Technology provides a predictable outcome for most of the industries, which is to reduce the risk of errors and accidents, thus leading to a better outcome. This simple reason has made technological development a prerequisite for success. Textile industry has been a witness to several recent technological advancements that have changed the world of apparel for the better. Technological development in the textile sector is a difficult subject to pin down since it encompasses so many different things. Due to the complexity of this subject, it's important to look at the significance of technological development vis-a-vis changes that it has brought in the world of textiles.

The technology has definitely made it much easier for the workers to meet the deadlines, and technological advancements in textile processing have made it possible to shift to novel styles of clothing production based on the systems' cost and productivity. The application of these new technologies has made a profound social impact not only on the employees but also on the location of those employees in clothing production. The world of apparel is very different today, as designers take inspiration from modern gadgets and amalgamate clothes and technology to come up with apparel that is awe-inspiring and techno-savvy.

Today, counter-surveillance fashion is becoming more common. The common phrase used to describe such clothing is "stealth wear." Such clothes are designed to protect the wearer from detection and surveillance. There are hoodies and cloaks available under this category. The special clothing uses reflective and metallic fabric, which is generally used in protective gear for firefighters. In practice, this limits the wearer's visibility to aerial surveillance vehicles employing heat-imaging cameras to track people on the ground.

Utilizing the concept of solar energy, a solar bikini has been created that contains fine strips of photovoltaic film stitched on with conductive thread. The suit produces a five-volt output that, via the attached USB connector, can recharge gadgets like the iPod. Among more common innovations that are easily available in the market are deodorizing fabrics, insect-killing clothing, breathable fabrics, hazard warning clothing, functional sportswear, medical and safety wear, anti-stress wear, etc. Such clothing uses stimuli-sensitive materials in fabrics that respond to external factors like changes in temperature. Thus, there are sweat-proof garments that adjust according to changes in the outer temperature.

Another category of fabric that has gained popularity in the past few months is Thermo Chromic Materials (TCM). Such materials respond to changes in environmental temperature by changing the color of the fabric to suit the external climate. Similarly, there are Phase Change Materials (PCM) in fabrics that soak up heat energy when they change from a solid to a liquid state and release heat energy when they revert back, which gives a temporary cooling or heating effect on the clothing layer and keeps the wearer comfortable.


Today, the need to wear layers of clothing in winters has also been replaced by the Shape Memory Fabrics as well as garments. These garments transform their natural shape in reaction to the external stimuli. There are temperature adaptive shirts that roll off length at elevated temperature for providing additional airflow to the body.


These shirts use nitinol, a nylon based fibre, which shortens its length when the room temperature increases to a few degrees. However, these fabrics do not sag. This technology is today being easily applied for daily winter wear and even fashion apparels. These fabrics reduce the chances of developing fungal and bacterial infection due to prolonged use of heavy clothing during the entire course of winter. These fabrics have also reduced the use of leather, fur and skins of exotic animals in apparels, thus leading to wild life conservation.


Colour Changing Fabrics are also very common these days. These fabrics are developed by integrating chromic materials within the fabrics. Chromic materials change colour based on changes in atmospheric condition. The reversible change in colour of these fabrics is termed as chromism. The chromic materials are classified on the basis of stimulus: Thermo Chromic (Heat), Photo Chromic (Light), Iono Chromic (pH value), Electro Chromic (Electricity), Piezoro Chromic (Pressure), Solvate Chromic (Liquid), Carsol Chromic (Electron beam). Among these categories, thermo chromic and photo chromic materials are most commonly used and are also commercially viable.


Another addition to the range of smart fabrics is conductive and composite textile. This range includes wearable electronics. Also known as e-apparel, here electronics are added to the textile. The modern day micro-system technology is constantly improving and there are tinier components available that are merging intelligence with more exclusive products. More recently, a newer tech has been developed by a British company that makes it easier to remove zippers, buttons, fastenings, tags, logos, linings and other materials from the used garment without damaging the surrounding fabric. Garments essentially fall apart on command, making it easier to recover and reuse pure fibres.


The inclusion and expansion of technology in textile industry has led to innumerable positive changes. The wearer, the designers and the environment, all are benefiting following this. The technical growth will always be in process of transition and this in turn promises newer and better fabrics.



References:


1. News.bbc.co.uk

2. Nytimes.com

3. Iffti.com