Knitting glass produces “soft silica”

April 1, 2022  |  Swatches

Canadian designer Sarah Roseman has unveiled a new material that challenges definitions of glass and textiles. Designboom.com reports that Roseman began her research experimenting with knitting glass fibers, working to find innovative and sustainable industry alternatives in materials. The result is…
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Using the sun’s power to empower women

March 1, 2022  |  Swatches

Greenwear Fashion, based in Lucknow, India, is taking sustainability to the next level with help from the sun. The company spins its yarn on solar charkhas or spinning wheels, weaves fabrics on solar looms and stitches garments on solar-powered sewing machines.
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New textiles from old scarves

March 1, 2022  |  Swatches

Material and textile designer Anabel Poh has made an art form of deconstructing scarves and reconstructing them into new designs and patterns. Called Meaningful Deconstruction, Poh currently uses scarves that are left over from the production process by Petit H, a studio founded by Hermès. The scar…
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Study names most effective alternative face coverings

March 1, 2022  |  Swatches

As the Omicron variant surges, the CDC is expected to issue more robust mask guidelines. When PPE is not available many people resort to homemade alternatives, such as bandanas and neck gaiters. Seshadri Ramkumar, a professor in Texas Tech University’s Department of Environmental Toxicology, has c…
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DNA markers key to tracing recycled fibers

March 1, 2022  |  Swatches

As circularity begins to take prominence in the textile world, a traceable supply chain is becoming the marker of companies serious about sustainability. Mills are seeking solutions to trace recycled fibers. Pakistan-based denim manufacturer Soorty has partnered with the Swiss technology company Hae…
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Reusable Microballoon used for photos

March 1, 2022  |  Swatches

Colorado-based Urban Sky’s new Microballoon was designed to take high-resolution aerial photos at low cost. Each reusable Microballoon unit consists of a small reusable stratospheric balloon and a payload module that includes a high-res optical camera.
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Arsenal uses a familiar pattern

March 1, 2022  |  Swatches

Adidas has collaborated with London’s public transport network Transport for London to launch a “football kit” (the standard equipment and attire worn by players) for the English soccer club Arsenal that uses a pattern found on Underground train seats.
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Showers for the homeless

March 1, 2022  |  Swatches

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development estimates that more than 580,000 people are homeless in the country. Through its national program to combat homelessness, Standard Textile has partnered with non-profit organizations across the United States that provide mobile shower services to …
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Prototype garment beats AI algorithms

March 1, 2022  |  Swatches

German design studio WertelOberfell, in collaboration with a consortium of technical partners, sought to find a way to protect people from a very modern hazard: CCTVs equipped with AI human-recognition algorithms that are capable of human detection and can use facial recognition algorithms to track …
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Graphene technology goes commercial

March 1, 2022  |  Swatches

While graphene is recognized as one of the thinnest, lightest and most heat-conductive materials available, it has been considered too costly for commercial apparel. Reebok International Limited’s THERMOWARM + GRAPHENE sportswear collection utilizes graphene as a grid print in the garments’ most…
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