Smart Clothes and Wearable Technology

Smart clothes and wearable technology is a relatively novel and emerging area of interdisciplinary research within the fashion, textile, electronics and related industries. This book provides a comprehensive review of the end-user’s requirements and the technologies and materials available for the design and production of smart clothing.

Part one looks at the design of smart clothing and wearable technology including the emergence of wearable computing, end-user requirements, and the design process from fibre selection to product launch. Part two examines the general requirements for merging of a range of textile structures with technology and communications for wearable technologies. Part three reviews the types of production technologies available for the development of smart clothing, including garment construction and fabric joining, and the final part discusses the application of these new technologies in smart clothing products and their presentation to consumers.

Smart clothes and wearable technology is a unique and essential reference source for researchers, designers and engineers developing textiles and clothing products in this cross-disciplinary area. It is also beneficial for those in the healthcare industry and academics researching textiles, fashion and design.

• Examines this emerging area of textile research including a brief history and industry overview
• Assesses the technologies and materials available for the design and production of smart clothing
• Summarises requirements for smart textiles from both health and performance perspectives

Since establishing a unique Masters programme in Performance Sportswear Design (University of Derby, 1995-2003) and then leading research in Smart Clothes and Wearable Technology (University of Wales, Newport, 2004-2012), Jane’s practice has continued to be focused on co-design methodology, bringing together representatives from academia and industry, along with end-users, where a new ‘shared language’ is required to break down barriers between disparate disciplines. She was the recipient of the ‘Sir Misha Black Award for Innovation in Design Education’ (2003), presented at the Royal College of Art, and awarded her Professorship from the University of Wales, Newport (2012). Her cross-disciplinary approach led to Erasmus exchanges, Leonardo projects, publication and continuing academic engagement in China. Both during her time in academia, and since working as an independent design and research consultant, back in Northern Ireland (from 2014 onwards), the need for more responsible, sustainable, and user-friendly product development has escalated in relation to her on-going areas of interest in the design of functional clothing as well as in Natural Fibre Composites design applications.

David Bryson is a Senior Lecturer in the Human Sciences Research Centre at the University of Derby, UK. His research interests include the use of scientific photography and multimedia to support learning teaching and assessment in applied science, anatomy and osteology.