Review of Fashion, Technology and Health: Future Directions for the Apparel Industry

Abstract

This review briefly analyzes fashion, technology, and health-related observations in industries to make suggestions for the future direction of growth for apparel and product development. This article highlights technology-embedded apparel and textile products currently presented in the market or made known via web promotion or conference exhibition. Many of these textile products are primarily associated with health care and fitness-related intentions -showing support and direction of health and technology for a future scope in fashion and apparel industries. The objective of this review was to identify challenges associated with 'smart' textile production, reference examples of technology integration in textile-based wearables and make recommendations for the design and development direction of future apparel products.

A Review of the Effects of Electrode Fabrication and Assembly Processes on the Structure and Electrochemical Performance of 2D MXenes

“…Advanced technologies for efficient storage of electrical energy are critical for large-scale utilization of renewable energy sources as well as the evolution of wearable electronics and electric vehicles. [1][2][3][4][5][6] Electrochemical capacitors (ECs) are reliable energy storage devices known for their high power density, long cycle life, and fast charge-discharge rates. [7][8][9] The electrochemical properties of ECs are determined, on the one hand, by the intrinsic properties of their electrode materials, including their electrical properties and charge storage mechanism.…”

Initial insights of laundry detergent and additive impact on e-textile surface resistivity

“…1 E-textile structures are often knitted/woven from electrically conductive yarns, or nonconductive textiles may be made electrically conductive through the surface application of a metallic coating, metallic ink-printing, or embroidery with metallic threads. 4 Most e-textile products are still in the research and product development stage, 9 falling short in either functional performance, ease of use, production capability, price point, comfort, and/or maintenance, which includes launderability. 8,10 To achieve their full potential, wearable e-textiles ('smart' garments, bags, shoes, and other wearable soft accessories) must overcome these challenges to be worn/used and properly cared for by consumers on a daily or routine basis.…”

“…3 This lagging integration of the smart clothing category is due to many factors, some of which include technical challenges with sensor size, consistent conductivity, and performance with garment style. 4 One of the most significant challenges of e-textiles is performance reliability after laundering, 5–7 which includes functional conductivity. This electrical challenge of conductive woven and knitted e-textiles, in which metallic components are embedded into yarn structure or applied as a coating, is due to intimate contact with the human body, which naturally becomes soiled, and must be cleaned.…”