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In-garment air circulation for cooler protective clothing

Swatches | October 1, 2026 | By:

A mannequin displays a sleek, dark blue suit of protective clothing with a zippered top and matching pants, paired with sturdy brown boots. The suit connects together to have pneumatic air circulation pumped by the shoes to keep the wearer cool without a wired system.
Demonstrator featuring insoles that function as pneumatic air compressors, pants with an integrated air conduit, a top with air-conducting structures for climate control, and a belt buckle to separate the pants from the top. Image: The German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research

Routing air underneath protective clothing could make workers more comfortable as sweat and heat are conducted away from the body.

Hero Textil AG and The German Institutes of Textile and Fiber Research developed the StAirS climate control system for workwear. It comprises a series of tubes that run up the pants and connect to the upper garment’s climate control element. A special shoe insole generates airflow with every step the wearer takes, so it does not need to be powered or connected externally to any device, allowing freedom of movement.

The project demonstrated the system’s potential for reducing workers’ risk of overheating and was presented at the 2026 SME Innovation Day in Berlin, Germany, in June. 

Around 300 exhibitors were expected to showcase their innovative projects for visitors at the open-air event.

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