Years ago, computers took up entire rooms. Health monitoring technology remained the province of hospitals alone. Now, we carry computers in our phones, and wearable tech grows more powerful and prominent each year.
One way in which the wearable tech revolution is pushing into the future is through the use of e-textiles. What exactly are they, and what are their different applications? Here’s what you need to know about this exciting development in the field of wearable technology.
What Are E-Textiles?
First things first, what are e-textiles? In simplest terms, e-textiles refer to any textile with electronic components.
There are two main types of e-textiles. Embedded e-textiles refer to pieces where the technological elements are embedded in the textile itself. Laminated e-textiles refer to pieces where the tech elements aren’t woven in, but sewn and attached to the fabric later.
Embedded textiles are harder to manufacture but provide the sleekest appearance. Laminated e-textiles, by contrast, can be bulkier, but are much easier to sew in and mass-produce.
What Are Some Common E-Textiles Applications?
E-textile fashion appears in a variety of industries, from the medical to the industrial. It even appears in some of the latest advancements in the aerospace industry! However, the most common e-textiles applications include:
- Patient gowns that can monitor vital signs in the medical field
- Sports gear that can track heart rate and hydration levels
- Immersive gaming vests that bring the wearer into the experience
- Heated and lighted garments as PPE for construction workers
While this is far from an exhaustive list, it should give you some idea of the main uses for this amazing technology. In the future, you may even see e-textiles hooked up with MIDI technology that can produce music as you walk around and exercise.
Where Can You Buy E-Textiles?
Given that e-textiles rest on the cutting edge of both fashion and technology, you can’t purchase them anywhere. Any e-textiles that you do find on sites like Amazon and Wish could be fakes. Or, poorly-constructed duplicates that will break down before you get your money’s worth out of them.
So, where can you buy e-textiles or order custom ones?
If you want to buy quality e-textiles, you need to buy them from a dedicated manufacturer. One with years of experience working with specialized fabrics. OTEX Specialty Narrow Fabrics, based in the United States, has years and years of experience in this field.
Let’s Review the Facts About E-Textiles
E-textiles are one of the latest advancements in wearable technology. The term refers to any garment with electronic elements incorporated into it.
E-textiles have a variety of applications, from the industrial to the frivolous. However, if you want quality garments, you need to be willing to purchase from a known, dedicated manufacturer.
Did you find this dive into e-textile fashion interesting? Would you like to read more articles about what’s new, now, and next in the world of tech? If so, then check out our blog for more content like this!
