Featured in the Media
CORE SHIELD® has been featured as high-performance wear that targets both near-infrared and UV rays — a new option for people who are active outdoors.
*Article content and availability may change at each media outlet's discretion. Articles are in Japanese.
Golf, morning walks, life under the sun —
do you know this kind of struggle?
Endless sweat and discomfort
The toll on your body
Worries about the heat
Beyond what sunscreen can reach
In fact,
reach deep into your skin.
And they make up about 40% of sunlight.
Near-infrared rays reach deeper into the skin than UV
- Makes up about 42% of the sun's energy (UV: about 8%)
- Said to turn into heat when absorbed
- Not addressed by UV protection alone
Your skin may be protected,
but heat is still getting in.
They protect the skin surface, but most don't address near-infrared rays.
They prevent sunburn on the skin surface, but most don't address near-infrared rays.
Feels cool when you put it on, but most don't address near-infrared rays.
It may feel cool at first, but most don't address near-infrared rays.
They block direct sunlight, but not reflected heat or heat that passes through fabric.
They block direct sunlight, but not heat reflected from the ground or heat that passes through the fabric.
The CORE SHIELD® Bucket Hat uses Trubeaute®, a functional fabric made with special ceramic microparticles derived from rare metals.
View the Bucket Hat
Near-infrared and UV rays —
double protection in one layer.
CORE SHIELD® high-performance innerwear and bucket hat, built for intense heat. The lineup now protects not only your body but also your head from near-infrared and UV rays.
Innovative protective wear
One layer for both UV and near-infrared rays
CORE SHIELD® innerwear uses a fabric that combines UV-reflecting yarn with near-infrared absorbing yarn. UV and near-infrared rays reach us all year round whenever the sun is out. One layer, every season.
UPF only measures the 290–400 nm range
UV protection + near-infrared absorbing fibers
- UV protection: UPF50+ (White 97.1% / Black 98.7%)
- Near-infrared shielding: White 88.6% / Black 87.6% (fabric-only measured values)
- Featuring Trubeaute®
This innerwear uses the advanced functional material Trubeaute®. - Near-infrared absorbing yarn
Made with yarn infused with special ceramic microparticles derived from rare metals, developed by Sumitomo Metal Mining Co., Ltd. These microparticles absorb near-infrared rays while letting visible light through, and are also used in heat-shielding films for building and car windows. - UV-reflecting yarn
Combined with yarn infused with titanium oxide for strong UV protection.
The result: one layer for both UV and near-infrared rays, in summer, autumn and winter, for comfort and function all year round.
Dry-keep structure that prevents the buildup of sweat-related discomfort.
Stays comfortable with moisture-wicking, quick-drying fabric and a cool-to-the-touch feel
- Quick-drying
- Contact cooling
- Dimensional change after washing: within 1% (fabric test value)
- 3D stretch construction that does not restrict movement
Contact cooling, water absorbency, quick-drying and dimensional change after washing were tested by a third-party testing agency (KEKEN Test & Certification Center) on the fabric alone.
From people who had the same concerns Real users share their experience.
Less sweat after 18 holes.
The fabric is thicker than cooling shirts, so I was skeptical, but I clearly felt the difference on summer rounds. The burning feeling on the back of my neck eased, and I sweat noticeably less after 18 holes. I can't do without it now.
Like standing in the shade of a tree.
I could feel it keeping me cooler. Unlike cool-touch fabric, the coolness lasts. Especially when cycling and feeling the breeze, I actually feel cooler wearing it — just like stepping into the shade of a tree.
Better than I expected.
It kept the sun off and I stayed comfortable even under the blazing sun. I sweat more than most people, but it absorbed the sweat so it didn't run down. I also didn't get chilled by sweat when coming into an air-conditioned room. Better than I expected.
No more “piercing” sun.
Even with sunscreen, I was getting more sunspots every year. On my 20-minute bike commute, I no longer feel the sun piercing my arms and neck. I'm also happy that the high neck isn't uncomfortable.
Cool the moment I put it on — even in the summer fields.
I thought long sleeves for farm work were something you just had to put up with in the heat. This feels cool the moment I put it on, and even in the fields in midsummer I feel less worn out. Four stars only because I'd love a beige color option too.
“Wearable shade” for someone who dislikes air conditioning.
My son and his wife gave it to me after hearing that older people notice heat less easily. I don't like air conditioning, so it's like wearing shade. It's light and dries quickly after washing, so with two I can wear one every day. I see it as a tool for staying active for years to come.
*Excerpts and summaries of reviews from Amazon, Rakuten, Yahoo! Shopping (Japan) and customer survey cards, translated from Japanese. Individual experiences; results are not guaranteed.
For life under the sun,
find your perfect layer.
The full CORE SHIELD® lineup — everything from fabric production to sewing is done in Japan. Choose the one that fits your lifestyle.
We recommend having two inners, or pairing an inner with the hat.
Long-Sleeve Mock-Neck Inner
Our classic full-coverage piece for arms and neck. For men who want protection from both sun and heat.
V-Neck Sleeveless Inner
Our lightest layer for under a polo shirt. Sleeveless, for men who put freedom of movement first.
Long-Sleeve High-Neck Inner
Designed for women, with full coverage up to the neck. For women who want thorough sun protection.
Long-Sleeve Inner, Relaxed Fit
A relaxed fit with longer sleeves that cover the back of the hand. For those who dislike a tight fit and prefer room to move.
Bucket Hat
A full brim that shades your head down to the nape. Made with the same near-infrared-absorbing special fiber as our innerwear.
*Prices are shown in your local currency. Import duty and VAT may be charged on delivery. Ships from Japan by EMS.
Japanese craftsmanship,
from fiber to finish.
Japan is known around the world for its uncompromising standards of quality and attention to detail. CORE SHIELD® carries that tradition into every piece we make.
Every step happens in Japan. The functional material uses special ceramic microparticles derived from rare metals. The fabric is produced in Japan, and each garment is sewn and packed by skilled craftspeople in Yanagawa, Fukuoka.
Our craftspeople use high-performance sewing machines also used for swimwear, creating a comfortable fit and seams that hold up wash after wash. Already worn by golfers, outdoor workers and daily walkers across Japan, and featured in Japanese newspapers including the Nishinippon Shimbun and Mainichi Shimbun — now available outside Japan.
Near-infrared protection apparel brand
What is CORE SHIELD®?
CORE SHIELD® is a Made-in-Japan apparel brand by Phoenix Co., Ltd., using Trubeaute®, a special fiber containing a near-infrared absorbing material derived from rare metals. Focusing on near-infrared (NIR) rays, we embed near-infrared absorbing microparticles into the fibers themselves. Near-infrared shielding is 88.6% for White and 87.6% for Black (fabric-only measured values). With UPF50+ UV protection, cool-touch and quick-dry performance, it supports outdoor activities such as golf, outdoor work, farming and daily walks. The lineup currently includes innerwear and hats, with more to come.
As Japan's summers get hotter, we wanted people to work and play outdoors more comfortably. That's why we created CORE SHIELD®.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, they are different. Near-infrared rays are a type of light in sunlight, accounting for about 42% of solar energy (UV is about 8%). They have a longer wavelength than UV, reach deeper into the skin, and are said to turn into heat. That is why CORE SHIELD® uses fibers that absorb near-infrared rays, in addition to UPF50+ UV protection.
CORE SHIELD® uses cool-touch, quick-dry fabric with fibers that absorb near-infrared rays, the part of sunlight that carries heat. How cool you feel depends on conditions such as temperature, humidity and activity level. On hot days, please also drink plenty of water and take regular breaks in the shade.
Yes. The sleeveless model covers your torso with near-infrared absorbing fabric, while leaving your arms free for better airflow, designed for midsummer. If you also want UV protection for your arms, we recommend the long-sleeve models.
For those who want to focus on sun protection for their arms, we recommend the long-sleeve version, while those who tend to get hot or are looking for an inner layer to wear under a polo shirt should choose the sleeveless style. We also recommend "owning both" so you can switch between them depending on the climate and occasion.
How it feels varies from person to person depending on temperature, humidity and activity level. In fabric tests, UV protection was 97.1% for White and 98.7% for Black (UPF50+) (fabric-only test values). Near-infrared shielding is 88.6% for White and 87.6% for Black (average over 780–2600 nm / fabric-only measured values / measured by the material manufacturer).
Standard sports innerwear mainly focuses on UV protection and quick-drying. CORE SHIELD® also uses a special fiber infused with a material that absorbs near-infrared rays.
It combines comfort and function, setting it apart from typical cooling innerwear.
This product features a stretchable, form-fitting design. If you prefer a looser fit, we recommend choosing one size larger.
For those with a standard to slightly slim build: We recommend choosing your usual size.
For those with a solid or fuller build: To ensure a comfortable fit, we recommend choosing one size larger.
For those with a muscular build or more volume in the upper body due to sports, etc.: For ease of movement and comfort, we recommend wearing one size larger.
For women: When choosing a size, it is safer to use your "width (chest circumference)" rather than your height as a guide.
We accept returns and exchanges even after the package has been opened, provided the item has only been tried on. However, please note that we cannot accept returns or exchanges if the shirt is found to be soiled or damaged.
The functional components are not coated or printed onto the fabric surface; they are embedded inside the fibers, so they do not wash off with sweat and never need reapplying.
To keep it in good condition for longer, we recommend using a laundry net. Please avoid tumble drying.
Yes, we use an opaque fabric, but if you are concerned about transparency, we recommend the black color.
We use skin-friendly materials, but we cannot guarantee that allergic reactions will not occur in all individuals. If you have any concerns, please consult a doctor or specialist.
Yes. UV and near-infrared rays are present all year round, and unlike UV, near-infrared rays do not drop much in the cooler months. You can wear CORE SHIELD® comfortably in every season.
Japan is home to many excellent material manufacturers, yet most products that reach consumers today, not only clothing, are made overseas. We did not want to make something produced cheaply, used briefly and replaced every year. CORE SHIELD® is made to protect people under the sun every day, so we believe it should be carefully crafted in Japan and built to last.
We currently also offer hats (bucket hats) equipped with CoreShield. We will continue to expand our product lineup.
Trubeaute® is the name of the special fiber used in CORE SHIELD® fabric. This fiber is embedded with special ceramic microparticles derived from rare metals. The material absorbs near-infrared rays while letting visible light through, and is also used in heat-shielding materials for building windows.
Yes. We accept bulk orders for companies, sports teams, clubs and retailers. Please contact us at info@pnxsports.com with the products, approximate quantity and timing you need, and we will send you a quote.
Forget about the sunlight and the temperature.
We create an environment where you can pour your all into your daily performance, undistracted by heat, UV rays, or near-infrared rays.
"PNX" is a high-performance sports apparel brand based on the concept of being a "second skin" that supports people in their challenges.