Material design is all about adapting fabrics to perform better and be less impactful to the environment. The 37.5 Technology by Cocona Labs does both.
37.5 Technology is an innovative change to the way we remove moisture from clothing and bedding during use. Everyone is familiar with wicking, a common way of dispersing moisture as you sweat. In contrast, this technology is built on the concept of removing humidity before it ever turns into moisture or sweat. The difference is notable since wicking simply redistributes moisture while 37.5 Technology looks to remove it altogether.
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Many brands across a variety of industries have adopted the 37.5 Technology for their products. You can find it in sheets, mattress pads, pillows, blankets, and even mattresses by familiar brands like Sleep Number, Harvey Norman, Hudson’s Bay and Hypnos. 37.5 also excels in the outdoor, lifestyle and activewear realms where it’s been adopted by Eddie Bauer, Land’s End, Pottery Barn, Salomon, Banana Republic, Burberry, Calvin Klein and many more.
Most recently, the 37.5 Technology began integrating an enzyme that speeds up the degrading process at the end of the product’s life. The Enhanced Biodegradation (+EB) additive, which accelerates products’ natural degradation doesn’t cause the material to break down during use or storage. Instead, it goes to work when introduced to the conditions of the landfill. That means the piles of clothing, mattresses, shoes and other linens can now biodegrade in decades rather than hundreds or thousands of years from now.
Since the 37.5 Technology can be woven into the very fabric of clothing and home goods, it means the thermoregulation and biodegradable aspects are there when you purchase it and will never wash out.
The company explains, “37.5 Technology can be incorporated into fabric fibers, insulation and padding – all of which will now degrade faster in landfill conditions. 17 million tons of textile waste are contributed to landfills each year, a majority of which is synthetic waste that shows virtually no decomposition. By contrast, synthetics biodegraded 50-80% in just 80-100 years with +EB.”
The science stems from a visit to Japan and a dip in volcanic sand baths. While the sand baths on Mount Aso are hot, the body quickly adjusts due to the thermoregulation the natural material provides. Basically, the volcanic sand evaporates the sweat vapor so quickly that the body remains cool. It’s a unique beginning for a company, but the experience sparked an idea. While others were focused on wicking technology, 37.5 began experimenting with volcanic sand to evaporate humidity and eventually found a way to incorporate that technology into fabrics.
Lab experiments suggest an increase in workout efficiency when wearing clothing integrated with 37.5. The company claims 37.5 is “Scientifically proven to increase stamina by reducing the amount of energy used to manage core temperature, 37.5 Technology extends an athlete’s peak performance by 10 minutes — or 26%.”
The company has also found evidence of better sleep. Anyone who wakes from temperature fluctuations during the night can attest to the disruptive nature of vacillating from hot to cold. Cocona Labs says, “37.5 Technology leads to longer, more restful sleep cycles, so you stay in your comfort zone more often and longer: 89% of the time vs only 38% with traditional materials.”
Janji product review
Janji is one company invested in using 37.5 Technology in its clothing. The company provided his and hers activewear shirts for review. All items were minimally packaged, which always makes a good first impression on me.
My husband has been trying out the Repeat Merino Tech Long Sleeve for men. It fits well, with an appropriate sleeve length and an en-vogue olive green color. The fabric is lightweight and very breathable, even when used as a base layer. My favorite feature is the built-in hanging loop on the collar. Personally, I think all clothing should have one.
Since it’s winter, it’s difficult to measure the humidity evaporation component, but hubby has worn it during yoga as well as when out on walks with our three hunting dogs, and the shirt has performed well in both situations, so thermoregulation seems reliable.
The company also provided a women’s version of the same Repeat Merino Tech Long Sleeve for me. The styling is slightly different, with a slight scallop along the bottom hem and a subtly longer back than front. I would never have guessed this top contains nearly 50% merino wool. It has a thin, lightweight and soft feel. My sizing typically lands between a medium and a large depending on the brand, so I went with a large and it’s a comfortable, albeit loose fit.
The length is great with no abdomen exposure when I lift my arms. My favorite feature is the extended sleeves with thumb cutouts. The rust color is more of a burgundy, but it does have the subtlest copper hue mixed in.
Lastly, I also received a Janji Runterra Bio Tee. This is a cotton and 37.5 Technology poly blend and has a great feel to it. Slightly more fitted than the long sleeve, it’s a perfect relaxed fit for a middle-aged woman with a heavier midsection. Although marketed as performance wear for runners (which I am not), this is my go-to for lifting weights at the gym and is ideal for that activity. However, I often wear it around the house as everyday casualwear too.
Thanks, Janji. Be sure to check out their sustainability initiatives via the link below.
Images via Cocona Labs, Janji and Dawn Hammon
Editor’s Note: This product review is not sponsored. All opinions on the products and company are the author’s own.
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