It is no secret that nanotechnology-based textiles, also known as nanotextiles, have given fashion designers, and creative minds the opportunity to work with tech-fused fabrics with superior properties. Now that designers are no longer limited to traditional materials, the fashion industry has been taking advantage of the opportunity to work with fabric that has mechanical strength, chemical resistance, water repellent, antibacterial properties and many other qualities unattainable by other means.
Promising more commercial value, nano-textiles seem to be more in demand than connected fabrics. Maybe this is because nano-textiles have proved to be easily adopted by consumers due to the invisible technology. As adoption strengthens, nanotechnology-based textiles are successfully creating entirely new markets by disrupting existing ones. Smart textiles are also encouraging forward-thinking fashion businesses to turn to nanotech in fabrics. Not only will this type of technology improve fabric properties without significantly changing the overall feel of the material, it also offers consumers convenience that will enhance their overall familiarity with their garment. Here are three companies offering the nano experience:
NANOGY: Technology That Can Be Integrated Into Garments
Frankfurt-based nanotechnology company Acanthurus GmbH introduced an innovative warming textile Nanogy. Nanogy textile is ultralight, high tech and can be incorporated into any clothing – including your favourite jacket.
A huge benefit is that the technology does not emit any radiation and that it can also be washed in the washing machine at any temperature. Designed to be extremely thin and flexible, Nanogy has no metal included, which makes it extremely durable. Functional and considered to be the optimal solution for fashion and textile, Nanogy’s technology biggest selling point is that it can be easily integrated into garments without any visible lines or hems.
CEAM: Investing In Invisible Nanotechnology
CEAM is a brand fusing nanotechnology and fashion simplistically and innovatively. Their contemporary designs have been incorporated with DropelTech Cotton which repels spills while maintaining softness and breathability.
Dropel came up with fabric that works by manipulating atoms to create an invisible microscopic layer that protects against inconvenient everyday stains like coffee. Easy on the eye, the CEAM collection, made of 100% cotton includes: dresses, cropped shirts, oxford shirts, tees and outerwear. It is the kind of range that will appeal to those who like to rock a minimalist look.
BOLT THREADS: Championing Sustainable Performance Fabrics
Bolt Threads hit the headlines when they collaborated with fashion designer Stella McCartney. Replicating how spiders produce silk fibres, the Bay Area-based biotechnology company explored how nature can be the future of fashion and tech by demonstrating the reality of a new way of manufacturing textiles.
Promising unlimited potential for innovation, Bolt Threads used genetically modified yeast cultures to create synthetic spider silk that has incredible properties. They then developed proteins inspired by these natural silks by putting genes into yeast and producing the protein in large quantities through fermentation, using yeast, sugar and water. This is then followed by taking the silk protein and spinning it into fibres, and then they knit or weave these fibres into fabrics and garments.
As fabric-related technology continues to modernise the traditional textile industry, the good news is that nanoscale is becoming more affordable. So much so that you can pop onto Amazon and buy sheets made of fabric that will stay fresh. Many manufacturers will also help you source nanotextiles to help you create the perfect garment for your line.
Written by Muchaneta Kapfunde
