Cool Fabrics: The New Favorite for Beating the Summer Heat
Cool fabrics are gaining popularity for summer clothes. They are great for workouts or hot weather. Many people feel uncomfortable in tight clothes and sweat. Traditional fabrics often struggle to offer both quick cooling and enduring comfort. Recent advances in textile technology have made cool fabrics a refreshing upgrade. They offer improved breathability and comfort. This comes from new materials, smart designs, and advanced processing. This article looks at the main technologies behind cool fabrics. It also covers how global brands use them and the important industry standards. This will help you make smarter choices to stay cool this summer.
Core Technologies Behind Cool Fabrics
Cool fabrics are great for three reasons. First, they transfer heat away at a rapid pace. Second, they wick moisture. They assist in evaporation. We achieve these through three key types of technology:
1. Material Innovation: Enhancing Thermal Conductivity
Natural Mineral Additives: In fiber spinning, we use small amounts of natural minerals. These include jade, mica, and seashells. This boosts thermal conductivity. These materials absorb body heat in a matter of moments and release it, creating a cooling effect. For example, Erke, a Chinese brand, offers “Polar Cloud Cotton.” It includes xylitol and mineral particles to create this effect.
Phase Change Materials (PCMs): Brands like DuPont use bio-based PCMs. For example, SORONA fibers come from corn sugar alcohols. These materials soak up heat and store it through phase changes. They help keep skin temperature steady and provide lasting coolness. This makes them vital for high-tech cooling fabrics.
2. Structural Design: Biomimicry and Fiber Geometry
Irregular Fiber Structures: Companies such as Coolcore imitate natural fibers. They use triangular and rounded shapes. This boosts surface area and helps evaporation happen faster. These fibers form channels that ease the rapid removal of moisture.
- Irregular fibers offer a bigger surface area than circular ones. This helps improve evaporation and cooling effects. Mixed fibers have a special shape. They create large channels that carry moisture away from the skin.
- Irregular fibers are smaller in volume than round fibers. A higher denier count means more fibers in each yarn. This creates a fabric that is stronger and softer.
- The larger surface area boosts dye absorption. This results in brighter, longer-lasting colors. So, it enhances both the look and function of cool fabrics.
Directional Transport Channels: Wuhan Textile University created the “Sg-like fabric.” It uses micro-channels that act like sweat glands. These channels move sweat from the skin to the outer layer. This allows for evaporation. This one-way transport system stops the fabric from sticking to the skin. It keeps the wearer comfortable and dry.
3. Post-Finishing Treatments
Cooling Finishes: At the end, we use cooling agents such as menthol and erythritol. They lower the fabric’s phase-change temperature below that of the skin. This creates an instant cooling sensation when you touch it. These treatments are commonly used in cooling fabrics designed for summer performance wear.
Noble Biomaterials uses Ionic+ Pro antibacterial yarns and Coolcore’s cooling technologies. Together, they boost the performance of their products. This integration gives lasting cooling and antimicrobial effects. It leaves no chemical residues. This makes it great for Coolmax fabrics that perform well.
Popular Types of Cool Fabrics
|
Type |
Technical Features |
Representative Products |
|
Natural Cooling Fibers |
Plant extracts (e.g., mint fiber, seaweed) | Ice Algae Mud Fabric, Mint Fiber Cooling Fabric |
|
Synthetic Cooling Fibers |
High Conductivity & Irregular Structure (e.g., COOLMAX) | COOLMAX, SORONA |
|
Functional Composite Fabrics |
Directional Moisture Wicking & Antibacterial, & Cooling | Sg-like Fabric, Polar Cloud Cotton |
In-Depth Analysis of Global Brand Cooling Technologies
International Brand Cooling Fabric Matrix
| Brand |
Technology / Product Name |
Fabric / Composition |
GSM (g/m²) |
Supplier / Technology Source |
Price Range (per yard) |
Purchase Volume (2024) |
|
Nike |
Dri-FIT ADV |
Polyester + Nylon (asymmetric mesh) |
150–200 g/m² |
In-house R&D (partly using Colcore) |
$12–18 |
~5 million yards (Global) |
|
Under Armour |
HeatGear® Armour |
Polyester + Coolmax® |
180–220 g/m² |
DuPont (Coolmax) |
$15–22 |
~3 million yards (North America) |
|
Uniqlo |
AIRism® |
Cotton + Polyester (ultrafine fiber) |
120–160 g/m² |
Toray (Japan) |
$8–14 |
~8 million yards (Asia) |
|
Adidas |
Climacool® |
Polyester + Recycled Coolmax® (3D mesh) |
160–200 g/m² |
In-house R&D + Luthai Textile (China) |
$10–16 |
~4.5 million yards (Europe) |
|
Columbia |
OutDry Extreme® |
Nylon + PFC-free coating (cooling film) |
190–230 g/m² |
OutDry (Italy) + GORE-TEX® partnership |
$20–28 |
~2 million yards (Outdoor Series) |
|
Lululemon |
Swift™ |
Nylon + Lycra (cooling layer) |
140–180 g/m² |
In-house R&D + Taiwanese supplier (GOLDEN LILY) |
$25–35 |
~1.5 million yards (Athleisure) |
|
Decathlon |
Evadict™ |
Polyester (hollow asymmetric structure) |
130–170 g/m² |
Dacro (France) |
$6–10 |
~1 million yards (Trail Running) |
Technical Highlights:
-
Nike Dri-FIT ADV uses Coolcore’s special fiber design. This fabric helps sweat evaporate rapidly. Lab tests show it evaporates 30% faster than regular fabrics.
-
Lululemon Swift™: This fabric’s creators include Jisheng in Taiwan, who incorporates cooling particles. It achieves a cooling coefficient of 0.28 J/(cm²・s) and meets the national AA cooling performance standard.
Breakthroughs in Cooling Technologies by Chinese Brands
| Brand | Technology / Product Name | Fabric / Composition | GSM (g/m²) | Supplier / Technology Source | Price Range (per yard) | Purchase Volume (2024) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hongxing Erke | Extreme Cloud Ice Cotton™ | Cotton + Xylitol Cooling Coating (nano-grade) | 180–220 g/m² | Weiqiao Textile (Shandong) | ¥8–12 | ~3 million yards (Domestic) |
| ANTA | Ice Sensation Tech 2.0 | Polyester + Jade Particles | 160–200 g/m² | Lutai Textile (Shandong) | ¥10–15 | ~2.5 million yards (Sportswear) |
| Xtep | Ice Oxygen Tech | Polyester + Thermoplastic Microcapsule Coating | 140–180 g/m² | Fujian Zhonghe Textile | ¥9–13 | ~2 million yards (Running Series) |
| Kappa | CoolSkin™ | Cotton + Bionic Cooling Polymer (Anti-odor) | 120–160 g/m² | In-house R&D + New Era Textile (Taiwan) | ¥15–20 | ~1.5 million yards (Anti-odor Series) |
| 361° | IceWind Tech® | Recycled Coolmax + Graphene | 170–210 g/m² | Fujian Xinhua Textile (Graphene partnership) | ¥12–17 | ~1.8 million yards (Training Series) |
Technical Highlights:
-
ANTA Ice Cooling Tech 2.0 combines jade micro-powder with fibers. This mix achieves a contact cooling coefficient of 0.26 J/(cm²·s). SGS certifies it as a premium grade under Chinese standards.
-
Beneunder CoolSkin™: A dual-function cooling and UV-protective fabric with UPF 50+. Lab tests show it retains 85% of its cooling effect after 50 washes.
Cooling Fabric Standards: Chinese vs. U.S. Regulations
1. Chinese Standard (GB/T 35263-2017)
Contact Cooling Coefficient (qmax):
- Qualified Grade: ≥ 0.15 J/(cm²·s)
- Premium Grade: ≥ 0.25 J/(cm²·s) (per FZ/T 73067-2020)
2. U.S. Standard (AATCC 190-2018)
Dynamic Temperature Drop Test:
- Grade A: ≥ 3°C drop within 30 seconds after skin contact
- Grade B: 1.5–3°C drop
- Grade C: < 1.5°C drop
Thermal Conductivity (ASTM D1518-18):
- Unit: W/(m·K) — the higher the value, the stronger the heat conduction.
- Cooling fabrics typically measure ≥ 0.05 W/(m·K).
Smart Testing with the CoolMax Cooling Fabric Tester
Standards set performance benchmarks. We need advanced tools to test if a fabric feels cool to the touch. That’s where the CoolMax Smart Cooling Tester comes in.
This manufacturer makes this device for both knitted and woven fabrics. It simulates real-world conditions to measure instant cooling effects. It uses precise sensors to track temperature drops in real time. This process creates reliable qmax values within seconds. The CoolMax tester features adjustable parameters and high repeatability. It connects with IoT, making it easy to integrate with ERP and LIMS systems. This helps textile labs and quality assurance teams improve their workflow and productivity.
CoolMax helps brands and manufacturers check cooling performance. Whether you need to meet GB/T 35263 or AATCC 190, it offers precise and efficient measurements.
Comparison Summary
China values quick cooling performance (qmax). Meanwhile, the U.S. aims for reliable cooling and responsive thermal management. International brands, like Nike, usually have to meet AATCC 190 and Chinese standards. Most Chinese brands adhere to national benchmarks as their primary standard.
Industry Trends and Buying Recommendations
Supplier Selection
-
International: DuPont (SORONA / Coolmax), Noble Biomaterials (Ionic+), Toray Japan (AIRism)
-
Domestic: Weiqiao Textile (Polar Cloud Cotton), Luthai Textile (Ice Cooling Tech), Fujian Billion Industrial (Iceoxygen Cool)
Cooling fabrics usually cost 20% to 50% more than standard textiles. Bulk purchases of over 2,000 tons may qualify for a 10%–15% discount.
Technology Evolution
-
Smart temperature control: Hyosung (Korea) made adaptive cooling fibers. They help wick moisture better when the humidity is over 60%.
-
Eco-friendly innovation: 90% of brands plan to adopt bio-based cooling materials (e.g., corn fiber) by 2025.
The cool fabrics market is shifting from hype-driven marketing to deep technological innovation. Global giants and emerging Chinese brands are competing through differentiated strategies.
When buying, consumers should look for Chinese or U.S. standards certification. They should check the wash durability. Make sure cooling retention is at least 70% after 20 washes. Additionally, match the fabric to its use. For sports, choose high moisture-wicking materials. For commuting, choose textures that are gentle on the skin.
Looking ahead, cooling technologies will work alongside smart wearables and sustainable materials. This will bring fresh ways to stay cool and comfortable in the summer.
Knitted Cooling Fabric Suppliers and Product Matrix
Chinese Suppliers
| Supplier Name | Special Fabric | Fabric/Composition | Weight | Price Range | Key Clients | Purchase Volume (2024) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weiqiao Textile | Full-contact cooling fabric | Cotton + Spandex (nano-level) | 180–220 g/m² | ¥8–12/yard | Decathlon, Semir | ~300 tons |
| LuTai Textile | Cooling Tech 2.0 | Polyester fiber + Jade micro powder | 160–200 g/m² | ¥10–15/yard | Anta, Li Ning | ~250 tons |
| Fujian Tianhong | Ice Oxygen™ | Polyester fiber + Thin breathable TPU film | 140–180 g/m² | ¥9–13/yard | Tebu, 361° | ~200 tons |
| Taiwan Golden Lily | Ice Particle Surface Fabric | Nylon + Spandex (ice film coating) | 140–180 g/m² | ¥25–35/yard | Lululemon, Metersbonwe | ~150 tons |
| Taiwan Far Eastern New Era | Cool Skin™ | Nylon + Ceramic Oxide (anti-UV cooling) | 120–160 g/m² | ¥15–20/yard | Metersbonwe, OhSunny | ~150 tons |
| Fujian Beihua Holdings | Ice Wind Fabric™ | Recycled polyester + Graphene | 170–210 g/m² | ¥12–17/yard | 361°, Decathlon | ~180 tons |
International Suppliers
| Supplier Name | Special Fabric | Fabric/Composition | Weight | Price Range | Key Clients | Purchase Volume (2024) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toray (Japan) | AIRism® | Nylon + Polyester (nano grooves) | 120–160 g/m² | $8–14/yard | Uniqlo, ZARA | ~800 tons |
| DuPont | Coolmax®/SORONA® | Polyester fiber + Coolmax/SORONA | 180–220 g/m² | $15–22/yard | Under Armour, Nike | ~300 tons |
| Noble Biomaterials | Ionic+ Pro Antibacterial Cooling | Polyester fiber + Silver ion antibacterial thread | 160–200 g/m² | $20–28/yard | Adidas, Puma | ~200 tons |
| Gore | OutDry Extreme® | Nylon + PF C-free cooling membrane | 190–230 g/m² | $25–35/yard | Columbia, The North Face | ~150 tons |
| Dacron (France) | Evadict™ | Polyester fiber (three-dimensional hollow shape) | 130–170 g/m² | $6–10/yard | Decathlon, Decathlon (subsidiary) | ~100 tons |
Supplier Highlights & Sourcing Advice
Weiqiao Textile (China)
-
Technology: Micro-nano embedding spinning tech uses less than 0.5% cooling agent. It keeps a cotton-like feel and provides premium-grade cooling, with qmax at least 0.25.
-
Sourcing: Ideal for high-volume buyers (≥2,000 tons); negotiable pricing for cost-sensitive brands.
Eclat Textile (Taiwan, China)
-
Technology: Ice particle coating technology has a cooling coefficient of up to 0.28 J/(cm²·s) (GB AA-grade). The certification body has certified it as A-level under AATCC 190.
- Sourcing: Ideal for high-volume buyers (≥2,000 tons); negotiable pricing for cost-sensitive brands.
Toray Industries (Japan)
-
Technology: AIRism® grooves boost moisture-wicking and cooling. Plus, they offer UV protection (UPF 50+).
-
Sourcing: Long-term partner of Uniqlo; transparent pricing; supports small trial orders (from 100 tons).
DuPont Coolmax (USA)
-
Technology: The cross-section fiber design improves moisture transport by 40% over standard fibers. It’s ideal for high-intensity sportswear.
-
Sourcing: Strategic supplier for Under Armour; requires annual supply agreement; stable pricing.
Key Considerations
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Price Fluctuation: In 2024, prices of key cooling fabric raw materials (e.g., xylitol, jade powder) rose by 10%–15%. We recommend placing your order early to lock in prices.
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Certification Requirements: To export products to the EU and the U.S., they must meet two standards. First, they need to follow OEKO-TEX Standard 100 for eco-friendliness. Second, they must follow AATCC 190 for cooling performance.
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Lead Time: Peak season (April–June) sees order congestion. Standard lead time is 45–60 days; rush orders may incur a 15% surcharge.
