From 'Applying' to 'Wearing': Fukuske's New Approach to UV Care for Beautiful Skin

Fukuske Corporation has developed 『まとう、UVヴェール』, a UV protection brand that utilizes stocking fabric to achieve an impressive UV protection rate of over 90%, all while being as sheer as 20 denier.

In this article, we sit down with Akane Bando, who spearheaded the brand's launch and is involved in planning stocking-related products for the company. We discussed the new value that apparel-based UV care is bringing to the world of beauty.

Getting Rid of That 'Extra Layer' Feeling: The Application of Stocking Technology

Since the pandemic, fashion has trended more casual, leading to a gradual decline in sales for stocking-related products. In this challenging climate, Akane Bando, a product planner for Fukuske Corporation's stocking division, began to re-evaluate how the company could best utilize its unique assets.

The company possessed proprietary technology for knitting thin yet durable fabric, creating a smooth texture that feels like a second skin. A quest began to see if these signature stocking technologies could be applied to a completely different type of product.

Just as planning for the spring/summer season kicked off, Bando zeroed in on UV protection, an area of growing consumer demand. Being meticulous about her own UV care—applying sunscreen year-round—she brought a valuable consumer perspective to the table.

Her research into existing arm covers and leggings on the market revealed a common drawback. Most UV protection items were made of thick fabric and were primarily black. The heavy focus on function gave them a sporty look, and she discovered an underlying frustration among users that these items were hard to incorporate into daily fashion.

"When you're choosing an accessory, having to plan your whole outfit around it can be a hassle. I was browsing online reviews and thinking, 'How can we solve the problem of these items looking too conspicuous and clashing with your clothes?'"

Bando reflects. The goal wasn't to force people to match their clothes to their arm covers, but to create arm covers that would seamlessly blend with any outfit. It was an approach that could only come from Fukuske, a company with a long history dedicated to beautifying women's legs through stockings.

The Secret to "Covered Yarn": Achieving Both Sheerness and UV Protection

The goal was to develop a fabric that could reliably block UV rays while maintaining a sheerness that mimics bare skin. Typically, achieving a high UV protection factor (UPF) in knit fabrics means you either have to use thicker yarn for a denser fabric, opt for darker colors to block light, or sacrifice sheerness for a matte finish. But any of these options would compromise the unique transparency and elegance of hosiery, making it less effective as an accessory for enhancing the skin's beauty.

The breakthrough came from a special yarn called "Clear Veil®," developed by Toray Industries, Inc. This innovative material had the remarkable ability to absorb UV rays on its own while staying highly transparent. Bando and his team decided to use this yarn, incorporating it into a "covered yarn" structure, a technique already used in hosiery manufacturing.

The process involves wrapping the UV-absorbing Clear Veil® yarn around a stretchy polyurethane core. This method not only provides UV protection but also creates a comfortable stretch that moves with the body and a soft, gentle fit that prevents feeling constricted, even after a full day of wear.

Manufacturing this covered yarn is a delicate balancing act.

"How tightly we wrap the yarn around the core directly impacts the fabric's firmness and softness. Over-wrapping makes it stiff and less stretchy, while under-wrapping results in a poor texture against the skin. We conducted extensive research to fine-tune this process and meet the product specifications."

They spent day after day working with a long-term partner factory, meticulously fine-tuning yarn combinations and knitting techniques. The final prototype was an ultra-thin fabric, equivalent to about 20 denier in hosiery. Bando recalls cheering alongside his supervisor the moment an official testing agency confirmed that this incredibly thin material achieved a UV protection rate of over 90%. It was proof that a fabric sheer enough to see skin through could effectively absorb invisible ultraviolet rays.

From "Applying" to "Adorning": A New Experience Bridging Beauty and Fashion

Named "まとう、UVヴェール" (Matou, UV Veil), this series is more than just a tool for sun protection. The brand name evokes the elegance of "adorning" (matou) oneself with a shawl and the delicate, sheer beauty of a bridal veil. The team carefully selected the perfect shade of beige from the company's dozens of hosiery colors and applied it to products like arm covers, creating a makeup-like effect for the skin.

"Our arms and legs are parts of our body we see all the time. We wanted to help customers who wish to naturally conceal things like veins or scars and make their skin appear more beautiful. By covering these areas of concern, the product also provides a sense of confidence and peace of mind."

For those who feel self-conscious about wearing short-sleeved shirts due to spots or scars on their arms, this product helps even out skin tone. It eliminates the hassle of sticky sunscreen and the need for frequent reapplication. There's no risk of sunscreen staining your clothes, and the convenience of being able to slip them on and off as needed is a huge plus. They can be washed just like regular hosiery, and the UV protection effect lasts, making them perfect for everyday use.

Surprising User Feedback and Versatile Uses

After its launch, this fresh approach to UV protection, dubbed "matou" (to wear), sparked a response from beauty enthusiasts that exceeded all expectations. In an era where consumers are more knowledgeable about UV protection and demand proven effectiveness, the review sections flooded with rave comments like, "I love how it makes my blemishes less noticeable while still looking like my natural skin," and "This might be the key to making my skin look flawless."

Moreover, some feedback even took Bando by surprise.

"We received a surprising number of comments saying, 'It actually feels cooler to wear.' Others mentioned that it provides a bit of a buffer against the chill when entering an air-conditioned room. We discovered it offers a unique dual benefit: it keeps you cool outdoors while taking the edge off the cold indoors."

The usefulness of "まとう、UVヴェール" extends far beyond daily errands like shopping and commuting. Users have reported that it's perfect for long hours of outdoor activities like golf. It's poised to become a go-to item for protecting skin without cramping your style during light workouts, walks, outdoor events, and more.

Fukusuke's Vision: The New Intersection of Beauty and Wellness

The "まとう、UVヴェール" approach—protecting skin with apparel while enhancing its beauty—stands as a prime example of functional clothing successfully venturing into the beauty space. Fukusuke Co., Ltd. is currently exploring new avenues, aiming to expand its lineup of wellness products that foster a positive connection between body and mind.

Wearing it not only protects your skin but also boosts your spirits. This fusion of beauty and fashion, envisioned by a company with a long history of creating garments that sit next to the skin, is set to transform our daily lives, making them more comfortable and liberating.