Cooling Fabrics Market Analysis, By Type (Synthetic and Natural), By Application (Sports Apparel, Protective Wear, Lifestyle, and Others), By Region (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South & Central America, and MEA), And Segment Forecasts, 2018 - 2025

Industry Insights

Cooling fabrics market was valued at USD 1.25 billion in 2016 and is projected to record a CAGR of 11.1% over the forecast period. The global technological advancements coupled with rising awareness regarding cooling fabrics among consumers are the factors likely to boost market growth in the coming years. Changing consumer trends and preferences along with increasing research and development activities are expected to drive cooling fabrics growth over the forecast period.

The product demand is witnessing growth as it is evolving as a smart and intelligent fabric for garments, which helps keep the wearer’s body cool, evaporates sweat, andprovides protection against heat stress. The growing popularity of cooling fabrics, considering their inherent distinct advantages, is likely to propel market demand over the next eight years. Rising sports and leisure activities in regions such as North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific are anticipated to positively impact the market.

Synthetic cooling fabrics currently dominate the market and the trend is expected to continue over the forecast period owing to their benefits such as enhanced cooling and moisture management in comparison to other garments. Properties of the fabric such as higher strength and durability have widened its potential scope of use in various applications. The segment is expected to account for a significant market share over the forecast period.  

Key attributes of cooling fabrics, such as temperature regulation, wrinkle-free texture, moisture wicking and quick drying, are projected to fuel the market growth. Major players in the industry are constantly striving toward technological advancements in an attempt to manufacture quality products and increase efficiency. Increasing use of cooling garments for sports and fitness activities is further anticipated to boost its demand.

However, high prices of cooling fabrics make them unaffordable for a majority of middle-class segment. High prices can be attributed to the extensive research and development along with the use of high-end materials, such as nanomaterials and nanoporous polyethylene, for manufacturing cooling garments. Low level of awareness among the consumers regarding cooling fabrics is also expected to pose a challenge to market growth. Additionally, manufacturers are required to conform to numerous standards and regulations set by authorities in different regions. 

Type Insights

Some examples of synthetic fabrics are polyester, nylon, rayon, and spandex, which are not only breathable but also allow proper ventilation. Easy availability of raw materials for manufacturing synthetic cooling fabrics is another key factor that drives the segment growth. The preference toward polyester and nylon for manufacturing cooling garments has recently witnessed a rise owing to their light weight, smooth feel, and resistance to perspiration and UV rays.

Synthetic fabrics segment accounted for the largest share of the global cooling fabrics market in 2016. This segment is expected to emerge as the fastest-growing segment over the next eight years on account of greater strength and enhanced performance of synthetic fabrics. These are used in various applications from sportswear to medical.

Natural cooling fabrics segment was valued at USD 364.1 million in 2016. The product is likely to witness a considerable demand over the forecast period owing to its properties such as high breathability and biodegradability. Natural fabrics comprise inherent ventilation properties, but are costly and less durable than the synthetic fabrics. Natural segment held a relatively small share in 2016. However, growing environmental concerns are likely to boost their market demand.

Application Insights

The sports apparel segment held the maximum share of the global market on account of increasing use of these wearables so as to do away with the perspiration while undertaking any fitness activity. The inherent features of these wearables such as temperature regulation and moisture wicking is of immense use to the athletes as well as other people. Therefore, the sports segment is likely to be the fastest growing application segment over the period of forecast. 

Additionally, the increasing use of cooling fabrics for military, healthcare and industrial applications is projected to transform the market. The capacity of cooling garments to reduce the heat stress caused by excessive exposure, particularly in industrials applications, is anticipated to augment their user for protective wear. Also, these are used in other applications such as lifestyle, automotive and fashion which are likely to boost the market demand even further.  

Regional Insights

The U.S. market accounted for 82.8% of the North American market revenue in 2016 owing to the growing demand from sports sector as well as technological advancements. The increasing use of cooling fabrics in military and industrial sectors is also anticipated to spur market growth over the next eight years.

The demand for cooling fabrics in North America was valued at USD 557.7 million in 2016. The above-mentioned growth can be attributed to extensive research & development undertaken in order to manufacture high-tech cooling wearables that not only provide comfort to the wearer but also contribute to energy conservation. North America is projected to be the largest market from 2017 to 2025.

The transitioning consumer trend toward fitness and health consciousness coupled with government support is projected to have a positive impact on the growth of the market in Asia Pacific. Shifting of manufacturing facilities to emerging countries, such as China and India, and the expansion of product applications are the factors anticipated to augment market demand for cooling fabrics.

Competitive Insights

Key players in the market include Coolcore LLC, Kraton Corporation, Invista, Ahlstrom Corporation, Adidas AG, and Nike, Inc. In 2014, Ahlstrom Corporation launched VaporCool, a cooling fabric that offers a cooling effect or acts as an insulating layer depending on the body temperature.

The manufacturers of cooling fabrics continue to focus on innovation and technological advancements in the product. Such developments coupled with competitive pricing are likely to assist in increasing market share over the forecast period. Companies are investing heavily in research & development to enhance the product quality and to overcome problems faced while manufacturing cooling fabrics. 

Report Scope 

Segments covered in the report

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest trends and opportunities in each of the sub segments from 2014 to 2025. For the purpose of this study, Grand View Research has segmented the cooling fabrics market on the basis of type, application, and region:

• Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2014 - 2025)

  • Synthetic

  • Natural

• Application Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2014 - 2025)

  • Sports Apparel

  • Protective Wear

  • Lifestyle

  • Others

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million; 2014 - 2025)

  • North America

    •  U.S.

    • Canada

    • Mexico

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • UK

    • France

    • Rest of Europe

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • India

    • Japan

    • South Korea

    • Rest of Asia Pacific

  • South & Central America

  • The Middle East and Africa