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Octopus inspired Camouflage Material
October 26th, 2017
Recent research shows that biomimetic approaches can help with the development of sophisticated, high-performance textiles. A team of researchers from Ithaca, N.Y.-based Cornell University and Woods Hole, Mass.-based Marine Biological Laboratory have borrowed inspiration from cephalopods, such as octopus, in devising camouflage materials. A nonwoven textile material was used in conjunction with elastomeric silicone membranes […]
Challenges and opportunities
October 23rd, 2017
Smart fabrics products may require novel textile substrates. A key takeaway from the Smart Fabrics Program and E-Textiles Workshop at IFAI Expo this September was the symbiotic relationship between smart technologies and the development of suitable textile substrates to facilitate the desired function. While the fashion apparel business has become increasingly commodity-driven, smart fabrics require […]
Carbon fiber roof appears to float
October 23rd, 2017
A lens-shaped carbon fiber roof weighing 80.7 tons seems to float above the lobby of the Steve Jobs Theater at Apple Park in Cupertino, Calif. The project was a partnership between international architecture and design firm Foster and Partners, headquartered in London, and Apple Inc. The lobby is reported to be the largest glass-supported structure […]
DuPont and Unifi to create eco-friendly apparel insulation
October 23rd, 2017
DuPont and Unifi Inc. have announced a collaboration to create high-performance, renewably sourced, cold-weather garment insulation combining DuPont Sorona polymer and Unifi REPREVE®. DuPont Sorona is made from 37 percent renewable plant-based ingredients and is reported to use 30 percent less energy with 63 percent fewer greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, compared to Nylon 6. Unifi’s proprietary […]
Military matters
October 23rd, 2017
Understanding the opportunities in dealing with the U.S. Department of Defense. Military sessions at IFAI’s Advanced Textiles Conference sought to help attendees make sense of DoD budgets and priorities. One presenter, however, altered his title to read “Making some sense of the DoD budget,” underscoring how complicated it can be. Ron Houle, president of Pivot […]
The importance of size and fit
October 23rd, 2017
Garment makers are using new technologies to optimize comfort. With the growth of the wearable technology market, innovations in high-tech protective garments and a push by the U.S. military for more comfortable uniforms and gear, the issue of size and fit has also grown in importance. This is not a fashion or aesthetic choice, exclusively; […]
Companies pledge increased rPET use
October 20th, 2017
Textile Exchange announced that more than 45 textile, apparel and retail companies have signed a pledge to increase their use of recycled polyester (rPET) by at least 25 percent by 2020. The pledge has been adopted by major brands such as adidas, Dibella, Eileen Fisher, Gap Inc., H&M, IKEA, Lindex, MetaWear, Target and Timberland. A […]
Wi-Care innovation: my-DBuddy dementia jacket
October 19th, 2017
Can you design a jacket for people with dementia?” That question from Helga Rohra, a renowned activist promoting a better life for people living with dementia, inspired an innovation by Wilma Verhoeks, owner of Wi-Care, a Dutch company specializing in fashion for people with special needs. Verhoeks designed “my-DBuddy,” a jacket that addresses multiple needs […]
Teijin Aramid Introduces flame-resistant Teijinconex
October 18th, 2017
Teijin Aramid has introduced a new flame-resistant fabric for workwear. According to the company, Teijinconex® single-layer fabric combines personal protection with performance sports textiles. The fabric is reported to quickly absorb perspiration without losing its flame resistance. Designed for comfort and breathability, the fabric feels like cotton and allows sweat to move from the body to […]
Commerce Dept. to discuss textile industry assessment findings in October 18 Webinar
October 17th, 2017
In 2016, the U.S. Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) undertook its first comprehensive survey and assessment of the health and competitiveness of the U.S. textile, apparel, and footwear industry since 2003. The BIS team is now prepared to share preliminary findings of this critically important study that will be unveiled later this […]