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Abstract-Utilization of wearable textile materials for the development of microstrip antenna segment has been rapid due to the recent miniaturization of wireless devices. A wearable antenna is meant to be a part of the clothing used for communication purposes, which includes tracking and navigation, mobile computing and public safety. This paper describes design and development of four rectangular patch antennas employing different varieties of cotton and polyester clothing for on-body wireless communications in the 2.45 GHz WLAN band. The impedance and radiation characteristics are determined experimentally when the antennas are kept in flat position. The performance deterioration of a wearable antenna is analyzed under bent conditions too to check compatibility with wearable applications. Results demonstrate the suitability of these patch antennas for on-body wireless communications.

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The electronics that facilitate our daily pursuits and interactions may soon be integrated into textiles in all areas of our near environment. These “Interactive Electronic Textiles” are also called “Electro‐textiles” or “Smart Clothes” and find niches in many applications. Opportunities exist for electro‐textiles in fashion and industrial apparel, residential and commercial interior, military, medical, and industrial textile markets. Electro‐textiles are developed for communication, entertainment, health, and safety. Electro‐textile technologies may soon integrate multiple electronic devices directly into textile and apparel products using shared resources increasing the mobility, comfort and convenience of such devices. For example, communication devices may be integrated into products such as garments. Smart clothes will emerge in various sports outfits, emergency workers' outfits, military, medical, space applications, and so on. The ability to establish wireless communication link is an essential requirement for smart clothes. In this article, the impedance characteristics of a rectangular wearable patch antenna for such wireless data communication using smart clothes have been examined under flat and bent position. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 54:1508–1511, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/mop.26849

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