Wearable technology by Anouk Wipprecht.
Wearable technology by Anouk Wipprecht.
Wearable technology by Anouk Wipprecht.
Wearable technology by Anouk Wipprecht.

From 'smart' clothing to customisation: what the future of fashion might look like


Selina Denman
  • English
  • Arabic

Sustainability, functionality, differentiation and personalisation are the “mega trends” that will drive the growth of the textile and clothing industry, according to a new report from Lux Research, a research and data company in New York.

As the report points out, human beings have been weaving cloth since the Paleolithic era, and "fabrics and textiles are rooted deep in human history". But the textile and clothing industries are at a crossroads, as brands and consumers seek out sustainable products with greater functionality and a cleaner manufacturing record.

Workers sew plaid shirts on the production line of the Fashion Enterprise garment factory in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Bloomberg
Workers sew plaid shirts on the production line of the Fashion Enterprise garment factory in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Bloomberg

This creates new opportunities for innovation, and sustainability must be a key driver – from upstream sourcing and manufacturing to downstream reclamation and recycling. The report highlights how this is being achieved by individual brands such as Adidas and Patagonia, as well as collective efforts such as The Fashion Pact, the UN's Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action and Greenpeace's Detox 2020.

Functionality will become increasingly important as consumers demand “improved product performance, novelty or a unique aesthetic”. Desirable features of a new breed of fabrics include stain prevention, odour blocking, increased durability or “smart" elements such as functional coatings, additives or sensors.

The report presents a timeline of how quickly innovative textile technologies are likely to be adopted on a commercial scale. Functional coatings and finishes will be the first to be widely incorporated, within one to two years, while wide-scale recycling of polyester and cellulose is expected within a three to five-year period. Water-free dyeing processes, fibre innovations and smart textiles are not expected to become commonplace for at least another five years.

Smart textiles, which integrate electronic capabilities into common fabrics and can interact with the environment and/or the user, have some way to go before they will become widespread. “Washability, durability, and manufacturability are major challenges – most devices have removable electronic clips that cannot be washed,” the report maintains.

Designs, such as this dress by Hussein Chalayan, are harnessing technology, but are often not very wearable. Courtesy Hussein Chalayan
Designs, such as this dress by Hussein Chalayan, are harnessing technology, but are often not very wearable. Courtesy Hussein Chalayan

Enhanced personalisation is also key to the future growth of the industry, meaning that brands will have to offer more customised products and experiences, whether through targeted promotions, personalised apps or engravings on products.

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ACL Elite (West) - fixtures

Monday, Sept 30

Al Sadd v Esteghlal (8pm)
Persepolis v Pakhtakor (8pm)
Al Wasl v Al Ahli (8pm)
Al Nassr v Al Rayyan (10pm)

Tuesday, Oct 1
Al Hilal v Al Shorta (10pm)
Al Gharafa v Al Ain (10pm)

Heather, the Totality
Matthew Weiner,
Canongate 

Scores in brief:

  • New Medical Centre 129-5 in 17 overs bt Zayed Cricket Academy 125-6 in 20 overs.
  • William Hare Abu Dhabi Gymkhana 188-8 in 20 overs bt One Stop Tourism 184-8 in 20 overs
  • Alubond Tigers 138-7 in 20 overs bt United Bank Limited 132-7 in 20 overs
  • Multiplex 142-6 in 17 overs bt Xconcepts Automobili 140 all out in 20 overs
Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
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The specs

Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors

Power: Combined output 920hp

Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic

Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km

On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025

Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000

HIJRA

Starring: Lamar Faden, Khairiah Nathmy, Nawaf Al-Dhufairy

Director: Shahad Ameen

Rating: 3/5

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Biog

Mr Kandhari is legally authorised to conduct marriages in the gurdwara

He has officiated weddings of Sikhs and people of different faiths from Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Russia, the US and Canada

Father of two sons, grandfather of six

Plays golf once a week

Enjoys trying new holiday destinations with his wife and family

Walks for an hour every morning

Completed a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Loyola College, Chennai, India

2019 is a milestone because he completes 50 years in business

 

Babumoshai Bandookbaaz

Director: Kushan Nandy

Starring: Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Bidita Bag, Jatin Goswami

Three stars

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The%20specs
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The National's picks

4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young

A MINECRAFT MOVIE

Director: Jared Hess

Starring: Jack Black, Jennifer Coolidge, Jason Momoa

Rating: 3/5

The specs: Lamborghini Aventador SVJ

Price, base: Dh1,731,672

Engine: 6.5-litre V12

Gearbox: Seven-speed automatic

Power: 770hp @ 8,500rpm

Torque: 720Nm @ 6,750rpm

Fuel economy: 19.6L / 100km

Ferrari 12Cilindri specs

Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12

Power: 819hp

Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm

Price: From Dh1,700,000

Available: Now

The Penguin

Starring: Colin Farrell, Cristin Milioti, Rhenzy Feliz

Creator: Lauren LeFranc

Rating: 4/5

AI traffic lights to ease congestion at seven points to Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Street

The seven points are:

Shakhbout bin Sultan Street

Dhafeer Street

Hadbat Al Ghubainah Street (outbound)

Salama bint Butti Street

Al Dhafra Street

Rabdan Street

Umm Yifina Street exit (inbound)

Where to buy and try:

Nutritional yeast

DesertCart

Organic Foods & Café

Bulletproof coffee

Wild & The Moon

Amasake

Comptoir 102

DesertCart

Organic Foods & Café

Charcoal drinks and dishes

Various juice bars, including Comptoir 102

Bridgewater Tavern

3 Fils

Jackfruit

Supermarkets across the UAE

SPEC%20SHEET
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EPL's youngest
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