[Edaily Reporter SHIN MIN JOON ] Ahead of the full-fledged fall/winter (FW) season, the domestic manufacturing and private-label apparel (SPA) market is heating up in a battle over materials.

Cashmere, often referred to as the “jewel of textiles,” is seen as the first battleground in this fall’s fabric war. This is because cashmere—which offers excellent thermal insulation and breathability while remaining lightweight and soft—is a versatile item worn widely from early fall through the depths of winter. Challenging Uniqlo—which is widely regarded as having the strongest material competitiveness among SPA brands—domestic SPA brands such as 8 Seconds (part of the SAMSUNG C&T CORPORATION(028260) fashion division) and Musinsa Standard have thrown down the gauntlet with new cashmere lineups.

According to the fashion industry on the 16th, 8 Seconds recently launched its “All-Day Cashmere” collection, made from 100% cashmere, as the brand’s new strategic product line. The 8 Seconds All-Day Cashmere line consists of △round-neck, △V-neck, and △Henley-neck pullovers and cardigans in a variety of colors.

Eight Seconds partnered with the global manufacturer Erdos to expand its cashmere line. Erdos is the world’s largest cashmere producer, with roots in Inner Mongolia, the world’s largest cashmere-producing region.

Notably, Eight Seconds used more yarn than competitors’ products in the same price range. This allowed Eight Seconds to enhance the knit’s density while maintaining a soft feel, resulting in garments with just the right thickness and weight.

While Eight Seconds has traditionally prioritized high quality and Korean design trends, the brand has made material competitiveness a new strategic focus starting in the first half of this year. This shift was driven by the immense popularity of the “Magic Slim T-shirt” and the “All-Day Crease” collection—product lines centered around materials for this year’s spring and summer seasons.

In fact, the “Magic Slim T-shirt,” launched by Eight Seconds in late March of this year, sold over 59,000 units. The “All-Day Crease” line—a strategic summer collection featuring the crease technique—also sold over 43,000 units, leading the company to conclude that its potential had been sufficiently validated.

The crease technique creates finer pleats than traditional pleats (which are essentially pre-formed folds in the fabric), resulting in a light, natural crinkle effect while reducing the surface area in contact with the skin. 8 Seconds plans to continue leveraging its global sourcing infrastructure to launch a diverse range of products featuring specialized materials.

UNIQLO, a long-standing leader in cashmere, is launching new items featuring a special brushed finish on its cashmere products for this fall/winter season. The Fluffy Cashmere Relaxed V-Neck Sweater, a new item from the 26FW UNIQLO:C collection designed by renowned British designer Clare Waight Keller, is made of 100% cashmere and offers a soft and comfortable fit. The collection is scheduled to launch on the 24th.

UNIQLO’s cashmere products are made from 100% premium cashmere and are characterized by their exceptional softness and natural luster. The collection features over 30 different colors, ranging from timeless neutral tones to vibrant accent colors. UNIQLO’s cashmere products undergo a dyeing process at the fiber stage—before the yarn is spun—ensuring even, rich colors that remain vibrant for a long time.

Musinsa Standard also unveiled its “Plus” lineup cashmere crew-neck knit, introduced for the first time this fall/winter season. Musinsa Standard Plus is a premium line that elevates the quality of materials and craftsmanship compared to the standard Musinsa Standard collection. While maintaining the practicality of its existing basics, the line enhances product quality by using premium yarns. The cashmere crewneck sweater features a soft texture, moderate stretch, and a substantial thickness.

A fashion industry insider stated, “Consumers are increasingly paying close attention not only to brands and designs but also to the materials used and how long the garments will last,” adding, “The SPA industry is enhancing its brand competitiveness through a variety of materials.”