Hyosung TNC Partners with Andar to Launch Athleisure Masks

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoonju Hwang] Hyosung TNC is partnering with an athleisure brand to produce masks that can be comfortably worn during indoor and outdoor exercise.

On the 7th, Hyosung TNC announced that the domestic athleisure (athletics + leisure) leading brand 'Andar' has launched masks made using Hyosung TNC's antibacterial and deodorizing fibers.

The masks released through the collaboration between Hyosung TNC and Andar are characterized by being easier to breathe through than regular KF health masks, while also featuring excellent water repellency (water bounces off the fabric surface without soaking in), antibacterial (resistant to bacteria), and deodorizing (eliminates odors) functions.

Andar is a brand that has led the athleisure look trend, which refers to the normalization of sportswear in everyday fashion in the domestic fashion industry. Recently, they appointed the popular girl group MAMAMOO as their 'brand muse' and are running a new campaign.

With the resurgence of COVID-19 and the mandatory mask-wearing during indoor and outdoor activities, the prolonged mask-wearing time has increased demand for masks that block droplets, are easy to breathe through, and allow individuals to express their personality.

In response, Andar, seeking high-performance athleisure masks, was introduced to functional materials by Hyosung TNC, with whom they have regularly collaborated on material development, and proceeded to jointly produce the masks.

An Andar representative stated, "Due to the spread of COVID-19, the demand for masks that can be comfortably worn anytime and anywhere, whether in daily life or during exercise, is increasing. Therefore, Andar collaborated with the global functional fiber company Hyosung TNC to create products that combine eco-friendliness and excellent functionality."

The newly released masks incorporate Hyosung TNC's deodorizing and highly elastic spandex 'creora® Fresh' and the antibacterial polyester 'aerosilver.' They are available in seven colors, including Pure Black and Rose Pink, to suit different preferences. The masks are suitable not only for exercise but also for everyday use and can be reused after washing.

The fabric made with 'creora® Fresh' for the masks has deodorizing properties that chemically neutralize odor-causing substances such as ammonia, eliminating odors generated by sweat after exercise. The highly stretchable nature of spandex ensures comfortable wear without ear pain even after long periods. 'Aerosilver' contains silver ions that provide excellent antibacterial properties, protecting against bacteria and other microbes.

Kim Yongseop, CEO of Hyosung TNC, said, "We will listen closely to the rapidly changing voice of customers (VOC) due to COVID-19 and respond flexibly to the market with products that ensure both safety and convenience."

According to the Korea Fashion Industry Institute, the athleisure look market, which was about 500 billion KRW in 2009, surpassed 2 trillion KRW in 2018 and has grown to a scale of 3 trillion KRW this year. The demand for fashion masks, which offer excellent protective effects while reflecting individual personality, is increasing, with overseas luxury brands like Burberry and organizations such as the Korea Football Association also launching fashion masks.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.