(C) The Hans India

SEOUL — As a severe cold wave grips the Korean Peninsula, with perceived temperatures in Seoul plunging below –10°C, the fashion industry is witnessing a massive surge in sales for thermal innerwear and heavy winter outerwear.

According to data released on December 26 by Han-kyung Aicel, an alternative data platform, estimated credit card transactions at Uniqlo’s online mall reached 54.6 billion won during the second week of December (Dec 7–13). This represents a staggering 228.2% increase compared to the same period last year. The spike is attributed to the convergence of Black Friday promotions and an urgent demand for "Heattech," Uniqlo’s signature thermal line, as temperatures plummeted.

The momentum continued into the following week, with transaction volumes rising 27.5% year-on-year from December 14 to 20. The sudden influx of orders reportedly overwhelmed Uniqlo’s logistics centers, leading to significant delivery delays. Lightweight padded jackets and functional innerwear have been identified as the primary drivers of this record-breaking performance.

Other major fashion retailers are also reaping the benefits of the "innerwear boom." Samsung C&T’s "8Seconds" saw a 31.6% jump in transactions during the same period. The brand’s functional innerwear line, "Wonder Warm," which utilizes advanced fabric technology from Cheil Industries, has become a top seller among consumers seeking warmth without bulk.

Data from Musinsa, Korea’s largest fashion platform, further illustrates the trend. Transaction volume for thermal wear increased by 245% between December 1 and 7 compared to the previous year. Industry analysts note that sales of winter essentials tend to peak during sudden weather transitions. After a relatively mild early December, the abrupt arrival of sub-zero temperatures amplified the perceived cold, driving consumers to rush for protective layers.

The luxury segment is not being left out. Moncler saw its estimated transactions rise 20.6% year-on-year to 7.6 billion won in the third week of December. The brand is projected to record its highest-ever monthly sales in the Korean market this December.

"Since outerwear and winter layers carry higher profit margins, fashion companies are welcoming this cold snap with open arms," said an industry official. With the cold wave expected to persist, the industry anticipates that this record-setting winter rally will continue through the end of the year.