#smart textiles

Hot Wings

Flying kites and butterfly wings are common sights in the summer sky. Yet far from being just pretty membranes stretched out to catch the breeze, butterfly wings rely on inner beauty to cope with the heat. Here we see black and blue scales from a Bistonina biston butterfly (top row) and under a scanning electron microscope (bottom). Their structural patterns help regions of the wing absorb and distribute heat differently, while cells equipped with temperature sensors allow the insect to tune its flight path to protect its fragile flappers from extreme temperatures. Economical designs that make allowances for thermoregulation may inspire the development of new aircraft wings, or perhaps 'smart' clothing to distribute heat better around the body, decreasing the risks of heat stress when working in sun.

Written by John Ankers

Image adapted from work by Cheng-Chia Tsai and colleagues

Department of Applied Physics and Applied Mathematics, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA

Image originally published with a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)

Published in Nature Communications, January 2020

Jiesheng Ren – Electron microscopy image of the conductive graphene-cotton composite.

1. A new process deposits graphene-based inks to produce a conductive textile made from our most widely used fabric – cotton.

2. This process was developed by the Cambridge Graphene Centre, UK, and Jiangnan University, China.

3. Most current wearable sensors use rigid electronic components mounted on flexible substrates such as plastic films and textiles – these can be uncomfortable to wear and can be damaged when washed. The researchers found that the graphene-coated cotton could reliably detect up to 500 motion cycles, even after more than 10 washing machine cycles.  

4. Graphene also benefits from environmental and economic advantages.

5. Potential areas of application include personal health technology, high-performance sportswear and military apparel.

Knit Alive

The word ‘robot’ might conjure up images of cogs and bolts, but these soft robots are knitted out of wool or silk. Nestled in their stuffing, clever stitches create tendons similar to those found pulling our muscles. A tug on one of these may make a bunny’s ears flop, or a scarf rearrange itself. Woolly robots present a new avenue for wearable technology that could adapt to the weather or time of day using sensors to feedback information to tiny motors pulling their strings. A step forward for fashion, perhaps, but also for creating smart devices that respond to changes in pressure to help with rehabilitation after injury, or body temperature to give a warm hug to those who need it most.

Written by John Ankers

Video by Lea Albaugh, Prof. Scott Hudson & Prof. Lining Yao Morphing Matter & DevLab, Carnegie Mellon Uni. Human Computer Interaction Inst.

Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

Video copyright held by the original authors

Research published in CHI '19 Proceedings of the 2019 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems

Currently Bendy

Our clothes are getting smarter – sometimes fitted with wearable sensors that measure our fitness and health. Yet the choice of circuitry inside is often limited to 'soft' or 'hard' – restricting their potential uses or their durability. Here, a new method creates circuits that switch from hard to soft (and back again) – a change in temperature turns this circuit board from stiff and flat (top row), to soft and stretchy (bottom). The secret to these ‘transformative electronic systems’ is the gallium inside – rigid at room temperature, but stretching out when the raised above 29.8°C. Gallium is non-toxic, so these systems may be ideal for devices that work inside the human body as well as outside – such as a neural probe that becomes softer on contact with brain tissue.

Written by John Ankers

Image from work by Sang-Hyuk Byun and Joo Yong Sim, and colleagues

School of Electrical Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea.

Image originally published with a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)

Published in Science Advances, November 2019

For stakeholders in the Cooling Fabrics Market, the next several years are defined by the intersection of fashion and health. The "Wellness Economy" is no longer just about vitamins and gym memberships; it has expanded to include the clothing we wear and the environment we sleep in. The Cooling Fabrics market size of USD 1.57 Billion in 2023 is just the starting point; as the market reaches USD 2.11 Billion by 2030, the 5.2% CAGR will be driven by those who can prove their fabrics have a tangible impact on physical well-being.

A key Cooling Fabrics market driver for the coming years is the integration of smart sensors into cooling textiles. Imagine a shirt that can detect when your heart rate rises and activates enhanced cooling zones to prevent overheating. This allows firms to respond faster to Cooling Fabrics industry trends, such as the demand for "intelligent" athletic wear. The Cooling Fabrics market report highlights that digital transformation is becoming a competitive necessity for maintaining Cooling Fabrics market share in a crowded global field.

The Cooling Fabrics market opportunity also extends to the aging population. Seniors are often more susceptible to heat-related illnesses, and there is a massive need for cooling clothing that looks like standard attire but provides life-saving thermal regulation. Providing high-performance solutions for the "silver economy" is a significant niche for specialized manufacturers. This ensures a steady Cooling Fabrics market volume even in regions with slower-growing youth demographics.

The textile industry is undergoing a transformation driven by performance requirements and heightened hygiene awareness. While antimicrobial textiles present strong commercial promise, manufacturers face multiple challenges associated with adapting to evolving industry expectations. Companies must simultaneously improve product functionality, maintain affordability, and comply with increasingly strict operational standards.

The Fire Resistant Fabrics Market is reshaping the future of protective workwear by integrating advanced materials, innovative designs, and enhanced safety performance. As industries modernize, demand for technologically advanced safety apparel continues to expand.

The Global Fire Resistant Fabrics Market reached 475 thousand tons in 2024 and is expected to climb to 790 thousand tons by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 3.8%. This steady growth highlights the rising adoption of advanced protective textiles worldwide.

Modern workwear emphasizes comfort, durability, and multifunctionality. Fire-resistant fabrics now incorporate moisture management, anti-static properties, and ergonomic designs, enhancing worker comfort without compromising safety.

Customization is another emerging trend. Industries demand tailored protective garments designed for specific hazards, leading manufacturers to develop sector-specific solutions. This approach enhances performance while improving operational efficiency.

Digital integration is also influencing market evolution. Smart textiles embedded with sensors for heat detection and real-time monitoring are under development, promising next-generation safety solutions.