Origin Of Clothes and Fashion

Going back to the origins of clothing and its primary objective, we find protection from weather conditions like heat, rain and cold being the most important. Necessity over the luxury and therefore fashion emerged much later once the primary objectives could be easily fulfilled. Therefore going back to the roots and focusing on clothing’s purpose as something that protects us from water, we trace the evolution of the industry and most importantly take a look at modern innovations that have shown the potential to change the industry for good.

Waterproofing materials can be traditionally defined as materials that have been treated to ensure that water does not seep through it. While this definition explains the product in the most basic form, as we take a look at new age materials we find the definition changing. Taking a quick glance at traditional materials, we find mackintosh jackets and sauna suits being in the market for the longest time. In recent years, manufacturers have taken these materials and added to them far more advanced fabrics and technology that have not only enhanced the waterproofing/water-resistant quality of the materials but also focused on breathability and weight.

A very significant part of the sporting industry, water resistant or water absorbent materials have been developed by sports brands across the globe to ensure that athletes lose the minimum energy due to their clothing. This highly competitive market of materials for athletes has been a major boon for the industry as more and more companies are investing more than ever before in R&D. 

 

Here is a look at some new innovations:

The second skin 
Researchers at University of California have developed a fabric that acts like a second skin. They revealed that the fabric channels in the excess moisture and releases it into the atmosphere. This indicates the wearer is unlikely to feel any discomfort in spite of temperature changes outside that may result in sweating. For athletes and those involved in outdoor activities, the fabric is likely to be a major boost as it will provide more comfort during physically challenging activities that produce sweat. This is most likely the gym clothing material of the future.

Drop stopper

Xi Yao from Harvard and some of his colleagues got together to create a water repellent material that has the ability to stop a drop of water in its track while sliding on the fabric. Though it looks hard to understand what the application of such a fabric might be in the industry, the material can be considered a major breakthrough in water-resistant fabrics as it will be useful in creating fabrics that are self cleaning. The basic principle behind the material is that it is a two layered structure that has a liquid screen over an elastic material. On stretching, the surface pores open up making the surface more rough and thereby impeding the movement of liquid droplets on the surface. This isn’t all this super slippery material can do. The material can also change colour and the scientists claim is responsive to other factors such as temperature, light, chemicals, magnetism and electricity. It is clear that this fabric has a long way to go in the textile manufacturing industry and it has started with a bang.

Dry Dye

One of the largest sporting apparel companies in the globe recently revealed their new technology that they claim helps them save 25 litres of water per T-shirt. This is an incredible innovation that also reduces the energy and chemical consumption in the process of textile manufacturing. While this does not have a direct impact on water-resistant/proofing industry, it does speak volumes for the future of textile manufacturing and dyeing industry where water-conservation will play a major role.

Fire ant technology

In 2011, scientist at the Georgia Institute of Technology discovered something incredible about fire ants and how they react in water. A single fire ant was seen to be struggling but when a large number of ants were released in the water; they formed a water-resistant body where none of the ants were in contact with the water. This almost unbelievable feat was achieved by the ants with the help of air bubbles that they formed around the compactly created raft from all their bodies joined together. This flexible raft was a simple yet effective strategy to keep the water out. Since then the technology has been explored for the development of waterproofing fabrics with the help of robots that can replicate the behavior of the fire ants.

The future: What and How

Taking into consideration how rapidly the water proofing/resistant/absorbent material industry is evolving, it is evident that synthetic fibres are likely to take a major upper hand. This is mainly due to the control that the manufacturer has over the production of these. So while we will be seeing synthetic fibres showcasing the latest innovations of the manufacturers, we are also likely to see a surge in organic and natural fabrics, however in a niche market. 

For the sporting community, more intensifying competition would mean higher investment in technology that gives an athlete and edge over his competitor. To satisfy them is to satisfy a far greater audience who ardently follow their sporting heroes and would look to emulate their choice of fabrics. This is an interesting phase for the fabric manufacturing sector not just because the sportsmen are paying more but also because the common man has far higher disposable income than ever before and is looking for a new experience in every aspect of his/her life including the fabric that is in contact with their skins

Published in the Apparel Magazine (CMAI)