Taiwan’s two major garment suppliers, Quang Viet and Makalot, are pouring resources into development of the latest smartwear technologies.
Since 2016, Quang Viet has been working on research and development for a smart jacket that integrates temperature control and GPS tracking functions. The company’s customers include North Face and Under Armor.

Makalot is seeking certifications for its latest functional wear featuring graphene, a material that helps devices detect and monitor electrical activity in the wearer’s heart more accurately. Makalot caters to Gap, Kohl’s and Target. The company aims to differentiate itself from its local peers by providing high-end products that can be used for medical purposes, as technical thresholds and gross margins for this type of product are usually higher.

In addition to its existing customers, Makalot is in talks with hospitals in Taiwan and China regarding applications of its smart clothing.

Taiwan's textile industry has evolved from a mass production textile supplier to a textile innovator.

Brands like Nike, the North Face, Adidas, Under Armour, Columbia, Lululemon, Jack Wolfskin and others rely on Taiwanese companies for innovation and eco-friendly products.

As one of the leaders in chemical fiber, Taiwan has developed various functional and eco-friendly textiles for the global market, thereby being recognized as an international sourcing hub.