Fabric Innovation: Resurrection of the Thermal Underwear Market in 2010

Some experts are forecasting that the winter of 2010 might be the coldest in recent history. With temperatures continuing to drop, thermal underwear brands in major Beijing shopping malls are preparing for a fierce battle this season. The market has always been a hot topic during cold seasons, and this year seems no different. Thermal underwear has long been known for its low investment and high return potential, making it a unique success story in the apparel industry. Over the past decade, the market has seen dramatic shifts. In 2000, it was at its peak, but by 2001, competition intensified. Brands engaged in price wars, advertising campaigns, and even "saliva wars" — a term used to describe aggressive marketing tactics. Technology and environmental protection also became key factors in the race. By 2003, the price war ended, and the market bubble burst. After an unusually warm winter in 2006, the thermal underwear market entered a period of slow growth, with 2007 and 2008 being relatively quiet. In 2009, thermal underwear returned quietly, but without much fanfare. Now, as winter approaches again, many are wondering if the thermal underwear market will make a strong comeback. If this season's competition is intense, it’s likely to revolve around fabric technology. Recently, I visited several Beijing malls and noticed that Salam and Outlast have taken center stage, while Modal and acrylic fibers are now playing supporting roles. Salam, for instance, uses a special fabric made from acrylic fiber infused with far-infrared ceramic particles. This material absorbs body heat and re-radiates it as far-infrared rays, which can improve blood circulation and boost metabolism. The fabric is soft, flexible, and comfortable to wear. This technology was originally developed in Japan, where ceramic particles act as heat emitters. However, they need a carrier, and acrylic fiber serves that purpose. The process involves mixing the ceramic particles into a liquid solution before spinning them into functional acrylic fibers. Despite these claims, most product labels don’t clearly explain the significance of the acrylic content. Instead, the "Salam" logo on the tags is a strong indicator of authenticity. According to sales staff, the higher the acrylic fiber content, the better the warming performance. High-end brands like German Shuya and Aimer have already adopted this technology. On the other hand, the U.S. brand Danba uses Outlast phase-change fiber, which regulates temperature to prevent overheating or excessive cold. Combined with Austrian blue fine modal fibers, this fabric is processed through advanced techniques and certified by Outlast Technologies. The official tag includes a U.S. Aerospace Science and Technology Certification Mark, adding credibility to the product. Diane, another major player, specializes in ultra-fine ice tyrant, copper ammonia, and ultra-fine acrylic fabrics, aiming to capture a significant share of the market this winter. Enhancing the technological value of products is a smart strategy to improve quality and build brand strength. It's also a natural trend in industrial development. In addition to innovation, other factors like environmental sustainability and e-commerce play a growing role in strengthening brand competitiveness. As the thermal underwear market matures, from product differentiation to brand identity, and from virtual trends to real-world applications, it's becoming more sophisticated. This winter, we’ll see how the Chinese thermal underwear market evolves. Will it rise again, or will new technologies define the next chapter? Let’s wait and see.