Cooling Fabrics Market

DRIVER: Rising demand for sportswear clothing and urbanization and surge in standard of living

Athletes need clothing to manage their body temperatures during athletic, outdoor, or exercise activities. The first benefit of cooling fabrics is control of body temperature. They allow the body to allow heat to exit, enhancing comfort and cooling one's body. These fabrics have a moisture-wicking ability, wherein sweat is drawn away from the skin and evaporates rapidly. Such action helps keep the body dry, preventing its wet and unpleasant condition and avoiding the chances of irritation or chafing due to excessive moisture. These fabrics are also highly permeable; they facilitate air penetration. This is crucial for ventilation and smooth air movement in warm, humid conditions. Improved breathability prevents sweat and odor buildup, leaving the wearer cool and dry. Therefore, body temperature regulation, moisture level control, and ventilation in cooling materials make them an excellent alternative to conventional fibers in terms of comfort and highly appealing to end-users, resulting in the growth of the cooling fabrics market.

The increasing standard of living and surge in urbanization may be positive drivers for the cooling fabrics market. According to the United Nations, the global human population reached 8.0 billion in mid-November 2022, an increase from approximately 2.5 billion individuals in 1950, with an additional 1 billion people added since 2010 and 2 billion since 1998. This growth can mainly be attributed to urbanization and accelerated migration, which enhance the living standards. As living standards improve, disposable income is increased. This can be used on lifestyle products, which include apparel. Consumers spend money on high-quality, functional, comfortable clothing- such as cooling fabric items. The People Research on India's Consumer Economy, more loosely known as the PRICE survey, relies on primary data to claim that the middle class is the fastest-growing major category of Indians in both percentage and absolute terms. It is thus expected to emerge as the largest of the consumer groups capable of those highest expenditure levels. The middle-class population grew by 6.3% between 1995 and 2021. The middle class comprises more than 31% of the population, expected to rise to 38% in 2031 and reach 60% in 2047. This growth trend will help raise consumer purchasing power, which may induce further investment and job creation for the country's overall economic growth. With the assistance of more money, there can be a high demand for cooling fabrics along with expensive technological clothing.

RESTRAINT: High price of cooling fabrics compared to regular fabrics

The cost of cooling fabrics varies depending on the type of fabric, technology applied, manufacturing processes, consumer preferences, global trade patterns, and market demand. Most cooling fabric manufacturers need help to achieve a sustainable profit margin because of fluctuating raw material prices, which affects their financial performance.

Oil prices play a critical role in the price dynamics of petroleum products globally. Excess supply or scarcity of crude oil influences its prices, causing market instability to the extent that many producers try to cut back on production to maintain the price of the raw materials. Polyester, the chemical derivative of petroleum used for cooling fabric, provides 75% of the fabric value in India and around 55% in countries such as the US, Japan, and Germany. According to Goldman Sachs, the oil price is expected to rise to over USD 107 per barrel by the end of 2023 from about USD 84 per barrel during the first quarter. This would push up the input cost for finished products, which may be passed on to the customers or lower the profit margin. In this regard, efficiency in supply chain management is a challenge in controlling the surge in input prices. Consequently, oil price fluctuations create an interlocking effect on final product prices.

Normal cooling fabrics generally possess moisture-wicking and breathable properties, making them slightly costlier than the other advanced cooling technologies. The basic cooling fabrics are primarily used for sportswear, activewear, and casual wear. The price is moderate and slightly higher than that of the usual fabrics, as this depends on the brand and market competition. On the other hand, cooling fabrics that apply advanced technologies, such as phase change material or microencapsulation, are usually more expensive. These materials offer better cooling efficiency and longer thermal control. Special materials, technologies used in the manufacturing process, and patents explain their high prices. Cooling fabrics are often used in specialty products, including high-performance sports and medical textiles for particular outdoor equipment. Since their price is much higher than that of standard fabrics, it may be out of range for many customers. Overcoming cost barriers and enhancing the cost-effectiveness of cooling fabrics will be necessary for broader market penetration.