As the fashion and beauty worlds continue to adapt to the current COVID-19 pandemic, fashion retailer Uniqlo has recently released its answer to combating the virus: an AIRism face mask.
Initially reluctant to produce personal protective equipment, the Japanese fashion purveyor noted a high influx of customer requests for masks, and officially unveiled the product earlier this week.
The new reusable AIRism Mask, aimed for both performance and comfort, features a three-layer structure that includes a high-performance filter in the middle, equipped with 99% Bacterial Filtration Efficiency (BFE). This is highly effective in blocking bacterial particles, water droplets, as well as virus particles and pollen. However, it does not completely block viruses, including the novel coronavirus.
Internally, the AIRism Mask features a non-woven cotton fabric that removes sweat, so the customer remains cool and dry during wear. The outer layer is made of a mesh material that blocks out 90 percent of ultraviolet light rays. It can be washed in the washing machine with detergent and remains effective for up to 20 washes.
The AIRism face masks will be part of Uniqlo’s “LifeWear” line, which already boasts a range of breathable summer clothing.
Currently, the Uniqlo AIRism face masks are available online via Uniqlo Japan’s website and Uniqlo locations across Japan. There are three sizes: small (for children), medium and large, and only in the color white. A pack of three retails for ¥990 JPY ($13 CAD), limited to one pack of each size per person.
Uniqlo plans to keep up with demand and aims to produce 500,000 packages every week in China. The retailer will also expand its plans to sell the AIRim Masks overseas in the near future.
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