Teijin Frontier Co., Ltd. announced on June 2, 2026, the development of a polyester fiber-based textile that combines two functions that are often difficult to achieve simultaneously: heat retention and breathability. According to the company, the new material delivers warmth through its structural design while helping suppress stuffiness through enhanced airflow.
The textile is intended for thermal apparel used in sports and outdoor activities and features a distinctive three-dimensional appearance along with a light and airy feel. Teijin Frontier plans to promote the material for sports and outdoor apparel in the fall/winter 2027 season and expand sales in both domestic and international markets.
The company noted that the sports and outdoor market has broadened in recent years, covering activities ranging from competitive sports and mountaineering to jogging and trail running. Sportswear has also become increasingly integrated into everyday fashion, contributing to demand for thermal garments that offer mobility, comfort, visual appeal and heat-retention performance.
Previously, Teijin Frontier developed products using hollow 8-fin cross-section yarn in raised fabric sections. However, the company faced challenges in balancing heat retention with stuffiness suppression. The use of non-crimped filament yarn in the raised area also resulted in limitations related to softness, appearance and warm tactile characteristics.
To address these issues, Teijin Frontier developed a polyester fiber-based textile featuring a bulky raised-fiber structure. The material combines lightweight heat retention, breathability, a warm touch and an airy appearance. It is produced by precisely splitting in half a double Raschel knitted fabric that incorporates low-crimp yarn in the ground structure and bulky, high-crimp textured yarn in the intermediate knot portions of the fabric.
Key Features
Heat Retention Structure
The textile forms a uniform, lofty and air-containing granular raised-fiber structure. According to Teijin Frontier, the dead-air effect created by the lightweight raised nap contributes to loft and warmth.
Enhanced Breathability
The fabric incorporates a special construction with large knitted stitches that create spaces between yarns. Teijin Frontier stated that the void structure in the base fabric area achieves breathability more than twice that of conventional products, based on a company survey. Air permeability varies depending on fabric design.
Moisture-Wicking Performance
The bulky, highly crimped textured yarn makes point contact with the skin and wicks perspiration. Moisture is then transferred to the low-crimp yarn through capillary action for rapid diffusion and drying, helping reduce chill associated with sweat retention.
Shape Retention
The company said the textile maintains its three-dimensional structure even after repeated laundering due to the stable configuration of the crimped yarn and its air-containing design.
Sustainability Benefits
Teijin Frontier stated that the textile can be manufactured using recycled polyester fiber as well as conventional polyester, providing an additional material option for customers.
The company also noted that the non-brushed filament-based design sheds fewer fibers, which may contribute to reducing the release of ocean-bound microplastics during laundering.
Sales Targets
Teijin Frontier is targeting sales of 50,000 meters of the new textile in fiscal 2027 and 250,000 meters in fiscal 2029.