The summer of 2024 is projected to bring record-breaking heat waves worldwide, including in Korea. In Europe, temperatures in Italy, Germany, the Czech Republic, and Hungary are expected to soar more than 10 degrees above the usual, with some regions potentially surpassing 40 degrees Celsius (source: Severe Weather Europe). Similarly, Korea is likely to experience higher-than-average temperatures, with June 2024 already recording a peak of 28.4 degrees, surpassing the 2020 record of 28 degrees (source: Korean Peninsula Climate Watch).

When we think of heat waves, air conditioning often comes to mind. However, many consumers are now turning to cooling fabrics to combat the heat. A search for cooling cloth on Korea's largest e-commerce site yielded about 1,000 products, marking the era of cooling cloth.

Cooling fabrics are special textiles developed to lower body temperature and maintain comfort. These fabrics feature two primary cooling mechanisms: contact cooling and evaporative cooling. Contact cooling quickly absorbs body heat, providing an immediate sensation of coolness upon contact. Evaporative cooling, on the other hand, works by swiftly absorbing and evaporating sweat, which helps the skin feel cool. This dual cooling effect is why sportswear, everyday clothing, and bedding made from cooling fabrics provide a refreshing and comfortable experience. The cooling effects from contact and evaporative cooling can also help prevent health issues like heatstroke caused by extreme heat. While it's unrealistic to entirely replace air conditioning, using cooling fabrics can certainly reduce the need for air conditioning and extend periods of comfort without it.

Cool and Comfortable: HYOSUNG CREORA Cooling Fabric

Hyosung TNC's CREORA cooling fabric is a high-performance yarn* that maximizes cooling effects through advanced material functions and Hyosung's proprietary technology.

*Yarn is made by twisting multiple fibers together, with fibers being the essential components of yarn. These fibers serve as the raw material for creating yarn, which is then woven into fabric for various products.

CREORA Aqua-X: Refreshing Coolness and Comfort for Your Skin

CREORA Aqua-X is a cooling functional nylon product that quickly dries sweat and moisture, providing both coolness and comfort at the same time. It reduces discomfort from sweat and moisture, aiding in body temperature regulation, and hence lowers the discomfort index during the summer. The special minerals embedded within the fibers rapidly absorb body heat, providing an immediate cooling sensation upon contact.

▲ The wide cross-sectional structure of CREORA Aqua-X yarn. It features fine channels and special minerals

The wide cross-sectional structure of CREORA Aqua-X yarn contains fine channels and special minerals. Liquids, including sweat, move through narrow spaces, irrespective of gravity via a process known as ‘capillary action.’ The fine channels in Aqua-X yarn replicate these narrow spaces, allowing body sweat to swiftly travel through and evaporate. This unique structure enhances the cooling effect of Aqua-X yarn by 10% compared to regular nylon.

Summer UV rays can penetrate the skin's dermal layer, causing chemical reactions that lead to redness and, in severe cases, burns. The special cross-section shape and mineral content in CREORA Aqua-X reflects light, effectively blocking UV rays. Additionally, this fabric minimizes see-through issues often found in white and light-colored fabrics.

CREORA Askin: Quick Cooling with Moisture-Wicking Properties

CREORA Askin is a cooling functional polyester yarn with UV protection and moisture-wicking properties, making it popular for summer sportswear, outdoor clothing, and underwear. Its unique cross-sectional structure and special mineral content quickly absorb body heat, providing an immediate cooling sensation upon contact.

The unique cross-section of CREORA Askin yarn is similar to that of Aqua-X. It features fine channels that quickly absorb and evaporate sweat through capillary action, maintaining a comfortable feel. Like Aqua-X, it effectively blocks UV rays, protecting the skin from sun damage and burns during the summer. Additionally, the special structure of the yarn minimizes the transparency of light-colored fabrics, enhancing both functionality and aesthetic appeal. Thanks to these features, Askin offers a 10% improvement in cooling effect compared to regular polyester yarn.

▲ CREORA Aqua-X / Askin features a broad structure and special minerals that quickly absorb and evaporate sweat.

CREORA Coolwave: Feel Cool, Stay Cool 

CREORA Coolwave is a high-performance nylon that offers an exceptionally cool touch and superior comfort. Its special hydrophilic** polymer*** enhances moisture absorption by about 1.5 times compared to regular nylon, quickly drawing in and expelling moisture. This results in an even cooler feel and refreshing wearing experience. With its excellent moisture management, Coolwave is ideal for the hot summer months and maintains a comfortable feel for extended periods.

**Hydrophilic refers to the property of attracting and absorbing water. Hydrophilic polymers pull in and absorb moisture, making them useful in materials for medical, textile, and film applications.

***Polymer is a compound made up of large molecules consisting of repeating smaller units. Polymers can be naturally occurring or synthetically created and are used in various everyday applications. Plastics, rubber, textiles, proteins, and DNA are some of the examples of polymers.

CREORA Coolwave stands out as a super-cooling yarn with better moisture absorption performance than traditional cooling yarns, providing a sensation as if you are feeling a cool breeze, just as its name states. It is used not only in clothing but also in various cooling products.

Sustainable Solutions for Beating the Heat

Hyosung’s cooling fabrics offer more than just a refreshing feel—they enhance quality of life and contribute to reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Beyond the typical cooling benefits, HYOSUNG’s CREORA nylon and polyester product lines now include sustainable cooling yarns, such as the regen series. These regen yarns are made from recycled materials, significantly cutting carbon emissions during production, making them a sustainable choice.

▲ CREORA Coolwave HangTag for retail products

Of course, HYOSUNG does not directly manufacture consumer goods like cooling apparel or mats. Instead, our partners use CREORA yarns to create a wide range of cooling products. Look for the hangtags on these products made by the partnering companies to identify HYOSUNG materials. With HYOSUNG’s commitment to quality and sustainability, you can enjoy a cool and healthy summer.