Far-infrared Finishing

Definition and Overview

Far-infrared finishing is a processing method that gives fabric functionality by using inorganic functional particles said to emit far-infrared rays. In addition to a post-treatment method applied to fabric, there is also a method that mixes particles into synthetic fiber raw materials to give functionality from the yarn stage.

Far-infrared rays are a type of electromagnetic wave, and in the apparel field they are used in materials that promote a sense of warmth and effects on the clothing microclimate. However, the mechanism of the function, evaluation methods, and how it is perceived vary depending on product design and usage conditions.

Characteristics and Appearance

This processing itself is not a woven or knitted structure or a material name, so the hand feel, thickness, stretch, and surface appearance depend on the base fabric and processing method. In yarns blended with particles, the appearance and touch may not differ greatly from ordinary yarn.

In post-processing using resin or similar materials, the amount of processing may change firmness, stiffness, breathability, and water absorbency. Some materials are designed to use sunlight in dark colors or are combined with light-absorbing heat-generating functions, but far-infrared finishing alone does not necessarily generate heat.

Main Uses and Seasons

It is used for autumn and winter clothing, underwear, sports and outdoor apparel, bedding, and interior products intended to convey warmth and heat retention. It may also be combined with constructions that make it harder for heat inside clothing to escape, such as brushed lining, fleece, and quilt batting.

When selecting materials, confirm not only whether far-infrared finishing is present, but also fabric weight, thickness, breathability, moisture absorbency, and the presence or absence of lining or quilt batting. For high-activity uses, balancing heat retention with quick-drying moisture absorption and moisture permeability is important.

• Autumn and winter innerwear, cut-and-sewn items, and loungewear
• Cold-weather clothing such as jackets, blousons, and pants
• Mid-layers for sports and outdoor use
• Bedding, blankets, and other interior products

How to Choose and Handling Precautions

During planning, check the labeling related to far-infrared rays separately from performance test results such as heat retention. Confirm the type of processing agent, whether it is blended into the fiber or applied as a post-treatment, wash durability, and changes in the base fabric hand feel using samples and specifications, and set the performance required for the intended use.

Shrinkage is affected more by the base fabric material, weave or knit structure, and finishing treatment than by the far-infrared finishing itself. Before cutting, if necessary, let the fabric relax or pre-wash it, and before mass production, check dimensional changes, appearance, and hand feel after washing.

For sewing, choose needles, thread, and sewing conditions suitable for the material, just as with ordinary fabric. If the fabric has become stiff due to a resin-based post-treatment, check needle holes, seam puckering, and puckering with trial sewing, and follow the labeled temperature conditions for ironing.

Differences from Similar Terms

Moisture-absorbing heat generation is a function that uses heat generated when moisture is absorbed. It differs in concept from far-infrared finishing, and some materials have both functions. Light-absorbing heat conversion is a function that absorbs sunlight and converts it into heat, and it is affected by sunlight conditions.

Heat retention refers to the function of storing received heat and releasing it more easily, and it is sometimes listed together with far-infrared finishing. None of these terms directly indicate warmth itself, so the warmth of apparel should be judged by including the fabric structure and garment design.

Frequently Asked Questions