01 Executive Summary

From Traditional Fleece to Advanced Thermal Management Materials

For decades, fleece fabrics have played an essential role in outdoor apparel systems.

Traditional fleece became popular because of its:

• Soft hand feeling;

• Lightweight construction;

• Easy-care performance;

• Reliable warmth.

However, the next generation of outdoor apparel requires more than basic insulation.

Modern consumers and professional users expect:

• Higher warmth efficiency;

• Lower garment weight;

• Better mobility;

• Comfortable everyday wear;

• Reliable performance in different environments.

The challenge for textile developers is clear:

How can we achieve higher thermal efficiency without simply increasing fabric thickness and weight?

Sunshinetex developed SUNHOT™ Thermal Fleece based on advanced fiber structure engineering.

Instead of relying only on increasing fabric thickness, SUNHOT focuses on improving the efficiency of trapped air insulation and thermal resistance.

The result is a new functional fleece solution designed for outdoor apparel, urban outdoor clothing, sportswear and winter lifestyle products.

02 Understanding Thermal Performance

Why CLO Value Matters in Professional Material Selection

When selecting insulation materials, consumers often judge warmth by thickness.

However, professional apparel developers evaluate insulation through measurable thermal performance.

One of the internationally recognized indicators is:

CLO Value

CLO represents the thermal insulation capability of clothing materials.

A higher CLO value indicates stronger resistance against heat loss under testing conditions.

For material developers, CLO provides a more scientific comparison method than:

• Fabric thickness;

• Weight alone;

• Surface touch sensation.

Professional insulation materials including fleece, synthetic insulation and down alternatives are often evaluated through thermal resistance testing.

03 SUNHOT™ Thermal Performance Data

SUNHOT™ Thermal Fleece was tested for thermal transfer performance according to:

GB/T 35762-2017 Flat Plate Method

Test sample:

• Product: Taiji Carbon Double-Sided Sherpa Fleece

• Composition: 100% Polyester

Testing organization:

United Testing Services (Jiangsu) Co., Ltd.

Thermal Performance Results

The test results demonstrate SUNHOT™ Thermal Fleece’s capability as a high-efficiency insulation fleece material.

04 Positioning in the Thermal Material Landscape

Comparative Understanding of Insulation Technologies

Different insulation materials achieve warmth through different mechanisms.

05 Why SUNHOT™ Creates New Possibilities for Fleece Applications

1. High Warmth Efficiency

The biggest limitation of conventional winter apparel is the relationship between:

Warmth ↔ Weight ↔ Thickness

Increasing thickness can improve insulation, but may reduce:

• Freedom of movement;

• Product aesthetics;

• Wearing comfort.

SUNHOT™ focuses on improving thermal efficiency through fiber engineering.

This allows brands to explore:

• Lightweight winter jackets;

• Functional fleece layers;

• Urban outdoor collections;

• Comfortable everyday insulation garments.

2. Fleece Platform Advantage

Compared with some filling-based insulation systems, fleece has natural manufacturing advantages.

SUNHOT™ maintains the advantages of knitted fleece:

Flexible garment construction

Suitable for:

• Cut and sew production;

• Sportswear manufacturing;

• Casual apparel development.

Comfortable wearing experience

Suitable for:

• Next-to-skin layers;

• Mid layers;

• Lifestyle apparel.

Easy product integration

Can be developed into:

• Jackets;

• Hoodies;

• Outdoor tops;

• Travel apparel.

3. Designed for Outdoor + Urban Lifestyle

The outdoor apparel market is evolving.

Consumers are no longer buying only professional expedition products.

They are looking for products that combine:

Outdoor performance + Daily comfort.

SUNHOT™ fits this emerging market direction.

Applications include:

Outdoor Performance

• Hiking jackets;

• Trekking apparel;

• Camping clothing;

• Outdoor mid layers.

Urban Outdoor

• City jackets;

• Functional hoodies;

• Winter casual wear.

Lifestyle Textile

• Homewear;

• Warm blankets;

• Winter accessories.

06 SUNHOT™ vs Traditional Fleece Development Logic

Traditional Approach

Increase thickness → Increase warmth

Limitations:

• Heavier garment;

• Reduced flexibility;

• Bulkier appearance.

SUNHOT™ Approach

Optimize fiber structure → Improve thermal efficiency

Advantages:

• Better warmth-to-weight balance;

• Comfortable hand feel;

• Flexible product design.

07 Product Development Value for Brands

For apparel brands, choosing a fabric is not only about technical performance.

It is also about:

Product Differentiation

A unique insulation material creates stronger market positioning.

SUNHOT™ allows brands to develop:

• Premium fleece collections;

• Functional winter apparel;

• Outdoor lifestyle products.

Supply Chain Efficiency

Fleece structures provide mature manufacturing compatibility.

Benefits include:

• Easier production integration;

• Flexible garment design;

• Stable manufacturing process.

Commercial Product Potential

SUNHOT™ provides a balance between:

Performance

Comfort

Manufacturability

Consumer Appeal

08 Quality & Testing Assurance

SUNHOT™ thermal fleece has completed professional thermal performance testing.

The test report confirms:

• Sample information;

• Testing methodology;

• Thermal resistance results;

• CLO performance data.

This provides technical reference for customers during:

• Product development;

• Material evaluation;

• Supply chain approval.

09 Why Choose Sunshinetex?

Sunshinetex focuses on advanced functional textile development.

We support global partners with:

Material Innovation

Developing new fiber-based solutions for changing market needs.

Application Support

Helping customers select suitable structures for different products.

Manufacturing Capability

Supporting commercial-scale textile production.

Customized Development

Working with brands on customized material requirements.

Conclusion

The Future of Warmth Is Not Simply Thicker.

It Is Smarter Thermal Efficiency.

The next generation of winter apparel requires materials that balance:

• Warmth;

• Weight;

• Comfort;

• Design flexibility.

With a tested CLO value of 1.25, SUNHOT™ Thermal Fleece demonstrates strong potential as a high-efficiency fleece solution for modern outdoor and lifestyle apparel.

Sunshinetex is creating a new approach to fleece:

Not only warmer materials,

but smarter thermal comfort solutions.

SUNHOT™ Thermal Fleece

Engineered Warmth. Designed for Future Apparel.

Sunshinetex

Official Contact Information
– Kunshan Huayang New Materials Co., Ltd.
– No. 417 Sanxiang Road, Kunshan City, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, P.R.China
– General Manager of Foreign Trade
   zhangguoyan@sunshinetex.com
– Website:http://chichengcorp.webk.testwebsite.cn/