Man wearing co₂-powered jacket in urban setting, showing its sleek and innovative design.

Innovative CO₂-Powered Jacket Cools in Style Without Batteries

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Written by John Oliver

2026-09-09

Hissy, developed by five designers under the Samsung Design Membership, is transforming how we stay cool in extreme heat with this innovative outerwear. Unlike traditional wearables, this concept puts a CO₂-powered cooling system inside a lightweight technical jacket, making the garment itself the cooling mechanism.

Typical portable fans struggle in high temperatures, and battery-powered systems add weight and complexity. Hissy innovates with a sleek CO₂ cartridge mounted at the wrist. As high-pressure liquid carbon dioxide vaporizes, it produces air circulating at approximately -30 degrees Celsius. This ingenious system not only revolutionizes wearable tech but also popularizes this apparel as a viable cooling solution.

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Creators: Dongheon Kang, Minseo Jung, Yuha Ko, Juhyeon Jeon, Woohi Park

Close-up of the jacket's fabric texture with advanced stitching design.

The Engineering Behind the Airflow

The cold air generated is distributed through an intricate tubular Air Path sewn into the jacket, spiraling around the body. Precision in its design prevents bends or kinks, optimizing wearability and functionality, a hallmark of this concept.

Model showcasing the jacket's adjustable waist feature in a studio.

Strategically placed perforations along the Air Path release cool air where the body accumulates heat, thanks to thermal mapping and detailed heat-distribution tests. This engineering breakthrough makes for a visually striking pattern that serves a critical function in the innovative jacket.

Side view of the jacket emphasizing its streamlined fit and appearance.
Jacket hanging on a wooden hanger against a plain background.
Person zipping up the jacket, focusing on the smooth zipper mechanism.

Smart Cartridge System

Hissy’s CO₂ cartridge docks elegantly via a magnetic system. While in use, it is secured with locking protrusions, and a simple rotation releases it. An internal strap and zipper hold the hardware snugly at the wrist, and a chest pocket stores extra cartridges, adding convenience to this garment.

Back view of the jacket highlighting its modern cut and shape.
Jacket fully opened showing interior lining and pockets.

Sustainability in Design

In a bid to minimize waste, Hissy envisions using CO₂ recaptured from industrial emissions. Empty cartridges can be collected, refilled, and returned, keeping the cycle sustainable.

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Individual wearing the jacket outdoors in a casual setting.
Close-up of the jacket's button detailing on the cuffs.

Expanding the Concept

Currently a concept, Hissy’s roadmap extends the technology beyond jackets. Future ambitions include integrating this cooling system into footwear and outdoor equipment. It might eventually support thermal management for outdoor machinery, like delivery robots and drones.

Person adjusting jacket collar, showcasing the fabric's flexibility.
Model sitting, demonstrating jacket comfort and style in a relaxed pose.

Source: yankodesign.com

Frequently asked questions

What powers the Hissy cooling jacket?

The Hissy cooling jacket is powered by a CO₂ cartridge system that produces cold air as high-pressure liquid carbon dioxide vaporizes.

How does the Hissy jacket distribute cold air?

The cold air is distributed through an intricate tubular Air Path sewn into the jacket, with precision to avoid bends or kinks, ensuring optimal wearability and functionality.

What is the sustainability aspect of the Hissy jacket?

Hissy aims to minimize waste by using CO₂ recaptured from industrial emissions and allowing cartridges to be collected, refilled, and returned, thus maintaining a sustainable cycle.