The world of fashion and trends is constantly changing, It’s a competition to see who gets the news first or goes viral the fastest. In many cases, fashion has become an endless cycle of wardrobe renewal, resulting in the discarding of thousands of virtually unrecognizable garments. According to data from the National Institute of Statistics (INE), In 2021, 52,496 tons of textile waste were dumped in Spain, An alarming picture that continues to grow. Faced with this situation, the textile industry has started to take important steps towards reducing waste, recycling clothes and taking more care of the environment.
One of the emerging trends he upcycling,which gives new life to clothes, Either convert them or sell them instead of throwing them away. As the old saying goes, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” And the fashion industry has evolved in this direction. Furthermore, with The introduction of new technologies has opened up a new innovative field for exploration: smart clothing.
Brands like Uniqlo have joined the smart fashion trend, which Promotes more sustainable consumption, Both with the environment and with people. This kind of Companies prioritize quality and respect for the environment, away from themselves Fast fashion.In addition, they represent an excellent option to raise awareness about climate change and end the exploitation hidden behind the fashion industry. And no, adopting this philosophy doesn’t mean you have to give up your style.
Innovative fabrics
Sepiia, a smart and sustainable fashion brand, uses innovative materials and processes to reduce the environmental impact in the production and maintenance of its clothing. They are recyclable, promote the circular economy and are manufactured in Spain and Portugal, creating local jobs and reducing the use of chemicals and CO2 emissions.
Its technology focuses on increasing durability, reducing stains and odors, and eliminating the need for ironing. In addition, they have developed a fabric with minerals that provide constant freshness and quick drying and wear. wellness That uses silver particles to combat stress and bad breath.
Greener is another smart clothing company that has developed a process similar to photosynthesis to purify bad odors within 24 hours. Their clothes can clean the air of greenhouse gases, viruses and bacteria, thanks to the treatment of their fabrics with natural products that convert carbon dioxide and other pollutants into harmful substances for the environment.
Dress with sun protection
Another example is Uniqlo, an international company committed to clothing with sun protection. In response to increasingly intense heat waves during the summer, this garment allows you to enjoy outdoor activities without the risk of fainting or low blood pressure, providing an additional layer of protection against the sun’s rays.
Its featured products include packable jackets with UPF 50+ protection factor, the highest available for blocking the sun’s UV rays. Priced at 39.90 euros, these jackets offer effective sun protection even in light colors, ideal for the spring and summer season. Additionally, Uniqlo’s UV protection collection includes caps, umbrellas and sunglasses, a variety of options to stay protected from the sun.
Direct technology on fabric
Not all smart fashion focuses solely on the fabrics that make up the garment. By adding technology, parts are created that can incorporate LED lights, sensors, and even microchips, taking innovation to a whole new level.
Levi’s, the iconic jeans brand, enters the 21st century with an innovative collaboration with Google Together they created a jacket equipped with Google’s Jacquard technology, which was previously seen in backpacks and which allows adding intelligence to accessories and clothing. The jacket has a microSD card-sized tag that, when slid in, allows us to send specific commands to our phones via Bluetooth.
Among the available functions, you can control actions such as increasing or decreasing the music volume or activating the voice assistant As for its design, it is a simple Levi’s denim jacket, maintaining the essence of the brand. It costs around 200 euros, which makes it an attractive option for combining style with advanced technology.
T-shirt to relieve back pain
Taiwanese company ITRI (Industrial Technology Research Institute) has developed iStimUweaR, a smart shirt designed to relieve back pain. Featured at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in January, this washable garment contains electrodes that provide electrical microstimulation for massage, pain relief.
Despite its advanced technology, it is thin and comfortable, thanks to conductive nanomaterials. In addition, it connects to a mobile application that allows you to control 24 massage modes, record data and offer a personalized pain treatment experience.
Monthly Swimwear
Thanks to technology Stay dry layer, Now you can enjoy the beach and pool without worrying about possible leaks during your period. If you prefer to avoid tampons or find bathing uncomfortable, your worries are over. Textile engineers and gynecologists have specially designed a bikini so that you can swim with complete peace of mind during menstruation.
La Mujer Eco’s menstrual swimwear, which costs around 30 euros, has anti-leak technology that absorbs blood and a waterproof layer prevents any leakage. With absorbency equivalent to two tampons, they don’t swell in water and dry quickly, providing comfort and security during those days of the month.
In addition to providing innovative solutions, these smart garments reinforce commitment to sustainability and the environment. By choosing smart fashion, you not only prioritize your well-being, you contribute to more responsible consumption and the protection of the planet.