JAPAN’S UNIQLO TO MAKE MASKS USING UNDERWEAR FABRIC

Japanese casual clothing chain Uniqlo, owned by Fast Retailing, said it plans to sell masks made of fabric used for its Airism underwear line in response to strong demand for protective gear against the COVID-19 pandemic, Ritsuko Ando and Sakura Murakami of Reuters reported on May 25, 2020.

Uniqlo earlier balked at making masks but customers demanded that they produce them to serve the needs of the burgeoning Japanese market. A Uniqlo spokeswoman said it changed its mind after receiving many requests from customers to make them.

The Airism undergarments feature a specially-developed fabric known for a smooth, silky feel. The company says the fabric also keeps the wearer cool in the summer months by releasing moisture and heat.

Facial masks have been in short supply in Japan since the coronavirus epidemic swept the country, prompting businesses such as sportswear brand Mizuno Corp. and smartphone screen maker Sharp Corp. to start producing them. #COVID19