a fabric that emits electromagnetic waves in the 8–15 mm range. These far-infrared rays are believed to improve blood circulation, boost metabolism, and strengthen the immune system. However, during my visit, I found that most product labels didn’t clearly explain the significance of the acrylic content. Instead, the “Salam†label served as a key indicator of authenticity. According to sales staff, the higher the acrylic content, the better the warming performance. Brands like German Shuya and Aimer have already introduced similar products.
Meanwhile, the U.S. brand Danba uses Outlast phase-change fiber, which regulates temperature to prevent overheating or overcooling. It is combined with Austrian blue fine modal fiber and manufactured through advanced techniques. These products are certified by Outlast Technologies, Inc., and feature the official Outlast tag with a U.S. Aerospace Science and Technology Certification Mark. Diane is another leading brand in the thermal underwear space, specializing in ultra-fine ice tyrant, copper ammonia, and ultra-fine acrylic materials. They’re aiming to capture a significant share of the market this winter.
Increasing the technological value of products is not only a way to enhance quality but also a crucial strategy for boosting brand competitiveness. As the industry evolves, innovation becomes essential.
There are many ways to build brand strength — from environmental sustainability and low-carbon practices to the convenience of e-commerce. After over a decade of development, China's thermal underwear market has matured, moving from product differentiation to brand identity, and from virtual trends to real-world impact. How this winter's market will unfold remains to be seen. Let's keep an eye on it.
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