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)
