UNIQLO Is Designing Reusable Face Masks Made From Its Underwear Material

Following after adidas’ new Face Covers, Japanese essential fashion giant UNIQLO is planning to retail face masks produced with the material used for its AIRism undergarment line in hopes of supplementing the shortage of personal protective equipment during the COVID-19 outbreak.
The company’s proprietary AIRism technology—applied to underwear, undershirts, tops, bottoms, and loungewear—produces clothing that is cooling, highly breathable, quick-drying and moisture-wicking, while being lightweight with a smooth and silky texture.
The fabric is ideal for hot summer months, and by extension, suitable for alleviating the discomfort people face when wearing a face mask.
A spokesperson for UNIQLO told Reuters that the brand had been reluctant to release its own face masks, but eventually pursued the idea after several customers had requested for them.
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UNIQLO currently plans to roll them out in stores across Japan at “under a few thousand yen” each this summer, CEO Tadashi Yanai told Nikkei Asian Review. The company will release more details about the garments’ launch dates and pricing later on.

[via Reuters, images via various sources]