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Human Physiology × AddElm: Incredible Technology! Who Would've Thought Denim Could Evolve into Conditioning Wear!
AddElm TECHNOLOGY possesses proprietary technology for blending minerals that stimulate human physiological responses directly into fibers. Using this technology, they have collaborated with denim manufacturer Kaihara to develop the revolutionary "AddElm" denim. Let’s take a closer look at the background behind the development of this groundbreaking product.
Denim Material Developed with Japan's Renowned Kaihara
What if simply wearing your everyday clothes could make you your best self? That’s the idea realized through AddElm, a lifestyle brand provided by AddElm TECHNOLOGY.With the philosophy "expand your potential", Chairman Ken Sugimoto developed the "HERO SUIT", which enhances the body’s performance.
The "HERO SUIT" was selected as "Best Product" in the Textrends Smart Technology Apparel category at ISPO Munich 24/25.
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AddElm has already produced sweatshirts and t-shirts that boost athletic performance, but now, to further enrich their lifestyle line, they've reintroduced denim to their collection.
The core of this project is the denim that AddElm developed together with Kaihara, who holds around 50% of the domestic denim market share.
The core of this project is the denim that AddElm developed together with Kaihara, who holds around 50% of the domestic denim market share.
AddElm positions this "AddElm Denim" as the ultimate active conditioning denim, succeeding in creating a material distinctly different from ordinary denim.
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The surface is approximately twice as smooth compared to standard 100% cotton denim. This is achieved by adding fine particles to the fibers that make up the denim yarn, lowering the rolling friction coefficient, and creating a powdery touch.
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In the joint development, they also adjusted the weaving structure, successfully reducing friction between fibers. As a result, the denim stretches more with less effort, achieving exceptional comfort and flexibility.
"Maintaining denim’s texture while achieving this level of stretch was one of the biggest challenges of the project", says PR representative Meiko Muto.
"Maintaining denim’s texture while achieving this level of stretch was one of the biggest challenges of the project", says PR representative Meiko Muto.
AddElm’s developed technology directly delivers external stimuli to the skin, supporting more efficient muscle movement—a function they call Active Conditioning Support.
Specifically, their technology blends a proprietary mineral mix into fibers that interact with the body. This is now also incorporated into the jointly developed denim fabric.
For instance, reports state that wearers feel noticeably less load when lifting a 10kg dumbbell before and after putting on the denim.
By incorporating these cutting-edge technologies, they have created a denim fabric with truly innovative functions.
Specifically, their technology blends a proprietary mineral mix into fibers that interact with the body. This is now also incorporated into the jointly developed denim fabric.
For instance, reports state that wearers feel noticeably less load when lifting a 10kg dumbbell before and after putting on the denim.
By incorporating these cutting-edge technologies, they have created a denim fabric with truly innovative functions.
Exceptional Attention to Patterning & Detail
To ensure it’s a fully-fledged fashion item, AddElm tailored an original five-pocket fit design."While supporting the brand’s mission to encourage movement, we proposed an on-trend baggy silhouette that balances fashion and mobility", says Muto.
In fact, athletes who have tried the product repeatedly comment that it’s extremely easy to move in.
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Upon close inspection, the silhouette forms a gentle curve, resulting in a finish that truly embodies a modern street-inspired aesthetic.
There is meticulous attention to detail in the accessories as well—such as the leather patch, stitching, top button, and rivets—offering a level of craftsmanship that will delight denim enthusiasts.
“By collaborating with highly reputable brands, we believe denim fans will be more inclined to try our pieces. Additionally, we’re proud to have offered a new genre of denim—the 'ultimate active conditioning denim' that pursues exceptional comfort”, says Muto.
AddElm’s Technology that Enables Recovery Through Denim
To understand the functionality of this denim, it’s important to unravel the technology concept proposed by AddElm.AddElm has developed a concept based on the circadian rhythm—the natural internal clock humans are said to have acquired through ancient living.
They categorize daily activity over 24 hours into four categories, blending multiple minerals for each, and incorporating them independently into items based on their intended purpose.
Specifically, there are four types: "add.01" technology aimed at relaxation, "add.02" for recovery, "add.03" to enhance performance, and, while not yet commercialized, "add.00" for use during sleep.
Among these, these denim pants utilize the "add.02" technology.
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The "add.02" technology, known for enabling more movement with less energy, demonstrated improved reaction speed and flexibility with reduced physical activity during wear tests. A shortened range of center of gravity movement was also observed.
Simultaneously, reductions were confirmed in calorie consumption, heart rate, and muscle activity during exercise, suggesting the garment can help alleviate physical strain and fatigue. This technology includes conditioning features that support active rest.
Simultaneously, reductions were confirmed in calorie consumption, heart rate, and muscle activity during exercise, suggesting the garment can help alleviate physical strain and fatigue. This technology includes conditioning features that support active rest.
Breaking the conventional notion of recovery wear equaling loungewear, AddElm proposes a fresh category of recovery wear focused on "energy efficiency."
These technologies undergo regular evaluation testing by independent organizations that partner with AddElm TECHNOLOGY, ensuring credibility beyond mere pseudoscience.
The background of this denim’s development also relates to founder Chairman Sugimoto’s deep familiarity with street sports like skateboarding, BMX, and breaking—expressed in the belief that "Denim is also useful as sportswear!"
That’s likely why there’s as much focus on design as on functionality throughout these pieces.
Looking forward, AddElm is set to explore further possibilities, targeting support for urban sports such as 3x3 basketball, breaking, and freestyle football.
Garments by AddElm—starting with this denim—are poised to create a new wave in the fashion world, merging fashion, sports, and technology.
These technologies undergo regular evaluation testing by independent organizations that partner with AddElm TECHNOLOGY, ensuring credibility beyond mere pseudoscience.
The background of this denim’s development also relates to founder Chairman Sugimoto’s deep familiarity with street sports like skateboarding, BMX, and breaking—expressed in the belief that "Denim is also useful as sportswear!"
That’s likely why there’s as much focus on design as on functionality throughout these pieces.
Looking forward, AddElm is set to explore further possibilities, targeting support for urban sports such as 3x3 basketball, breaking, and freestyle football.
Garments by AddElm—starting with this denim—are poised to create a new wave in the fashion world, merging fashion, sports, and technology.
PROFILE
Meiko Muto
AddElm Sales Division PR Officer
Started snow sports in university and built experience in the action sports industry. Later joined AddElm, attracted by its technology. Currently works in PR, sharing AddElm’s appeal in an accessible way, drawing on her own expertise and insights.
Text by Masahiko Takamura
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