Cooling fabrics becoming popular: what to look for

This summer’s record-breaking heat seems to be here to stay – at least for a little while – and as it does, particular products are now popular on store shelves: cooling fabrics.

If you haven’t heard of cooling fabric before, wholesale supplier Sportingtex describes it as fabric that uses a “special natural low–temperature mineral and build(s) it into fiber to slow the speed rising of fabric temperature.”

According to How Stuff Works, the history of cooling fabric goes back to early days of NASA. Documents from the space agency said “since designing the first space suits in the 1950s, NASA has been interested in developing materials to keep astronauts comfortable and cool.”

One example of cool fabric is Nike’s “Dri-FIT technology” that is made of polyester fabric in a “high-performance microfiber construction,” that works to wick away sweat. Reuters reported this week retailers such as Macy’s and Columbia Sportswear are expanding their use of cooling fabrics “in a bid to boost sales” as consumers look for ways to brave the heat.

It also said that some retailers are focusing on Tencel, “a lyocell fiber that textile manufacturer Lenzing says is more absorbent than cotton,” made from wood pulp. Macy’s officials told Reuters that some of its new items include a $150 trench coat made with lyocell and $24.50 tee-shirts made with modal, another wood pulp fabric.

“Overall, global production of cellulose-based fibers including lyocell, modal and cupro grew more than 10% to 7.2 million tons in 2022, according to the nonprofit Textile Exchange,” said Rueters.

A cooling fabrics market report released July 28 said that the market is projected to grow from $2.4 billion this year to $3.6 billion by 2028.

“Cooling fabrics have been the primary choice for sports apparel due to their ability to enhance performance, improve comfort, and regulate body temperature during physical activity,” said a press release. “These fabrics offer moisture wicking, breathability & ventilation, heat reflectivity, compression & recovery, lightweight, strechability, and odor control that contribute to a more comfortable and enjoyable sports experience.”

Jumping on the cooling fabric trend might be a good idea, as the National Weather Service said Wednesday that “the heat goes on,” with “a strong upper ridge which has spent more than its fair share of time in residence.”