Digitally printed textiles represent a faster turn around in production for clothing manufacturers world wide, but what about textiles the respond to your body temperature? Textiles like these are being to be refined and used within the garment industry. According to a recent article in Australia’s ABC news networks, textiles are being used for outdoor clothing items are treated with paraffins. “Paraffin changes its character. As you get hot it becomes more liquid and all that heat to pass out,” says Campbell. “As the body gets cold it solidifies and keeps heat back with the wearer (Catapult par 4).” These types of treated textiles can be seen in Goodnighties – a maker of pajamas for menopausal women.

Another really interesting avenue for textiles is the printing of electronics into the surface. “And there are a growing number of markets and applications possible, from health care (light therapy bandages and iontophoretic cosmetic skin patches) to electronic wallpaper, heated or lit clothing, and flexible solar cells for portable power (Preus par 3)”. Imagine the possibilities for third world applications for this technology.

References:

Goodnighties Sleepwear With Patented Ionx Fabric. (n.d.). Goodnighties Sleepwear With Patented Ionx Fabric. Retrieved October 8, 2012, from http://www.goodnighties.com/

Preus, J. (n.d.). Printing electronic circuitry – Fabric Graphics. Home – Fabric Graphics. Retrieved October 8, 2012, from http://fabricgraphicsmag.com/articles/0910

Smart fabrics – Indepth – Catapult – ABC Online. (n.d.). ABC.net.au. Retrieved October 8, 2012, from http://www.abc.net.au/catapult/indepth/s1435357.htm