Japan’s Uniqlo to make masks using underwear fabric
25/05/2020 04:27
TOKYO, May 25 (Reuters) - Japanese casual clothing chain
Uniqlo, owned by Fast Retailing 9983.T , said it plans to sell
face masks made of fabric used for its Airism underwear line in
response to strong demand for protective gear for the
coronavirus.
The company had previously been wary of making face masks,
but a spokeswoman said it changed its mind after receiving many
requests from customers to make them.
Details on pricing and launch dates would be announced at a
later date, she said on Monday.
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 8022.T and smartphone
screen maker Sharp Corp 6753.T to start producing them.
(Reporting by Ritsuko Ando and Sakura Murakami; Editing by Raju
Gopalakrishnan)
((Sakura.Murakami@thomsonreuters.com;))