2026 UV Protection Trends Focus on "Wearable UV Defense": Yoki UV Cut Hoodie Surpasses 50,000 Units Sold Within 3 Months of Launch

The "Yoki" UV Cut Hoodie, offered by Cross Plus Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Naka-ku, Nagoya, Aichi; President and CEO: Hirokata Yamamoto), surpassed 50,000 cumulative units sold during the period from March to May 2026, combining sales for both women's and men's lines. Notably, driven by growing demand for UV protection among men, the men's line—launched in March 2026—has seen rapid sales growth, with April sales reaching 2.5 times that of March and May sales doubling April's figures.

Factors Behind Strong Sales of Yoki's UV Cut Hoodie

<Market Background>

1 Rising UV Protection Demand Among Men

Amid record-breaking heatwaves in recent years, awareness of UV protection has increased significantly, extending beyond women to men as well, resulting in a gender-neutral market expansion. Yoki launched its men's line in March 2026, and sales have steadily increased—April sales were 2.5 times higher than March, and May sales doubled April's—clearly indicating rising demand.

2 Growing Popularity of "Wearable UV Protection" Drives Market Expansion

Many consumers have expressed concerns about traditional UV protection methods such as sunscreen, including uneven application, inconsistent effectiveness, and the inconvenience of reapplying frequently. As a result, a dual-protection approach combining topical methods with reliable and convenient "wearable UV protection" is becoming mainstream. While partial protection items like arm covers and neck gaiters were previously dominant, demand has now shifted significantly toward full-coverage UV apparel. This growing consumer preference for both convenience and effectiveness among both men and women is a key factor behind the strong sales performance.

<Product Highlights>

1. Effortless UV Protection with Easy-to-Wear Design

Ideal for commuting, school, sports, outdoor activities, and driving, the hoodie offers convenient UV protection with just a simple layer. Designed for comfort with excellent stretchability and a stylish, urban-friendly look that avoids overt sportswear aesthetics, it successfully combines functionality with fashion. This makes it a versatile UV garment suited to a wide range of daily scenarios, aligning perfectly with the rising trend of "wearable UV protection."

2. Full-Coverage Design Meets 2026's UV Protection Trend

Both men's and women's models feature hoods and thumb holes, providing complete coverage from face to hands. All colors offer over 99% UV blockage and achieve the highest UV Protection Factor (UPF) rating of 50+. By combining high UV protection with fashionable design, the product enables serious sun protection without sacrificing style.

The full-coverage design, which extends to the hands, is particularly rare in men's UV apparel and effectively meets the specific needs of male users.

3. High-Performance Protection Against Both UV and Heat: UV Protection + Cooling Touch & Menthol Treatment

Made with cooling-touch fabric, the hoodie ensures a refreshingly cool feel even in hot weather. Additionally, a menthol treatment※ provides a pleasantly refreshing sensation. This dual focus on UV and heat protection makes it a highly functional choice for summer.

※ Treatment details vary by product.

Comment from Yoki Representative at Cross Plus

"Yoki's UV Cut Hoodie breaks away from the traditional image of UV apparel as something worn only for sports. We've meticulously focused on urban-friendly design elements such as color and cut to make it enjoyable as everyday fashion. We hope it becomes a go-to outerwear piece for a wide range of daily activities—from leisurely walks to casual outings—beyond just sports and recreation."

Key Product Lineup

【Yoki】Lurex Fabric Hooded Back Ruffle Hoodie

Features high-quality fabric with mixed-in lurex threads, adding subtle sparkle to a simple design. A stylish ruffle detail at the back elegantly conceals body lines. Its sophisticated look blends seamlessly into everyday outfits, making it a standout piece in any wardrobe.

Colors: Heather Gray, Black, Pink

Sizes: One Size (M-L)

Price: ¥3,850 (tax included)

※ Sold out on our official EC site "Cross Marche"; restock scheduled for July 2 (Thu).

【Yoki】Men's UV Cut Hoodie

Features a brimmed hood and high-neck design that covers the nose, plus a rare full-coverage construction for men's apparel that fully protects wrists and hands. Provides complete protection against sun exposure, even on the back of the hands.

Equipped with cooling-touch and antibacterial/odor-control functions to minimize stickiness and discomfort even during peak summer heat.

Available in five versatile colors, allowing users to choose based on preference or occasion.

Colors: Gray, Black, Heather Gray, Brown, Navy

Sizes: One Size (M-L)

Price: ¥4,290 (tax included)

Sales Channels

・Official EC site "Cross Marche" Yoki product page

https://www.crossplus.jp/Form/Product/ProductList.aspx?shop=0&cat=&dpcnt=90&img=2&sort=07&swrd=YOKI&udns=1&fpfl=0&pgfl=&pno=1

・Nationwide variety stores and other retailers

※ Not available at all stores.

Product Inquiries

Cross Plus Co., Ltd.

Email: product-info@crossplus.co.jp

※ Please note we only accept inquiries via email.

Company Overview: Cross Plus Co., Ltd.

Company Name: Cross Plus Co., Ltd.

Representative: Hirokata Yamamoto

Address: 3-9-13 Hananoki, Naka-ku, Nagoya, Aichi 451-8560

URL: https://www.crossplus.co.jp

Founded 74 years ago, Cross Plus is a "Lifestyle Creation Company" with the vision of "unlocking new lifestyle possibilities through fashion." Leading the industry in women's apparel, the company designs, manufactures, and sells clothing, household goods, and daily necessities. In recent years, as a sustainable enterprise, it has established corporate materiality around "eco-conscious manufacturing," "bridging everyday life and society," and "empowering individuals to thrive." Under the slogan "Be Colorful, Be Happy!" the company aims to bring color and joy to everyone through fashion.