Clothes made from Toray’s HeatTech fabric prove too popular
04/02/2010
Japanese fashion chain Uniqlo suffered a monthly sales decline in January for the first time in six months, with sales in its Japanese stores for the month down 7.2% compared to January last year. The company said it would close two stores in Japan.
Total sales, including online sales, across the group were up by 0.8%.
One of the reasons it gave for the January downturn was that it ran out of popular stock, including heat-generating tops and leggings made from HeatTech fabric, produced by Toray.
Anticipating strong demand this winter, Uniqlo ordered 80% more HeatTech garments than last year, but it sold out in December. In a statement, Uniqlo simply said: “January overall net sales fell year on year as positive sales up to December caused a decrease of winter inventory.”
Uniqlo says HeatTech came about through a partnership it has in place with fibre manufacturer Toray and that it represents a good example of its willingness to participate positively in the development of new materials.
HeatTech fabric is made from fibre mixes based on a specially designed hollow fibre thread that Toray says captures “little pillows of warm air”, insulating the body in the same way a heavier material such as wool would.
The mix Uniqlo is using includes rayon and absorbs the moisture generated by the body and converts it into heat. Milk protein, containing natural amino acids, has been mixed with the fibres to ensure the fabric made from them is smooth and soft to the touch.
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