Clothing Cooling Technology: Q&A With Our Experts

How Does Clothing Cooling Technology Work?

Golf is not just a test of skill. It is a test of composure. Whether it's the frustration of a missed putt or the relentless heat bearing down on the course, staying cool is part of the challenge. At KJUS, we're redefining cooling technology, going beyond surface-level treatments to engineer garments that actively enhance your body's natural cooling process.

Join us for a Q&A with our design experts about the innovative fabric technologies that set us apart, revealing how our unique approach creates a “personal A/C experience with every wear." 

How does cooling technology work and how is it different from other products?

“A lot of products on the market right now will claim that a garment or accessory is a cooling item. However, the cooling element is just a simple, quick-dry finish on the fabric rather than the technology being integrated with the fabric. When we look at big names in the business, nobody's using the same technologies that we are to keep you cool. Our cooling technologies go beyond a finish to utilise a fabric structure that enhances the natural evaporative cooling process.

If you were to take a conventional yarn and slice it like a loaf of bread you would see a circular cross section. Instead, we work with specialised yarn structures that have very different shapes: some of them look like W, some of them look like a squiggle. These special shapes help create more surface area for that yarn, and more surface area allows the fabric to absorb moisture from your skin and spread it much more rapidly across the fabric. That allows it to dry much faster, which makes you feel a lot cooler.”

How were these fibre structures developed?

“The reality is that this type of technology wasn't even commercially available a decade ago. Our partners have created these structures, but our team works directly with their research & development teams to finesse them and make sure they fit within the requirements for specific styles and certain weights.

For example, we have cooling fabrics available both in single jersey constructions and in mesh constructions. We describe what we want our dream fabric to be able to do and then work with their specialists who match the yarn to the performance we’re seeking.”

Do all the cooling fabrics have one type of fibre structure?

“We work with a variety of different fabric suppliers for different cooling fabrics in the line. Some partners have different structures that they prefer. They vary slightly, but in general all of them have that same additional surface area which helps spread and evaporate moisture.”

Is Cooling and Quick-Drying technology the same thing?

“Cooling and Quick-Dry are two different technologies. All our cooling fabrics will have additional quick-dry finishing on top of them. This special type of finish that helps draw moisture from the backside of the fabric to the face, whereas the cooling tech is more structural. They work in tandem with each other to get that moisture up and out of the garment, keeping you cooler. All cooling garments also have UPF built in because we know sun protection is an important part of being able to enjoy a long day on the links.”

Are there certain climates where the cooling tech is ideal?

“Of course, the technology works well in hot southern climates where temperatures are really, really high. But our technology stacking has applications in different climates. For example, a polo with both Cooling and Bug Repellent technology is great for courses with a lot of woods and water, while a polo with Cooling and moisture-renewal technology works really well in a desert climate.”

Can you describe what it actually feels like to wear clothing with cooling technology?

“When you pick up our garments you immediately feel an amazing softness. Our hand-feel is incredibly important for each and every product. With the cooling technology, there are two facets of it: that specialised yarn structure, but also some garments have added minerals bonded to the yarn that gives an instant sensation of cool to the touch. When that fabric touches your skin, you notice it right away.

People also notice the technology when they start to sweat, whether it’s on the golf course or working out. We've had people say it feels like your own personal A/C unit is kicking on when you start getting hot.”

How does the cooling technology stack with other garment constructions and features?

“This is where we spend a lot of time and attention when we’re developing the next new thing! From body mapping with different types of fabric to structurally stacking different technology into a single piece of fabric, the strategic combination of materials is a key part of what makes KJUS different.

For example, in our Activewear collection we stack the cooling technology with minerals woven into the fabric help improve blood flow for improved muscle performance and recovery. Or in the Elena Cooling Polo, we piece together the cooling jersey fabric structure and a cooling mesh fabric structure based on body mapping.

We constantly think about how a piece will live and breathe on the body and in the environment: the sun will be on your shoulders while golfing, so let’s create a mesh panel on the back for added breathability there. People often wear a piece multiple times on a golf trip, so let’s add an anti-bacterial treatment that helps control odor.”

Ultimately, the right protection from the elements lets you focus on what you love with total comfort. Every piece we design at KJUS is built to elevate your experience, helping you perform your best in any condition and live Beyond. Above.