Cool Biz, a combination of the English words cool and business, is the catchword in Japan this summer. It is the title of a government campaign to persuade office workers to dispense with their ties and jackets as an environmentally friendly way of staying cool without lowering the air conditioner thermostat. And now an innovation called kuchofuku (air-conditioned clothing) is taking the Cool Biz concept one step further. This new type of garb lets people stay cool even in long sleeves.
Air-conditioned clothes have two small fans about 10 centimeters in diameter attached to the right and left sides of the back of the clothing, just above the waist. The fans draw in a large amount of air and help to vaporize sweat. As the perspiration evaporates, heat is dissipated, bringing down the wearer's body temperature. Sweating is the human body's natural air conditioner, and air-conditioned clothes are designed to give this mechanism a boost, ensuring that it functions properly even on the hottest, most humid days
Who wants to be cool? Air-conditioned clothing.
Who Wants To Be Cool? Air-conditioned Clothing.
Trend Themes
1. Air-conditioned Clothing - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop advanced air-conditioned clothing with improved cooling technology and stylish design to cater to hot and humid climates.
2. Cool Biz Campaign - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create eco-friendly and fashionable alternatives to traditional office attire to promote comfort and reduce energy consumption in hot weather.
3. Sweat Vaporization Technology - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Explore advanced techniques for enhancing sweat evaporation to develop more efficient and effective cooling solutions for clothing and personal accessories.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion Industry - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Introduce innovative air-conditioned garments and accessories that combine style and function to meet the growing demand for comfortable and sustainable summer clothing.
2. Textile Industry - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop specialized fabrics and materials with enhanced moisture-wicking properties and breathability to improve the performance of air-conditioned clothing.
3. Consumer Electronics Industry - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Collaborate with clothing brands to integrate advanced cooling technologies, such as miniaturized fans and smart temperature control systems, into wearable products.