Japan’s Teijin Frontier creates innovative breathable & sun-safe fabric

Japanese company Teijin Frontier has created a new polyester fabric inspired by traditional bamboo blinds, called Sudare. This innovative material offers both high breathability and UV protection, overcoming a longstanding challenge in apparel.

The secret lies in the fabric's structure, which mimics the slats of a Sudare blind. Tiny gaps allow air to flow through while still blocking out 85 per cent of UV rays. Made partly from recycled polyester with added stretch, the fabric also features an uneven surface to prevent sticking.

This summer-friendly material is perfect for clothing and is set to debut in Japan's 2025 Spring/Summer collections. Teijin Frontier expects strong sales, aiming for 250,000 meters sold in fiscal 2024 and reaching 750,000 meters by 2027.