TEXTILES.ORG
Students develop a sun-powered jacket
April 1st, 2023
In a program called “The Wardrobe of the Future,” students at Finland’s Aalto University are experimenting with the development of photovoltaics in garments. There are many smart textile and e-textile applications already widely used, but the sensors, devices and visual effects that are added into these products need a power source—and that typically comes from […]
This baby hat detects fevers
April 1st, 2023
LSU researcher Sibei Xia thought that the hat worn by newborn babies could be more than a warm covering. Using thermochromic yarn and advanced knitting technology, she’s created a hat that can track a newborn’s temperature. Photos: LSU A researcher at Louisiana State University (LSU), Baton Rouge, La., is exploring ways to use “smart clothing” to […]
MotorSkins develops soft robotic textile assistive devices
April 1st, 2023
By integrating soft robotics into textiles, Berlin, Germany-based wearable robotics producer MotorSkins bridges the gap between science and design with a novel metamaterial. Without requiring an external battery or motor, the company’s textiles support muscle weakness and disability through specialized active garments. The focus of MotorSkins is on fabrics with embedded fluidics that can perform movement. In […]
Dior unveils its 3D-printed shoes
April 1st, 2023
French fashion designer Dior has jumped into the innovative footwear space with its newly launched 3D-printed shoes. The launch, which includes a Derby and a boot, has been realized under the direction of Dior Menswear artistic director Kim Jones and head men’s footwear designer Thibo Denis. While 3D printing has been in designers’ sights for […]
Progress on solar-powered fabrics
April 1st, 2023
Pvilion’s Heavy Duty Portable Solar Canopy, a 2022 IAA award-winner, is a PVC-coated polyester canopy integrated with solar panels that can effectively power equipment, lighting, cell phones, laptops and other gear. Photo: Pvilion As a greener, increasingly high-tech world seeks ways to better optimize the power of the sun, textiles manufacturers are competing to be […]
Textile industry leaders discuss 2023 market challenges
April 1st, 2023
Automation and new equipment is allowing companies to manufacture with fewer employees. Photo: Sewbo The Advanced Textiles Association (ATA) board chair, Amy Bircher, and the ATA first vice chair, Roy Chism, responded to questions about the industry in 2022 and where it may be going in 2023. Amy Bircher, CEO and founder,MMI Textiles Inc. Chairman, […]
Leadership and management: Both are necessary for success
April 1st, 2023
Leadership and management are closely related; however, despite often being spoken of in the same breath, they are certainly not synonymous. If we use those terms interchangeably, we tend to behave as if these roles are interchangeable and equivalent. Doing so means we miss critical components of excellence within our organizations. Destination vs. the path […]
Orchestra requests tent seating for 1,700, tall enough for a bus
April 1st, 2023
With a large hospital fundraiser coming up, the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra wanted to temporarily expand its home at Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. Loane Bros. Inc. was tasked with the project, which aimed to provide a climate-controlled space for cocktails, dinner and dessert for the fundraiser. The Towson, Md., company tented outside the iconic rounded building over […]
2023 Specialty Fabrics Showcase, Part 1
April 1st, 2023
Tents, awnings, shade sails, marine upholstery, protective gear, furniture: Regardless of the end product, the fabric needs to perform in harsh conditions while looking good, keeping the planet green and fitting into a client’s budget. For our two-part annual showcase, we asked contributors to send us information about their latest high-performance textiles. We’ve organized the […]