This item is in: Textile > Clothing
Smart clothes and wearable technology
Edited by J McCann, University of Wales Newport and D Bryson, University of Derby, UK
Woodhead Textiles Series No. 83
- examines this emerging area of textile research including a brief history and industry overview
- assesses the technologies and materials available for the design and production of smart clothing
- summarises requirements for smart textiles from both health and performance perspectives
- discusses branding and presentation of smart clothes to the consumer
Smart clothes and wearable technology is a relatively novel and emerging area of interdisciplinary research within the fashion, textile, electronics and related industries. This book provides a comprehensive review of the end-user’s requirements and the technologies and materials available for the design and production of smart clothing.
Part one looks at the design of smart clothing and wearable technology including the emergence of wearable computing, end-user requirements, and the design process from fibre selection to product launch. Part two examines the general requirements for merging of a range of textile structures with technology and communications for wearable technologies. Part three reviews the types of production technologies available for the development of smart clothing, including garment construction and fabric joining, and the final part discusses the application of these new technologies in smart clothing products and their presentation to consumers.
Smart clothes and wearable technology is a unique and essential reference source for researchers, designers and engineers developing textiles and clothing products in this cross-disciplinary area. It will also be beneficial for those in the healthcare industry and academics researching textiles, fashion and design.
ISBN 1 84569 357 4
ISBN-13: 978 1 84569 357 2
February 2009
484 pages 234 x 156mm hardback
£150.00 / US$255.00 / €190.00

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About the editors
Jane McCann is Director of the Smart Clothes and Wearable Technologies (SCWT) Research Centre at University of Wales Newport, UK. Her research at SCWT concentrates on the application of smart and intelligent textiles for functional clothing in the areas of protective and corporate wear, performance sport and inclusive clothing design. She was the recipient of the ‘Misha Black Award for Innovation in Design Education’ in 2003 from the Royal College of Art.
David Bryson is a Teaching Fellow in the Faculty of Arts, Design and Technology at the University of Derby, UK. His research interests include the use of scientific photography and multimedia to support learning teaching and assessment in applied science, art and design.
Titles which may also be of interest:
Intelligent textiles and clothing
Contents
PART 1 THE DESIGN OF SMART CLOTHING AND WEARABLE TECHNOLOGY
PART 2 MATERIALS AND TECHNOLOGIES FOR SMART CLOTHING
PART 3 PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGIES FOR SMART CLOTHING
PART 4 SMART CLOTHING PRODUCTS
PART 1 THE DESIGN OF SMART CLOTHING AND WEARABLE TECHNOLOGY
The emergence of wearable computing
M Malmivaara, Tampere University of Technology, Finland
- The first devices
- The first wearable computers
- Wearable electronics
- Intelligent clothing
- Conclusion: “Where can I buy this?”
- References
Types of smart clothes and wearable technology
R D Hurford and A Martin, University of Wales Newport, UK
- Introduction
- A brief history
- Industry sectors overview
- Current trends
- Market forecast
- Conclusions
- References
End-user based design of innovative smart clothing
J McCann, University of Wales Newport, UK
- Introduction
- The garment layering system
- Identification of design requirements
- The technology layer: the impact of emerging smart technologies on the design process
- Conclusion: a new hybrid design process
- Future trends: commercial realities
- References
The garment design process for smart clothing: from fibre selection through to product launch
J McCann, University of Wales Newport, UK
- Introduction
- The design brief
- 2-D design development
- Textile development
- Initial 3-D design development
- Modern construction and joining technology
- Integration of wearable technology
- Final prototype development
- Point of sale
- End of life cycle
- Future trends
- References
Designing smart clothing for the body
D Bryson, University of Derby, UK
- Introduction
- Anatomical, physiological and psychological considerations
- How smart is smart?
- Human-garment interaction
- Demands of the body and wearable technology
- References
PART 2 MATERIALS AND TECHNOLOGIES FOR SMART CLOTHING
The influence of knitwear on smart wearables
F Saifee, University of Wales Newport, UK
- Introduction
- Technical background of knitwear
- 3-Dimensional fabrics
- Body scanning and texture mapping
- Applications of knitwear trends to the smart wearable industry
- Relevance of knitwear to smart wearables, lifestyle trends and brand innovation
- Future trends
- Conclusion
- Other areas of interest
- Bibliography
Woven structures and their impact on the function and performance of smart clothing
L Thomas, Woven Textiles Consultant, UK
- Introduction
- Analysing a fabric’s needs
- Choosing an appropriate woven structure
- Woven structure: ease of movement
- Woven structure: wicking and thermoregulation
- Woven structure: protection and safety
- Three-dimensional fabrics and fully-formed seamless woven garments
- Woven structures: conductive fabrics
- Future trends
- Conclusion
- References
- Bibliography
Nonwovens in smart clothes and wearable technologies
F Kane, De Montfort University, UK
- Introduction
- Nonwovens technologies and manufacturing processes
- End life considerations for nonwovens
- Smart and performance clothing applications
- Summary
- Sources of further information and advice
- References
Sensors and computing systems in smart clothing
A Martin and R D Hurford, University of Wales Newport, UK
- Introduction
- Transduction
- Information processing
- Application examples
- Summary
- Future trends
- References
The application of communication technologies in smart clothing
P Lam, Wireless Edge Communications Limited, UK
- Introduction
- Personal communications networks
- Wide area networks
- Monitoring systems and service
- Opportunities and challenges
- Applications
- Future trends
- References
Power supply sources for smart textiles
G Min, Cardiff University, UK
- Introduction
- Power requirements of portable devices
- Established portable power sources
- Energy harvesting devices
- Energy storage and power management
- Challenges and opportunities
- References
PART 3 PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGIES FOR SMART CLOTHING
Garment construction: cutting and placing of materials
J McCann, University of Wales Newport, UK, S Morsky, HAMK Polytechnic, Finland and X Dong, China Women’s University, Beijing, China
- Introduction
- A user-led design approach
- Considering the benefits of the military/sports layering system
- The traditional approach to pattern development
- Introducing a flat pattern cutting system for functional clothing
- Three-Dimensional pattern making
- Placing of materials
- Future trends
- References
Developments in fabric joining for smart clothing
I Agnusdei, University of Wales, UK
- Introduction
- Traditional manufacturing methods: the sewing machine
- Bonding
- Ultrasonic welding
- ‘New’ technologies
- Conclusions
- Sources of further information and advice
- References
- Useful internet addresses
Digital embroidery techniques for smart clothing
A Taylor, University of West England, UK
- Introduction
- The embroidery machine
- Production methods
- Engineering applications
- Medical applications
- Art
- New technology and e-broidery
- Future trends: what does the future hold?
- Sources of further information and advice
- References
Developments in digital print technology for smart textiles
C Treadaway, University of Wales Institute Cardiff, UK
- Introduction
- Digital imaging and printed textile design
- Digital ink-jet printing
- The future: printing new structures, patterns and colours
- Digital printing for smart clothes and wearable technologies
- Acknowledgements
- References
Environmental and waste issues concerning the production of smart clothes and wearable technology
M Timmins, Consultant, UK
- Introduction
- Textile waste
- Environmental effects of the textile manufacturing process
- Particular issues for smart clothes and wearable technology
- Waste electrical and electronic equipment from smart clothes and wearable technology
- Developing a strategy for minimising environmental effects
- References
PART 4 SMART CLOTHING PRODUCTS
Smart clothing and wearable technology for the health and well-being market
D Bryson, University of Derby, UK
- Introduction
- Quality of life, health and well-being
- Diagnostic and health monitoring
- Activity monitoring devices and systems
- Technology, need, acceptability and use
- Future trends
- Sources of further information and advice
- References
Smart clothing for the ageing population
J McCann, University of Wales Newport, UK
- Introduction
- Identification of older user-needs
- Commercial realities
- The culture of the user
- The demands of the activity
- Demands of the body
- Aesthetic concerns
- Technology design and development
- Conclusion
- Future trends
- References
Smart clothing and disability: wearable technology for people with arthritis
S Underwood, Consultant, UK
- Introduction
- Disability models
- People-centred design
- Person-centred needs
- Emotional design
- Assistive devices
- Case study of wrist splint for people with rheumatoid arthritis
- Future trends
- Sources of further information and advice
- References
Wearable technology for the performing arts
J Birringer, Brunel University and M Danjoux, Nottingham Trent University, UK
- Introduction: wearables in performance
- Design-in-motion: the emergent dress
- Outlook: an overview of cutting edge experiments in intelligent fashion/wearables and performance
- Sources of further information and advice
- The future of embodied wearable performance
- Textual notes
- Bibliography
Branding and presentation of smart clothing products to consumers
W Stahl, Consultant, UK
- Introduction
- Shopping for future clothing
- Graphics in the area now
- Graphics for smart clothing
- Branding
- Creation of brand identity: a starting point
- Rules for presentation?
- Bringing it together
- A concept
- Conclusion
- References
- Bibliography
