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Suppressing Bacterial Growth & Odor: The Development Story of Workman's "Aero Cluster Slub Parka"
Workman is known for functional clothing. With features like water resistance and stretchability, they are making waves in the Japanese apparel scene by providing high functionality needed on the job site.
The "Aero Cluster Slub Parka" that we are introducing today also boasts high functionality but has a unique set of features among Workman's products. We spoke with Yuichiro Nakano, chief buyer of Product Development Division 6 at Workman, about the full picture of the "Aero Cluster Slub Parka," with Workman's official ambassador Koji Yamada interviewing him.
Functional Clothing Inspired by Curtains
Koji Yamada (hereafter, Yamada)What kind of features does the "Aero Cluster" series offer?
Yuichiro Nakano (hereafter, Nakano)It has the ability to reduce proteins derived from pollen and dust mite waste on the fibers.
YamadaThat's a completely different function from other Workman products. Where did the planning for this begin?
NakanoThe "Aero Cluster" series started in the spring/summer season of 2023. Until then, Workman had products that boasted antibacterial functions, but none focused specifically on pollen and dust mites.
YamadaHow were the initial sales when it first launched?
NakanoThey were very well received and sold out all items.
YamadaSpecifically, how are these functions integrated into the clothing?
NakanoIt varies by product, but both "Aero Cluster High Zip Hoodie" and "Aero Cluster Room Wear" use a treatment called V-CAT.
This treatment exhibits photocatalytic properties when titanium oxide is exposed to light, reducing proteins from pollen and dust mite waste. It also suppresses bacterial growth on the fibers and reduces odor.
NakanoFor the "Aero Cluster Slub Parka," we apply a special treatment called Repur SWEPT.
This treatment utilizes silver ions to reduce proteins from pollen and dust mite waste on the fibers, and it also suppresses bacterial proliferation and odor.
NakanoIf you check the illustrations on the product's tag, it might be easier to understand. These illustrations are purely for representation, but proteins derived from pollen or dust mite waste have spikes, as shown in the left illustration. By applying a chemical agent to the fabric, these spikes become rounded, similar to the right illustration.
Although treatments that facilitate the removal of pollen and dust mite waste adhered to fabric are relatively common, I believe that very few garments have the ability to reduce the protein itself, like the "Aero Cluster" series.
NakanoActually, the inspiration for the "Aero Cluster" series came from curtains. I learned that there are curtains treated with agents that reduce proteins derived from pollen and dust mite waste, and I wondered if that treatment could also be used on clothing. The chemical agent is used in air purifier filters as well, but adapting it for clothing was quite challenging.
Unlike curtains, clothing comes into direct contact with human skin. This increases the likelihood that the treatment could impact the human body. Therefore, we meticulously adjusted the amount of the agent to be applied in coordination with the chemical manufacturer.
YamadaI've heard it can be difficult to promote products with such functions effectively.
NakanoWe have obtained proper evidence regarding the reduction rate of pollen and dust mite exoskeletons from third-party organizations, but figuring out how to communicate that effect within the boundaries established by the Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Act through tags and in-store POP has required significant exploration.
I don’t think our current methods are perfect, so I would like to improve in this area even further.
Design that Retains Workman's Signature Style
YamadaIt seems that not only the functionality but also the design is quite different from other Workman products.
NakanoWorkman products have evolved into a variety of scenes such as outdoor activities and sports, starting from work. However, I wanted to ensure that the "Aero Cluster" series can also be worn during gardening, so I focused on a simple design.
I believe we have created a standard item that can be worn daily by anyone, regardless of age or gender.
NakanoThat being said, I believe it’s essential to maintain the essence of Workman, so I have kept the hammer loop, which is useful during gardening, as a symbol of Workman.
NakanoAdditionally, the part that covers the front zipper, known as the "Mushi-kakushi" (insect concealment), is designed to ensure the zipper is not visible, preventing pollen and dust from entering as much as possible.
YamadaHow are the sales of the "Aero Cluster Slub Parka" going?
NakanoWe first launched this product in the spring/summer season of 2024, and at that time, the production sold out. For the spring/summer season of 2025, we have prepared 1.5 times the quantity compared to 2024, and as of now (early March when the interview took place), the sales are on par with or exceeding last year's.
YamadaAre there any products you would like to develop in the future?
NakanoFabrics that apply agents, like those in the "Aero Cluster" series, don’t work well with the water-repellent processing that Workman excels at. Therefore, I would like to explore methods that can balance various additional functions.
YamadaPersonally, I think it would be great to have rainwear and foldable umbrellas with antibacterial functions. After using rainwear, it can start to smell if left as is, so having odor-free rainwear would be wonderful.
Nakano"Odor-free rainwear" might be interesting. I will consider it.
PROFILE
Yuichiro Nakano
Chief Buyer, Product Development Division 6
Workman Co., Ltd.
PROFILE
Koji Yamada
Fashion Analyst / Official Workman Ambassador
Working freelance primarily through "山田耕史のファッションブログ." Author of "結局、男の服は普通がいい 世界一かんたん、一生使えるオシャレの方程式" (KADOKAWA).
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