For this fall/winter season, Gunze is introducing lightweight, thermal underwear made with its proprietary hollow fiber "Air Master," developed in collaboration with Kurabo, for its "Hot Magic" line of thermal underwear. Since the popularity of Uniqlo's "Heat Tech," thermal underwear has generally emphasized its "moisture-absorbing, heat-generating" function. However, as that trend is coming to an end, Gunze is emphasizing its "heat-retaining" function.
The hollow fiber creates an air layer to block out cold air from outside. Furthermore, the loose fiber bundles of "Air Master" make the underwear soft against the skin, retaining their softness even after repeated washing.
In addition, the "thin" fabric trend in thermal underwear came to an end in the 2013-14 Autumn/Winter season, as thicker fabrics became more popular. While shipments of thin "Hot Magic" men's products remained at about 90% of the previous year's level, shipments of the thicker "Super Stretch" fabric increased. A similar trend was seen in women's "Hot Magic," with shipments of the thicker "Super Stretch" fabric also increasing. Also, starting this spring/summer, the men's underwear brand "YG," featuring actor Hidetoshi Nishijima as a character, will launch "Double Hot," a cold-weather underwear line made from 100% thick, smooth cotton. Five "Heat & Warm" tights will be released, featuring the ergonomic "Argoform Cut" cutting method. The women's "Touché" line, which was revamped this spring/summer, will offer eight lines of shorts for different purposes, including "No Seams," "3D Hip," "Opaque All-Lace," and "Leg-Lengthening Cosmetics." Bras will feature "3-Way Straps," which allow the straps to be rearranged in three different ways. "Kirei Labo," aimed at women in their 40s and 50s, will use a specially manufactured powernet with a 100% cotton lining that touches the skin. This powernet, with a synthetic outer layer and a 100% cotton lining, is a world first, and will feature in bras and girdles. Seamless underwear will also be offered. The body and sleeves are glued together, minimizing stress on the skin.
