| "Intelligent" or "smart" clothing is part of an exciting | | | | temperature outside, jackets that store solar energy |
| technology that involves building computing, | | | | that can be used to charge cell phones and cameras, |
| connectivity, and sensing abilities into materials people | | | | and even built-in sensors that can guide pinpoint |
| are comfortable wearing. Some of the latest products | | | | massage to a wearer that is regulated depending on |
| in this area are very fashionable, lightweight, and look | | | | his or her level of stress. |
| no different than other clothes. In some cases, the | | | | - Active very smart: Where clothing has built in |
| electronic circuits that make up the brains of the | | | | computing and or intelligent sensing capacity. Examples |
| wearable computers and sensors are sewn in. In | | | | include sleeves that function as keyboards for a small |
| others, the circuits and other components are literally | | | | handheld device, clothing that can function like a |
| built from conductive yarn and thread that makes up | | | | powerful calculator or PDA, and shirts that can store |
| the clothing. The possibilities are amazing and limitless. | | | | information through a built-in fabric keyboard and send |
| Right now, as devices get smaller and smaller, we | | | | it via Bluetooth to a computer. |
| often find ourselves with a different electronic device | | | | Other classifications of intelligent clothing include "phase |
| in each pocket. Each technological advance shrinks | | | | change" and "shape memory" materials. Phase change |
| these devices and integrates them with one another. | | | | materials literally change aspects such as their density |
| It's only logical that as these portable devices that | | | | in reaction to the environment, in order to increase |
| connect us, give us information, and allow us to be | | | | comfort or functionality to the wearer. These clothes |
| mobile get smaller and more powerful, we can | | | | might become denser when it is cold and more porous |
| eventually find ways to integrate right into the clothing | | | | when it is hot, for example. Shape memory materials |
| we wear. Right now, technology has not progressed | | | | can change from a temporary deformed shape back |
| to that point, but this article will cover currently available | | | | to an original shape. They can preserve a comfortable |
| forms of smart fabrics, or intelligent clothing. | | | | and loose fit regardless of changes in heat and |
| There are actually three distinct types of smart | | | | moisture levels. |
| clothing: | | | | In the future, all of us might be wearing intelligent |
| - Passive Smart: Where the clothing "reads" or senses | | | | clothing that senses when we are having medical |
| the environment or something about the person | | | | problems, gives us the ability to charge electronic |
| wearing the clothing. Wearable sensors fall into this | | | | devices while on the go, and even allows for basic |
| category, with examples including built-in GPS, | | | | computing. We might not need different clothing for |
| clothing-integrated baby breathing monitors, and clothing | | | | different seasons due to phase change and shape |
| that gives feedback about potential changes in | | | | memory technology. There might be means of |
| weather. | | | | communication and general connectivity built in to our |
| - Active Smart: Where clothing not only senses the | | | | clothes. This emerging technology is exciting and soon |
| environment, but also reacts to it. Examples include: | | | | to take over the consumer market. |
| Clothing that changes density depending on the | | | | |