A new market research report ‘Smart Textiles Market’ estimates, the market will grow at a CAGR of 23.2 per cent from $2.3 billion in 2021 to $6.6 billion by 2026. Growth will be mainly driven by adoption of advanced technologies, miniaturization of electronic components, expansion of wearable industry, etc.

The sudden outbreak of COVID-19 impacted global demand for smart textiles with many companies being forced to adopt remote working practices. Lockdowns in almost all major countries disrupted supply chains, halting manufacturing activities and delaying production. As a large share of the global population is working from home, there is growing preference for indoor fitness activities, leading to a surge in demand for apparels and accessories integrated with smart applications and sensors that can monitor heart rate and oxygen levels. Some countries like the US are also using smart textiles in other forms like heated blankets and socks in some countries like the US.

Passive smart textiles used in military and protection

The first generation of smart textiles is known as passive smart textiles. These can only sense environmental conditions or stimuli but cannot adjust according to external changes. Some passive smart textiles include optical fiber-embedded fabrics, conductive fabrics UV protective clothing, antibacterial fabric textiles, multilayer composite fibers and textiles, plasma-treated fabrics, ceramic-coated fabrics, conductive fibers, and fabrics with optical sensors. These are majorly used in the military and protection vertical due to their ruggedness.

Companies offering passive smart textiles across the world include DuPont, which provides fibers, industrial fabrics, and covers used in the medical, military, and aerospace verticals, and Outlast Technologies, which provides acrylic, viscose, and polyester fabrics used in bedding, apparel, and footwear applications.

Sensitive to external stimuli

Smart textiles are sensitive to environmental conditions or stimuli generated through mechanical, thermal, chemical, electrical, magnetic, or any other sources. They can monitor body heat, heart rate, respiration rate, motion and speed through various sensors. On being used in gloves, shirts, and pants, these smart textiles can also sense different health parameters of a wearer. They can also track the wearer’s psychological movements such as bending, location, movement, and pressure.

In terms of growth, North America holds the largest share in the smart textiles market due to its technological innovations and advancements. The country is witnessing a demand boom from the electronics and medical industries. Some key players are: DuPont, Alphabet , Jabil, AIQ Sensoria and Gentherm from the US; Interactive Wear and Adidas from Germany, Hexoskin from Canada and TenCate from the Netherlands.