Fabric Functions

The Japanese are famous for being ferocious perfectionists in all aspects of life, from their precise presentation of food
to the insane timeliness of their trains. Often overlooked or seen as unnecessary, Japan has continued to develop this perfectionism
in niche markets by making use of it as a promotional tool. The textile industry is no exception, as it zones in on nitty-gritty
areas of our daily lives in its display of ideas in new treatments and processing of fabrics. Dividing their products into
three main marketing groups of health and beauty, protection from the elements, and comfort and relaxation, leading textile
companies back themselves with science and imagination, pushing the limits with remarkable innovation.

One of the leaders in newfangled ideas is Fujibo Holdings, Inc., and its most impressive concepts are in its health and beauty lineup. Its V-Up line infuses a solution of vitamins C and
E into fibers, trumpeting a slogan of "wearable vitamins." Not to be mistaken for a solution to forgetting to take your supplements,
when the skin’s natural oil comes into contact with the slick, treated fabric, the vitamins are directly absorbed, encouraging
silkier, brighter, and healthier skin. They use the same concept for Slimwish, infused with a solution of concentrated kelp
extract. Kelp is a favorite of ritzy beauty spas that believe it encourages the breaking up of fat cells and contains super
doses of moisture. Some outlandish concepts include fabric treated with the trendy Q10 enzyme for energy, and another with
Japanese sake that claims fountain-of-youth results. A middle aged man can rejoice in a treatment for hats that uses a mix
of natural herbs said to stimulate hair growth.

The harsh elements are the main reason we swathe ourselves in clothes, but with increasing environmental problems, companies
are scrambling to offer consumers added protection. Japan offers surprisingly practical but super-advanced solutions, such
as a winter fabric that makes use of capsaicin, an enzyme found in chili peppers. It is used in natural medicine to treat
poor circulation by stimulating blood flow, which in turn increases body temperature — a boon to the pajama lovers on chilly
nights. Another fabric amazingly regulates changes in pH levels due to, say, a scary case of acid rain. The rising level
of damaging ultraviolet rays from the sun can also now be avoided with new fabrics impressively toting the strongest Australian-authorized
UVP (Ultraviolet Protection) rate available of 50+. Fujibo takes it a step further by adding polymer beads, which reflect
harsh, wrinkle-making rays and create a cooling system that drops temperatures one to two degrees Celsius.

When all is said and done, all we really expect from fabric is a little comfort. Companies in the textile industry are now
taking it to a grand level by offering spa-type treatments that require clothes to stay on.
Scratch-and-sniff fabrics have been on the market for some time now, but new treatments offer aroma-therapeutic scents
such as mint, lavender, and grapefruit, as well as unusual offerings including black pepper and tarragon. Negative-ion therapy
is an increasingly hot commodity, and products toting its purported benefit of enhanced mood are flying off shelves. Ion Shower
is a fabric released by Fujibo that touts mind-relaxing effects with the added benefits of being anti-bacterial and killing
bodily odors.
Furthermore, an entirely new use has come about for Xylitol, a natural sweetener best known as an ingredient in gum.
Asics, another Japanese company, uses the substance in a line of shirts that are meant to give the seriously active wearer
some relief by cooling the body and refreshing the mind.

While these textile treatments seem like they could be a new staple in our lives, constantly improved by technology, a question
of pure frivolity still remains. And although all of the garments claim to be washable, some up to 30 times, the life of the
effects will undoubtedly end before the garment does. One can be sure, however, to see new innovations appearing from textile
companies in Japan mainly because of the immense power of using them as an incredible marketing tool. Perhaps one day we may
even see a shift in trends — less skin, and more covering up.

-Misha Janette

Photos:
Images from Fujibo Holdings, Inc.