3D Visualization Technology Option for AccuMark 10

Gerber Technology, a world leader in integrated solutions for the apparel and industrial markets, announces the availability of 3D visualization technology as an optional module for AccuMark® 10, its industry leading integrated pattern design, grading, planning and marker making software.

According to Mary McFadden, director of CAD product management with Gerber Technology, 3D technology is a visualization tool that assists all along the design and development process. “It will help the pattern maker to know whether the pattern works in the design, the designer to refine the details of the creation, and to visualize the fit and comfort of the garment on the model, all without actually making the garment,” she said. “This technology can assist all the way through to merchandising, where it can be used in e-commerce.”

Gerber’s 3D solution is leveraging sophisticated 3D graphics and animation technology called Blender.  

Blender is a professional free and open-source 3D computer graphics software product used for creating animated films, visual effects, art, 3D printed models, interactive 3D applications and video games. Blender's features include 3D modeling, UV unwrapping, texturing, raster graphics editing, rigging and skinning, fluid and smoke simulation, particle simulation, soft body simulation, sculpting, animating, match moving, camera tracking, rendering, video editing and compositing. Alongside the modeling features it also has an integrated game engine.  The Dutch animation studio Neo Geo and Not a Number Technologies (NaN) developed Blender as an in-house application, with the primary author being Ton Roosendaal. The name Blender was inspired by a song by Yello, from the album Baby.

The technology has been used widely in the animation, movie, video game and simulation industries.  Its broad spectrum of modeling, texturing, lighting and simulation capabilities make it one of the most popular Open Source 3D graphics applications in the world. “Blender is an extremely robust simulation engine which allows us to get a realistic visualization of fit and movement of a garment. Our internal development team and the large global community of developers working with Blender give us a tremendous edge advancing the use of 3D,” McFadden said.

Gerber was one of the first to introduce pattern making software for the apparel industry.  Today, AccuMark CAD systems are used by more than 15,000 customers, including many of the world’s leading fashion brands.  Gerber has launched technologies that have become the benchmarks for CAD pattern making, grading, planning and marker making software, as well as for automated spreading and cutting machines.

For additional information about the availability of the 3D module and AccuMark 10 software, you can visit http://www.unleashyourvision.com.

About Gerber Technology: For nearly 50 years, Gerber Technology has been the world leader in providing integrated solutions to help its customers automate and more effectively manage product design and manufacturing processes in the apparel and industrial marketplaces. The company serves 25,000 customers, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies, in the aerospace, apparel, retail, composites, packaging, furniture, technical textiles and transportation interiors industries in 130 countries.

Based in Connecticut, Gerber Technology is owned by Vector Capital, a San Francisco-based, global private equity firm specializing in the technology sector that manages more than $2 billion of equity capital.

Find more information about the CAD services that Gerber Technology provides the fashion industry at their website.

Learn more about CAD Software and CAD service companies.

While you are doing your research to learn more about CAD software, you may also want to learn more specifically about pattern maker software if that is your area of interest.

Do you currently use AccuMark CAD systems?  If you use the 3D visualization technology module, please share your thoughts about the pros and cons in the discussion area below.

Thank you for taking the time to read our fashion blog post. We hope that you have found this news to be informative.

Sweat Without Feeling Wet

Revolutionary jacket: sweat without feeling wet.

One year after the Swiss-Norwegian company OSMOTEX announced the innovative HYDRO_BOT technology, it is showcasing a jacket that is the sign of what’s to come to consumers this year: clothing with embedded electronic moisture management that allows you to sweat without feeling wet. After a period of rigid testing with remarkable results, Osmotex promises HYDRO_BOT to be commercially available in sportswear in the course of 2018.

Revolutionary proprietary technology for electronically controlled moisture transport in membranes and textiles.

Faces Apparel Ultimate Collection with 37.5 Technology

Faces Apparel is excited to announce the launch of its inaugural Ultimate Collection, a line of luxurious, fashion-focused basics for men and women made from natural ring-spun cotton and equipped with 37.5® Technology, which helps the body maintain optimum core temperature more efficiently.

Faces Apparel is the one of the first fashion and lifestyle apparel companies to merge contemporary fashion and luxurious fabrics with 37.5 Technology, a technology that was previously only found in high-performance sports apparel. The Ultimate Collection joins the most demanding outdoor apparel and footwear brands in the world that rely on 37.5 Technology to help athletes perform better, with success stories from companies like Adidas, Under Armour, Trek, Rab, K2/Ride, Bauer Hockey, Rossignol, Salomon, and Colmar among others.

37.5 Active Particle Technology captures and releases moisture vapor to maintain optimum relative humidity and core temperature in the wearer’s personal microclimate, resulting in increased comfort and enhanced performance. 37.5 Technology is naturally derived and embedded into the yarn so it will never wash out.

About Faces Apparel

Innovating meaningful products for the apparel industry, Faces Apparel’s mission is to bring dignity, worth and hope to communities at the GLOCAL (global + local) level. A leading for-profit social enterprise apparel brand, Faces Apparel was created with the belief that cause and enterprise can converge, working together to make a difference by breaking the cycle of poverty and transforming lives, one face at a time.

About 37.5 Technology

37.5 Technology was created by Cocona Inc., a world leader in active particle technologies.  Cocona provides customers with innovative, branded and proprietary technologies that increase the performance, comfort, and value of their products.  Their goal is to delight their partners with exceptional service and outstanding quality. The most demanding outdoor apparel and footwear brands in the world rely on 37.5® Technology to make their products perform better. 37.5 active particle technology captures and releases moisture vapor to maintain the optimum relative humidity in your microclimate, which helps your body more efficiently maintain an ideal core temperature. The result? Increased comfort and enhanced performance

Learn more about textiles and fabrics here on Apparel Search.

Thank you for taking the time to read our fashion blog post. We hope that you have found this news to be informative. 

Learn about performance fabrics in our fashion industry terms section.

If you have comments or questions, please add your thoughts in the discussion area below.  Thank you for taking the time to read this apparel industry article here on the Fashion Blog.

37.5 Fabric Technology Impact on Athlete Performance

Cocona announced on June 6, 2016 the public release of results from a blind university study that show wearing 37.5 technology can improve thermoregulation during exercise, which impacts performance. By reducing the increase in core temperature during exercise, similar to wearing a cooling vest circulating cold water, the added cooling from 37.5 technology increases energy efficiency and output. No other passive cooling fabric technology has been shown to increase human performance or increase the body’s ability to manage core temperature.

Physiologists Eric P. Homestead, Benjamin J. Ryan, Jesse A. Goodrich, and Professor William C. Byrnes authored the study, titled “Beneficial Effects of Cooling during Constant Power Non-steady State Cycling” at the University of Colorado at Boulder. First author Homestead presented the results at the American College of Sports Medicine’s 63rd Annual Meeting in Boston yesterday.

“Now that the study is public we’re excited to be able to talk about the results,” said Dr. Gregory Haggquist, Founder/CTO of Cocona, Inc and inventor of patented 37.5 technology. “When we see data that shows you can improve an athlete’s performance by 26% at their lactate threshold, it’s pretty remarkable. To get that kind of increase in efficiency just by changing your shirt fabric is unprecedented.”

This study scientifically shows that 37.5 technology:

• Extends an athlete’s performance at their lactate threshold;
• Lowers core temperature during exercise;
• Increases efficiency so an athlete uses less energy to do the same amount of work;
• Decreases the rate of core temperature build up.

“We know the results of this study will be of great interest to athletes, trainers, coaches, soldiers and anyone looking to increase their performance by just changing what they wear,” said Jeff Bowman, CEO of Cocona, Inc.

Why core temperature is important

Managing core temperature is a key factor in determining performance and efficiency. It is critical to maximize the body’s built-in cooling mechanisms (evaporation of sweat) to help reduce the buildup of core temperature. 37.5 works to keep the core body temperature lower in athletes working at their lactate threshold, which means that when wearing 37.5 apparel, athletes can go longer at the same level of output.

Study Protocol

The study used three different cases to determine effects of cooling on physiological indicators for human subjects. The cases were a typical wicking t-shirt available from the major athletic brands, an otherwise identical 37.5 t-shirt, and an ice vest and sleeves. The two shirts were blinded to both the investigators and the participants. Each case delivered a different level of cooling to athletes that were requested to maintain an exercise intensity on a stationary bicycle that resulted in an increasing heat stress. The athletes were tested for a wide range of physiological parameters before, during and after the requested activity. Core temperature, skin temperature, sweat rate, oxygen intake, carbon dioxide output, and blood levels were closely monitored and measured.

About 37.5^® Technology

37.5 technology was created by Cocona Inc., a world leader in the development, commercialization and marketing of active particle technologies currently used to enhance the technical performance of clothing, footwear and sleep systems. The Company is headquartered in Boulder, Colorado.

Previously, 37.5 technology was marketed under the Cocona brand name, as the original active carbon particles were derived from coconut shells. The technology has since been expanded to use additional natural materials.

Thank you for taking the time to read our textile industry blog post about performance fabric to help with fitness apparel. We hope that you have found this news to be informative. 

Learn more about performance fabrics here on Apparel Search.

The 37.5 performance fabric technology is beneficial for a wide variety of fitness fashion styles.  The fabric can be used for fitness tops, athletic shorts, and beyond.

If you have comments or questions, please add your thoughts in the discussion area below.

Trends Shaping the Fashion Industry's Future

The fashion industry has always been synonymous with change and evolution. Yet, in the 21st century, the pace of transformation has reached unprecedented levels, thanks to the ever-accelerating trends in technology. From design and production to marketing and retail, technology has permeated every facet of the fashion industry, reshaping not only the way clothes are made but also the way they are perceived and consumed. In this article, we will delve into how technology is influencing the fashion industry and offer a glimpse into what the future might hold.

Technology-Driven Design and Production

Sustainable Innovation

Sustainability is no longer just a buzzword; it's a driving force in the fashion industry. Advancements in technology have allowed for the development of sustainable materials, such as lab-grown leather and recycled fabrics. Brands are increasingly turning to 3D printing and digital pattern making, reducing waste and environmental impact. The future of fashion will likely see a shift towards circularity, where clothing is designed with end-of-life solutions in mind.

Artificial Intelligence and Data Analysis

AI has revolutionized fashion forecasting and design. Machine learning algorithms analyze vast datasets of consumer preferences, social media trends, and historical sales to predict the next big thing. Designers can create collections tailored to consumer demands, reducing excess inventory and minimizing the risk of unsold items.

Sourcing at MAGIC on Wearable Technology

Focus on Wearable Technology @ SOURCING at MAGIC

The value of the global wearable technology market is predicted to reach $20 billion this year and $70 billion by 2025.  The world is seeing a rapid development of wearable technology being integrated into every aspect of our lives –  to help record the world around us, control our environment and communicate information between one another. This industry is in a state of continual growth with no end in sight.

This month in Las Vegas, SOURCING at MAGIC will have a focus on wearable technology with the latest trends, innovations and the future being discussed by industry leaders including executives from DuPont and Intel during the seminars listed below.  

There will also be an interactive exhibit area with prototype garments contributed by North Carolina State College of Textiles. Including:      

• Stretchable electronics screen printed onto textiles
  
• Compression shirts with integrated dry electrodes for electrocardiogram monitoring
  
• Electrode materials for integration into a variety of textile applications 

Panel Discussions

• “The New Technology/Smart Textile Movement”
  
• “Where to Start with Wearable Tech”
  
• "Wearables Are Not Just For Techies But For The Fashion Industry As Well”
  
• “Desirable Wearables: The Future Is Here”
  
• “Making Wearables Actually Wearable”
  
• “Game Changer: The Stretchable Electronic Ink Enabling Smart Clothing”
  
• “The Future of Retail”
  
• “Wearable Innovators: The Intersection of Technology and Fashion”

This year’s sourcing show runs from August 16-19, 2015 and as always, MAGIC offers an un-paralleled seminar series.

Below you will find some of the seminar details.

Sunday, August 16, 2015 – 2:30pm – LVCC North Hall, Level 2, Room N250

An expert panel of educators and executives from the industry will excite you with new opportunities and guide you through the challenges of embracing the next generation of textiles. Speakers:

Nancy Marino (Partner – Columbus Consulting)

Diana Wyman (Technical Director – AATCC)

Tom Snyder (Assist Industry Liaison – North Carolina State University)

Despina Papadopoulous (Wearable Technology Services/WWA Advisors)

Moderated by: David Hinks (Interim Dean – North Carolina State College of Textiles)

Where to Start with Wearable Tech

Sunday, August 16, 2015 – 4:00pm – The Source Community Lounge

A focus on what is available in the marketplace now, what is still to come, and how brands should plan to be involved. Speakers:

Kyle Hjelmeseth (Wearables Consultant)

Jonathan Toppin (COO – Wearable World)
Wearables Are Not Just For Techies But For The Fashion Industry As Well

Monday, August 17, 2015 – 9:30am – LVCC North Hall, Level 2, Room N250

Attend this session to learn about the wearable landscape and understand how you can begin to incorporate wearables into your overall business strategy. Speaker:

Sandra Lopez (Director of Strategic Alliances for Fashion – INTEL)

Desirable Wearables: The Future Is Here

Monday, August 17, 2015 – 1:30pm – LVCC North Hall, Level 2, Room N250

Join Syuzi Pakhchyan, author of “Fashioning Technology: A DIY Intro to Smart Crafting”, as she chronicles and shares her constantly evolving developments in the realm of wearable tech. Speaker:

Syuzi Pakhchyan (Founder – FashioningTechnology.com/User Experience Lead – BCGDV) 

Making Wearables Actually Wearable

Monday, August 17, 2015 – 2:00pm – The Source Community Lounge

A discussion on form meeting function. Speakers: 

Sylvia Heisel (Wearable Technologist)

Jonathan Toppin (COO – Wearable World)

Amy Puliafito (Director of Communications – Misfit)

Francisco Platt (Founder – TechStyleNews.com)

Game Changer: The Stretchable Electronic Ink Enabling Smart Clothing

Tuesday, August 18, 2015 – 9:00am – LVCC North Hall, Level 2, Room N250

Join Dr. Michael Burrows, Segment Manager of DuPont Microcircuit Materials, as he discusses how DuPont stretchable electronic inks are enabling smart clothing that is stretchable, washable, and comfortable – a true game changer for clothing designers and manufacturers. Speaker:

Dr. Michael Burrows (Segment Manager – DUPONT)
The Future of Retail

Tuesday, August 18, 2015 – 11:00am – The Source Community Lounge

What do all of these advancements mean for our retailers, and how will it affect the ways brands need to market at brick and mortar locations. Speakers: 

Sylvia Heisel (Wearables Technologist)

Brian Dyches (Director – Experience Design + Strategy/Partner – Openeye Labs)

Wearable Innovators: The Intersection of Technology and Fashion

Tuesday, August 18, 2015 – 12:30m – LVCC North Hall, Level 2, Room N250

Madison Maxey of “The Crated” will share her vision combining design, technology and science to build the wearable market, and her tips for building a relationship with consumers of futuristic fashion. Speaker:

Madison Maxey (Co-Founder – TheCrated.com)

Full list of MAGIC’s seminars here:

http://www.magiconline.com/planning/calendar/magic/seminar/2015-08-16

About SOURCING at MAGIC:

The world’s most comprehensive fashion sourcing event, SOURCING at MAGIC is where brands, designers and sourcing executives gain access to global resources spanning the entire supply chain. We offer unmatched access to over 43 countries, more than 1,000 apparel, accessories, footwear and home textile resources, plus over 200 fabric, trim and component resources.

If you missed the Sourcing at MAGIC February 2015, you definitely do not want to miss the August event.

Textile Finishing Technology Environmental Sustainability

Baldwin Technology Company Inc.’s exclusive and innovative Precision Application System—which realizes substantial savings of water, chemistry and energy while increasing productivity—was designed with companies like HanesBrands in mind.

HanesBrands—whose venerable apparel lines include Hanes, Champion, Playtex, Bali and Maidenform, to name a few—has set significant environmental stewardship goals to reduce energy consumption and water use. The company’s recent investment in Baldwin’s Precision Application Systems, with a textile finishing technology that allows for accurate and controlled placement and therefore, reduced use of end-of-line chemicals and water, will help HanesBrands achieve its environmental sustainability goals. Additionally, Baldwin’s groundbreaking application system improves output through greater flexibility, fewer production steps and increased uptime.

Mike Abbott, HanesBrands Global Director of Research and Innovation, said: “Baldwin fulfilled our requirements to provide a solution that optimizes our productivity while reducing our environmental impact.” HanesBrands thoroughly evaluated the technology for eight months in live production conditions with positive results. Abbott continued: “During the evaluation period of the system, we have had outstanding results in productivity increase, and we can clearly see that this technology will make a great contribution to our future efficiency and sustainability savings.”

Fossil & Intel Goal of Creating Amazing Wearable Technology

Fossil Group, Inc. and Intel Corporation announced the first week of September that they will be collaborating to further develop wearable technology for the fashion industry.

Fossil Group, a global design, marketing and distribution company specializing in fashion accessories will partner with Intel, a leader and innovator in the technology industry, to identify, support and develop emerging trends in the wearable technology space. The companies will work together on emerging products and technologies that will be developed for the fashion-oriented consumer. Fossil Group is committed to being a leader in the space and its work with Intel will enable iconic fashion brands within the Company's portfolio to participate in wearable technology in a fashionable way.

Mike Bell, Vice President of Intel and General Manager of the New Devices Group, said: "The combination of Intel's technology and Fossil Group's ability to design innovative fashion accessories and to create, market and distribute globally is why we are confident about this initiative. We are focused on identifying trends and emerging uses of technology and accelerating wearable technology innovation worldwide."

Fossil Group will work closely with Intel Capital, Intel's global investment organization, to identify and evaluate co-investments in emerging technologies to accelerate industry innovation and stay at the forefront of the wearable consumer trend. Intel Capital has invested in a wide range of start-ups in the wearables space, including Thalmic Labs and Basis.

Learn more about wearable technology.

Read more wearable technology blog posts here on Apparel Search.

Dow and Russell Collaborate on Intellifresh Powered Apparel

On April 25, 2016 the Dow Chemical Company and Russell Brands, LLC have announced a collaboration to provide advanced odor and freshness protection to apparel performance products using Dow’s patented SILVADUR™ technology.  Products treated with this technology will feature the Intellifresh™ brand.  The collaboration with Russell is among Dow’s first uses of the Intellifresh™ brand on performance apparel products.

“Dow research shows that more consumers are looking for products that promote a healthier lifestyle,” said Larry Ryan, business president for Dow Energy & Water Solutions. “Consumers surveyed indicated they are interested in purchasing a wide variety of products with durable protection against odor or odor-causing bacteria. The collaboration with Russell is a prime example of how Dow, with its innovative technology behind Intellifresh™, can partner with brand owners, manufacturers and retailers to fulfill consumer needs."

The Russell® COOLFORCE™ tee, powered by Intellifresh™, is the most recent performance apparel product to incorporate this invisible ingredient that provides built in freshness and odor protection. The secret to the long-lasting freshness comes from Dow’s patented SILVADUR™ technology, which neutralizes bacteria that can build up on fabric surfaces so fabrics stay fresher longer, even between washings. COOLFORCE™ tees are available in stores and online at Walmart.com

“We are thrilled to announce this exciting collaboration with Dow, which will allow us to offer our consumers one of the most innovative performance elements in today’s market,” said Rick Medlin, chief executive officer and president of Russell Brands, LLC, a subsidiary of Fruit of the Loom, Inc. “Our brand is committed to seeking the highest standards of performance in athletic apparel at an affordable price, and it’s a privilege to share this technology with all our consumers.”

Russell Brands chose the innovative COOLFORCE™ tee as its launch product due to the advanced technical nature of the SILVADUR™ technology. The COOLFORCE™ tee already includes a proprietary, chemical-free cooling technology that doesn’t degrade over time, allowing wearers to elevate their workouts by keeping them cool and dry to reach their maximum performance potential. The inclusion of the Intellifresh™ odor-protection ingredient complements these features, adding another superior benefit to the COOLFORCE™ tee.

The Intellifresh™ logo will be featured on Austin Dillon’s No. 3 Dow Chevrolet at the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race in Talladega, Alabama on May 1, 2016. Dillon’s crew will be wearing Intellifresh™-branded COOLFORCE™ tees during the race weekend.

The COOLFORCE™ tee powered by Intellifresh™ comes in a variety of assorted colors. It contains all the desired features for added comfort and even includes a small side pocket with a zipper to accommodate needs while working out.

About Dow

Dow (NYSE: DOW) combines the power of science and technology to passionately innovate what is essential to human progress. The Company is driving innovations that extract value from material, polymer, chemical and biological science to help address many of the world's most challenging problems such as the need for clean water, clean energy generation and conservation, and increasing agricultural productivity. Dow's integrated, market-driven, industry-leading portfolio of specialty chemical, advanced materials, agrosciences and plastics businesses delivers a broad range of technology-based products and solutions to customers in approximately 180 countries and in high-growth sectors such as packaging, electronics, water, coatings and agriculture. In 2015, Dow had annual sales of nearly $49 billion and employed approximately 49,500 people worldwide. The Company's more than 6,000 product families are manufactured at 179 sites in 35 countries across the globe. References to "Dow" or the "Company" mean The Dow Chemical Company and its consolidated subsidiaries unless otherwise expressly noted. More information about Dow can be found at www.dow.com.

About Russell Brands, LLC

For more than 100 years, Russell Brands has supplied America’s athletes and teams with the latest innovations to help them perform at their best and is a leading supplier of apparel and team uniforms at the high school, college and professional levels. Russell Brand’s collegiate licensed products and athletic wear are broadly distributed and marketed through department stores, sports specialty stores, retail chains and college bookstores. Russell®, available at Walmart, is the active apparel brand that connects a consumer’s product performance needs with value and comfort for life’s everyday activities.

More about Intellifresh: Textiles enhanced with Intellifresh do so much more for you than just stay fresh. If your textiles are fresh, maybe that gym bag won’t get so scary or that musty smell won’t invade your linen closet. In fact, you might get an extra use out of that t-shirt before you have to wash it. And that saves water, detergent, and energy. Not to mention your time! Intellifresh protects textiles against odor build up, so they not only stay fresh longer, they look and feel new longer too.  Freshness that works. Freshness that lasts. Freshness that is favorable to the environment. Freshness that makes fabrics last longer. Now that’s Intellifresh Intelligent Freshness Performance.

More about SILVADUR™: SILVADUR™ antimicrobial is a revolutionary microbial control technology that provides long lasting freshness and reliable protection against unwanted bacteria in clothing, uniforms, home textiles, industrial fabrics and more. The SILVADUR antimicrobial technology ensures that unpleasant odors, decay, and discoloration can't occur in textile fabrics because bacteria won't form or grow in the first place.

You may find the following to be interesting reading as well.

Silver Antimicrobial Fabrics

Copper Antimicrobial Fabrics

What is antimicrobial fabric?

Learn more about Russell Athletic here on Apparel Search in the apparel company section.

Target Stores Using Beacon Technology

On August 5, 2015 Target announced their latest move to create a smarter, more convenient and inspiring in-store shopping experience, Target is testing beacon technology in 50 locations nationwide. In these stores, the Target app will serve up timely deals and recommendations on nearby products and more.

The retailing powerhouse is the latest to explore the still emerging technology with test markets throughout the U.S., with an eye toward a chain-wide roll out.

What’s a beacon?

Beacons are small devices (about the size of an egg) placed throughout the store that transmit signals—like a radio antennae—via Bluetooth. The beacon’s signals can be detected by smartphone apps. In the case of Target, their iPhone app receives the signal and, when you’re opted in, it delivers content to your phone.

Learn more about fashion retail beacon technology and how it can be used in clothing stores.

How do I get started with the Target store beacon?

First, you would need to download or update to the latest version of the Target iPhone app (version 7.4 or higher) and enable Bluetooth in your phone’s settings.

When you’re located near one of the 50 test stores—in Chicago, Denver, Minneapolis, New York City, Pittsburgh, Portland, San Francisco and Seattle – you will be prompted to “opt in” to share your location and receive push notifications. (Don’t worry about being overwhelmed with pop-ups—they have indicated that they are going to limit the amount you receive to two per shopping trip, and they will make sure the alerts and in-app updates provide compelling content and offers.) 

We are not saying the policy of two messages per visit won’t change, but this is what Target is saying now.  If you don’t believe us, visit their website and read their press release about this test project.

What can I expect when using this beacon technology at Target?

Let’s say you’re shopping in the shoe department.  After you opt in to this new technology (on your iPhone), product recommendations from the shoe department may pop up on your iPhone (via push notifications or in-app updates) on the Target app’s “Target Run” home page. The “Target Run” page is like a social media site’s newsfeed, so the latest content—i.e. product recommendations or coupons based on your location in the store is added on top of the page.

What does this look like? Let’s say you’re browsing women’s apparel. You might get an alert about nearby items that are trending on Pinterest.  In all honesty, we have not yet utilized the app at Target, so we are not sure what else you may see from the app.

What’s next regarding this tech?

Target is already working to develop additional features for future release, including the ability to dynamically re-sort your shopping list as you move through the store, like how smartphone maps re-route when you veer off course (in our opinion that is a great feature).

Target is also planning to launch a service in the Target app where you can request the help of a store team member right from your phone.  Think of it this way: Beacons + Target app = Red-and-Khaki to the Rescue.  At this time, Apparel Search is not sure how well this feature would work, but we certainly look forward to testing out this new service when it becomes available.

Based on results and the guest feedback they receive from the 50-store test, they will continue to enhance and adapt the service, which isn’t currently available for Android devices. (Rest assured Droid lovers: Target has indicated that they are working on that, too!)

We are not one hundred percent certain, but we believe that they are already planning to expand the beacon service to more stores later this year.

Fashion retail beacon technology is an exciting new tool that is still very new to retailers.  We are pleased to know that Target is utilizing the technology.  We hope that they create amazing services for the clothing departments in the store.

Thank you for taking the time to read our fashion retail technology blog post. We hope that you have found this news to be informative. If you have comments or questions, please add your thoughts in the discussion area below.

Smart Fabric for Smarter Clothing

How smart is smart fabric?  Pretty darn smart… and getting more intelligent every single day.  Truth be told, we are surprised how clever textiles and apparel has become.  We are entering the realm of science fiction.

Smart fabrics and wearable technology are getting smarter every day.  It is amazing how the field has grown over the past several years.  Possibly when these special fabrics started to be developed they had been thought about as fads.  However, they are clearly becoming more and more main stream as time passes.  Fashion designers and clothing companies in general see the benefits of creating garments with these specialized fabrications.  Both traditional textile mills and technology companies are joining forces to develop mind boggling inventions.  Today’s priorities have gone far beyond the desire for wicking, and anti-bacterial properties.  Now we have moved into fabrics with electronics that work side by side with fashion apps, healthcare, space travel (alien clothing), and beyond.

There are quite a few notable designers and companies that have jumped on the smart textile bandwagon who are doing some pretty amazing and innovative things in this space.  Here are only a few of the examples:

Grado Zero Espace is an Italian based company who is doing some amazing things with textile technology and product design.  Grado Zero Espace is able to perform demonstration and prototyping activities in the field of technical fabrics design, including the development of complex textile structures, as well as the study of physical-mechanical behaviors. Thanks to the support of specific geometric textile modelling software package in combination with software for the analysis of thermal, mechanical and engineering properties, they are able to improve the possibilities to produce and test several new textile configurations, joining together their expertise the textile field and in the engineering.  GZE is able to provide the development of wearable technology systems consisting in the integration of smart sensors for monitoring vital-functions, conductive textile for data acquisition and transmission, thermal regulating systems, electroluminescent devices and other new functionalities.  Thermo-active alloys or polymers and high performance fibres or smart coating with innovative added properties.  The experimental activity includes the development of eco-friendly fabrics using natural fibres such as cypress, peat, kapok, nettle, spider-web and processes following eco-compatibility's parameters. 

AIQ Smart Clothing: AiQ Smart Clothing Inc. is where electronics merge with textiles to create fashionable, functional, comfortable solutions to meet your everyday needs; whether it’s in sports & fitness, outdoor & leisure, home & leisure, home care & health care.  They have the drive and capability to make Smart Clothing concepts into reality.  AiQ Smart Clothing Inc. plays a crucial role within the Smart Clothing supply chain by offering a complete and vertical integration of functional and fashionable technologies.  They excel in the textile incorporation of technology by combining and installing multiple key components from King’s Metal Fiber Technologies, one of Tex-Ray subsidiaries, and the specialize in developing wearable systems that are fully compatible with their downstream manufacturer and parent company, Tex-Ray.  In 2009, the idea of joining textiles and electronics became a reality with the beginning of the AiQ Smart Clothing project that was born as a department of Tex-Ray. For years we have been setting the standards in the Smart Clothing industry and, in 2012, AiQ Smart Clothing Inc. emerged as a subsidiary company. Based in Taiwan and with years of industry know-how, AiQ Smart Clothing Inc. is an ideal partner for wearable technology solutions.

Ying Gao, a fashion designer based in Geneva is creating clothing that combines urban design, architecture and multimedia, and uses sensory technologies to make garments more interactive.   Ying Gao is a university professor as well as a fashion designer.  Her work testifies to the profound mutation of the world in which we live and carries with it a radical critical dimension that transcends technological experimentation.  Ying Gao has achieved personal distinction through her numerous creative projects: five solo exhibitions in Switzerland and Canada (Musée national des beaux-arts du Québec, Textile Museum of Canada…) and participation in around fifty group exhibitions around the world (MAK Vienna, Museum Boijmans van Beuningen Rotterdam, Design Museum Holon…). Her varied creative work has enjoyed international media coverage: over 350 press articles and media appearances (Time, METAL, Vogue, Dazed, Interni, Radio Canada, TV5… ).   She explores the construction of the garment, taking her.  Recognized worldwide, her designs are frequently shown in museums and galleries. Design is the medium, situated in the technological rather than in the textile realm : sensory technologies allow garments to become more playful and interactive. Ying Gao explores both the status of the individual, whose physical contours are transformed by external interferences, and the garment’s function as a fragile protective space.

CuteCircuit, Internationally-known fashion house, CuteCircuit, has been pushing the boundaries of wearable technology since its launch in 2004.  A global leader in interactive fashion, CuteCircuit has introduced many ground-breaking ideas to the fashion world by integrating new beauty and functionality through the use of smart textiles and micro-electronics.  CuteCircuit, a London based design duo is taking their smart textiles and technology to the runway, as they showed a collection at New York Fashion Week where the models controlled what their dresses looked like on the runway through their mobile phones. 

BioCouture who is focused on bringing living and bio-based materials to fashion, sportswear and luxury brands.   BioCouture is literally growing clothes from microorganisms like cellulose, fungi and algae.  Suzanne Lee, Founder of Biocouture Ltd, is heading the world's first biodesign consultancy firm.

Above is only a few of the many exciting developments in the world of smart fabrics.  Learn more about smart fabrics in our fashion industry terms section.

You may also find interest in readying about the Google smart fabric project.

Read about Levi’s project jacquard and Google project jacquard on their websites.

Recent advances in technology have brought together the apparel, technology, and textile industries to develop new capabilities in fabrics with the potential to change how athletes, patients, soldiers, first responders, and everyday consumers interact with their clothes and other textile products.  Combining garment manufacturing techniques with science and technology, the industry has significantly expanded the realm of possibilities.

Known as ‘smart fabrics’, new high-tech textiles, footwear, and clothes have the capability accomplish many special applications.  Some products can interact with their user or environment, including by tracking and communicating data about their wearer or environment to other devices through embedded sensors and conductive yarns.  The applications for these new capabilities are broad with most smart fabric product development now seen in the fields of defense, fitness, health, and public safety.  But this is obviously just the beginning.  We are still in the infancy of the development stage.  As tech improves so will the textiles designed to utilize the benefits of technological advancement.

Reaching the market’s full potential will require overcoming not just technical challenges but also bridging differences in how these distinct industries approach product development as well as addressing various public policy issues.   To foster greater collaboration between the U.S. apparel, technology, and textile industries and to identify the public policies that could accelerate the design and manufacture of smart fabrics products by U.S. companies, the Department of Commerce in partnership with the Industrial Fabrics Association International hosted the Smart Fabrics Summit on Monday, April 11, 2016.  IFAI is a member-owned, member-driven trade association representing the global industrial fabrics industry.  They invest more than $8 million each year to advance the industry and support member companies.

You should also learn more about the WEAR Conference regarding smart fabrics and wearable tech.

If you are looking for basic dumb fabric, you can find plenty of textile mills here on Apparel Search.

Watch the TV series Continuum if you want to see super smart clothing.

Are you already familiar with the concept of super smart fabric and even smarter clothing?  If you know of any amazing innovations that we have not discussed above, please share your knowledge in the comments section of this article.

Thank you for taking the time to read our apparel industry blog post. We hope that you have found this news to be informative. 

If you have comments or questions, please add your thoughts in the discussion area below.

Insquin Waterborne PU Textiles for Apparel

Covestro and ISOTEX announce joint program to promote waterborne PU technology for textiles.

ISOTEX Engineering, a SANTEX GROUP company, announces a joint program with Covestro to develop and market technologies for PU synthetics, technical textiles, films and foams based on INSQIN® waterborne polyurethane technology.

ISOTEX Engineering has announced a new agreement with Covestro, using INSQIN® technology to develop total solutions for the textile industry. The two companies will jointly promote environmentally-friendly solutions for PU coated fabrics, addressing the emerging requirements from the sportswear, fashion and automotive industries.

ISOTEX Engineering machines will guarantee optimal production standards using INSQIN® technology. The new line of machines will be designed for using INSQIN® technology with process innovation from ISOTEX Engineering, to produce waterborne PU synthetic materials and other coated textiles.

More about INSQIN®:

It starts with pure waterborne PU technology from Covestro, the inventor of PU - formerly known under the brand Bayer. INSQIN® technology, designed especially for the coating of textiles, brings functionality to fabrics and astounding quality to synthetic materials.

Encompassing a range of waterborne PU dispersions (PUD’s), INSQIN® technology opens up a wealth of possibilities to enhance and transform fabrics. For example quieter, more comfortable functional layers and high performance screen printing for apparel or footwear fabrics. Or PU synthetic material able to match both the design requirements of fashion and the performance requirements of sports applications. And importantly, INSQIN® enables efficient and solvent-free manufacturing processes, thereby addressing some of the major concerns around coated fabric material manufacturing.

But INSQIN® is even more. Covestro offers a unique set of services to accelerate the introduction of new products and promote sustainable practices in the supply chain. They work closely with both manufacturers and brand owners on projects, connecting needs from the market with the possibilities offered by their  technology.

Let’s learn a little more about PU textiles in general.  The following is about PU materials generally stated, it is not specifically about Isotex or other the companies listed above.

By the way, PU (Poly) Synthetic Leather is a man-made material that will represent the look and feel of Genuine Leather.

The following information about PU textiles from Brentano Fabrics: “Polyurethane is a greener alternative to PVC (vinyl) and leather in both production and after-care. Naturally soft and flexible, polyurethane does not require the solvents used to soften PVC or leather in the manufacturing process. Leather production is an especially chemical-laden process involving heavy metals. Polyurethane can also be designed to deteriorate after a period of use specific to interior design applications, whereas PVC never degrades. It leaches toxins into landfills and emits carcinogenic dioxin when incinerated.”  (source: http://www.brentanofabrics.com/fabrics_FAQ/eco_polyurethane.aspx)

Learn more about the textile industry manufacturing and resources from the textile industry guide section.

Thank you for taking the time to read our textile and apparel industry blog post. We hope that you have found this news to be informative. If you have comments or questions, please add your thoughts in the discussion area below.

Artistic Milliners Black Performance Denim

INVISTA's CORDURA® brand, TENCELTM and Artistic Milliners will debut the latest innovation in their ongoing creative collaboration at Kingpins in Amsterdam, April 18-19, 2018. The new 'SuperCharged Noir' collection by Artistic Milliners is a bold, black performance denim portfolio inspired by "5S" performance attributes, powered by CORDURA® brand and TENCELTM fiber technologies.

Wearable Technology Giving Super Powers

Can wearable technology give ‘super powers’ to humans?

More than just a fad, wearable technology (WT) can change the way we work and give us ‘super powers’ – according to a new study in the International Journal of Fashion Design, Technology and Education.

Deepika Raj and Jung E Ha-Brookshire of the University of Missouri interviewed people employed in the WT industry – with its unique collaboration between apparel and technology specialists – to find out how creating the devices changed the way they worked. They also wanted to find out what the designers themselves thought of the items they were creating.

As Raj and Ha-Brookshire explain: “Despite the significance and popularity of WT in today’s market environment, little research has been done to understand what WT employees think about WT when developing new products. We also know little about the knowledge-creation processes that WT employees may go through to develop innovative WT products and specific work environments that are ideal for WT innovation.”

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the respondents were very positive about the benefits of WT. Replies like ‘it makes you do more with less’, ‘creates fun and meaningful solutions to everyday problems’ and ‘solves multiple problems’ were common.

The notion of WT giving people superpowers also cropped up repeatedly. “For the less-able bodied, [one of the respondents] believed WT could help them hear, see, or speak better. For able-bodied people … WT could help them do things they could not do before,” the authors note. “In both cases, WT gave a sort of superpower to human beings.”

The workers were also clear on what made good WT: it had to be easy to use, ‘fit the curve of the body’, improve connectivity with the outside world and, ideally, solve problems for the user.

Perhaps fittingly, working on WT also changed the way the WT specialists themselves worked. As good WT needs to draw on different knowledge bases, the workers found themselves collaborating more and understanding better both the terms and working practices of other disciplines. “New knowledge was created within WT firms through the process of socialisation by personal communications, internalisation and by trial and error,” the authors observe. And just as WT can empower its users, ‘innovation in WT firms seems to be possible by empowering the work force and giving them a productive atmosphere to foster creativity and collaborations.’

Certainly for the WT workers themselves, it would appear that WT can change lives in more ways than one.


* Read the full article online: http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/17543266.2015.1133720

How do they create ‘Superpower’? An exploration of knowledge-creation processes and work environments in the wearable technology industry
published by Taylor & Francis. 

About Taylor & Francis Group
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Taylor & Francis Group partners with researchers, scholarly societies, universities and libraries worldwide to bring knowledge to life.  As one of the world’s leading publishers of scholarly journals, books, ebooks and reference works our content spans all areas of Humanities, Social Sciences, Behavioural Sciences, Science, and Technology and Medicine. From their network of offices in Oxford, New York, Philadelphia, Boca Raton, Boston, Melbourne, Singapore, Beijing, Tokyo, Stockholm, New Delhi and Johannesburg, Taylor & Francis staff provide local expertise and support to our editors, societies and authors and tailored, efficient customer service to their library colleagues.

Thank you for taking the time to read this fashion technology blog post. We hope that you have found this news to be informative. If you have comments or questions, please add your thoughts in the discussion area below.

Evolution of Fashion Forecasting

Fashion forecasting, the process of predicting upcoming fashion trends, has long been a cornerstone of the fashion industry. Over the years, this practice has evolved significantly, driven by changing consumer behaviors and, notably, advancements in technology. In this article, we will explore the evolution of fashion forecasting and how technology has become an indispensable tool for fashion companies seeking to stay ahead of the curve.

The Evolution of Fashion Forecasting

Historical Approaches

Historically, fashion forecasting relied heavily on intuition, experience, and the analysis of past trends. Trend researchers would visit fashion capitals, attend trade shows, and monitor street style to identify emerging styles and colors. This process was slow, labor-intensive, and often subjective.

Rise of Professional Forecasting Agencies

In the mid-20th century, specialized forecasting agencies emerged. These agencies collected data from various sources, such as fashion shows, retail sales, and social trends, to provide fashion companies with trend reports. While more systematic than individual efforts, these agencies still faced limitations in terms of timeliness and accuracy.

Xeros Global Commercial Laundry Career Update

Xeros, the innovator of an ultra-low water laundry system, announced earlier this week that Jonathan Benjamin’s role has expanded from President of North America to President of Global Commercial Laundry. In his new role, Jonathan will steer the growing business and will be responsible for product development, sales, marketing, and operations worldwide. The Company also announced that Jaret Christopher has joined the company as General Manager and Senior Vice President of Global Technology. In his new role he will be responsible for the strategic direction of Xeros' technology initiatives including the development and commercialization of the Company’s Internet of Things (IoT) and Machine to Machine (M2M) platform. 

“Jonathan is an exceptional leader and has done terrific job commercializing polymer bead technology for commercial laundry in North America. In his new role, Jonathan will be responsible for driving value through the introduction and integration of Xeros bead cleaning for commercial laundry worldwide,” said Bill Westwater, CEO at Xeros. 

Prior to his role at Xeros, Jonathan Benjamin was president of Envoy Services, a diversified management and holding company that owns a number of commercial laundry related businesses located in the United States. Jonathan began his career at GE Capital and was a participant of General Electric’s leadership program. He is a graduate of Bucknell University and MIT Sloan School of Management. 

“We have a revolutionary solution for a market that hasn't seen innovation in more than 60 years, and achieving our long term vision requires a world-class technologist like Jaret Christopher that can evolve and further commercialize our IT technology for new markets,” said Jonathan Benjamin. “Jaret brings the expertise needed to scale and integrate IoT and M2M technology as we begin to address additional water dependent markets.”

Jaret is an accomplished technology executive and serial entrepreneur and brings more than 15 years of experience in the software and information services industries. He is a member of Launchpad Ventures and is an active investor and advisor in early stage technology companies. Previously, Jaret was the Founder and President of MortgageCEO, a SaaS-based CRM and marketing automation company designed for the financial services industry which was acquired by Ellie Mae. Prior to that, Jaret was the Founder and CEO of TrueAdvantage, a VC-backed SaaS-based market intelligence and sales prospecting company acquired by InsideView. Jaret began his career to working in the energy conservation and green-tech industry. He is a graduate from Worcester Polytechnic Institute with a degree in Management Engineering.

About Xeros Cleaning

Xeros is changing the way textiles are cleaned. Using patented technology, the Xeros® System for commercial cleaning uses up to 80% less water, 50% less energy, and approximately 50% less detergent, and delivers superior cleaning results compared to conventional washing. Xeros was recently awarded the Financial Times ArcelorMittal Boldness in Business Award ; a Bronze Medal in the prestigious Edison Awards; was named a top invention by TIME magazine, winner of ‘Best Technological Breakthrough’ in The Climate Week Awards 2011;  listed in Worldwide  Fund for Nature’s survey of global ‘Green Game Changers’; and has been awarded two Rushlight 2013 Awards for green innovation. Strategic partnerships include BASF. Xeros is headquartered in the UK with offices in the US and China.  For additional information, please visit www.xeroscleaning.com.

View more fashion career blog posts.

Thank you for taking the time to read our fashion industry news post. We hope that you have found this news to be informative. If you have comments or questions, please add your thoughts in the discussion area below.