Journal Description
Textiles
Textiles
is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal on textile science and engineering published quarterly online by MDPI.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within ESCI (Web of Science), Scopus, EBSCO and other databases.
- Journal Rank: JCR - Q1 (Materials Science, Textiles)
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 28.9 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 4.6 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the first half of 2025).
- Recognition of Reviewers: APC discount vouchers, optional signed peer review, and reviewer names published annually in the journal.
- Journal Cluster of Polymer and Macromolecular Science: Polymers, Gels, Polysaccharides, Textiles, Macromol, Microplastics and Adhesives.
Impact Factor:
4.9 (2024);
5-Year Impact Factor:
5.1 (2024)
Latest Articles
A Review of the Structure, Performance, Fabrication, and Impacts of Application Conditions on Wearable Textile GNSS Antennas
Textiles 2025, 5(3), 35; https://doi.org/10.3390/textiles5030035 - 14 Aug 2025
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The advancement of wearable technologies has resulted in significant interest in GNSS-integrated textile antenna development. Although existing literature surveys predominantly concentrate on flexible non-textile antenna systems operating within UHF and 5G frequency spectra, systematic investigations of textile-based antenna configurations in the 1–2 GHz
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The advancement of wearable technologies has resulted in significant interest in GNSS-integrated textile antenna development. Although existing literature surveys predominantly concentrate on flexible non-textile antenna systems operating within UHF and 5G frequency spectra, systematic investigations of textile-based antenna configurations in the 1–2 GHz GNSS band have been relatively scarce. Contemporary GNSS textile antenna architectures primarily target GPS frequency coverage, while the global proliferation of BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) infrastructure necessitates urgent development of BDS-compatible textile antenna solutions. This review methodically examines the structural configurations and radiation characteristics of 1–2 GHz textile antennas, bandwidth enhancement techniques, miniaturization methodologies, and gain optimization approaches, along with material selection criteria and manufacturing processes. Technical challenges persist in simultaneously achieving broadband operation, compact dimensions, and elevated gain performance. Primary manufacturing approaches encompassing laminated fabric assemblies, printed electronics, and embroidered conductive patterns are analyzed, while existing methodologies exhibit limited capacity for seamless garment integration. Despite remarkable progress in conductive material engineering, dielectric property modification studies demonstrate insufficient theoretical depth. Comprehensive mitigation strategies for multifaceted operational environments involving human proximity effects, mechanical deformation, and variable meteorological conditions remain notably underdeveloped. This comprehensive analysis aims to establish a foundational framework for next-generation BDS-oriented textile antenna development.
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Open AccessArticle
Intelligent and Precise Textile Drop-Off: A New Strategy for Integrating Soft Fingers and Machine Vision Technology
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Jinzhu Shen, Álvaro Ramírez-Gómez, Jianping Wang, Fan Zhang and Yitong Li
Textiles 2025, 5(3), 34; https://doi.org/10.3390/textiles5030034 - 12 Aug 2025
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This study presents a novel drop-off strategy for automated fabric handling in intelligent apparel manufacturing, addressing the critical challenge of drift-free placement of lightweight, flexible textiles. A pneumatically driven retractable plate is introduced as an auxiliary device, along with machine vision technology, to
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This study presents a novel drop-off strategy for automated fabric handling in intelligent apparel manufacturing, addressing the critical challenge of drift-free placement of lightweight, flexible textiles. A pneumatically driven retractable plate is introduced as an auxiliary device, along with machine vision technology, to eliminate drop-off deviations inherent in traditional soft grippers. By synchronizing the retraction motion of the plate with soft gripper release, the fabric is transferred onto the target surface without free-fall drift, achieving sub-0.5 mm alignment accuracy across 15 fabric types. Machine vision-based inspection validates drop-off quality in real time. This work offers a low-cost, drift-free drop-off solution for pre-sewing automation.
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Open AccessArticle
Ultraviolet-Protective Textiles: Exploring the Potential of Cotton Knits Dyed with Natural Dyes
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Diana Santiago, Joana Cunha, Paulo Mendes and Isabel Cabral
Textiles 2025, 5(3), 33; https://doi.org/10.3390/textiles5030033 - 11 Aug 2025
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Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) represents significant risks to both textile durability and human health. Natural dyes are gaining attention as eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic UV-blocking agents, offering aesthetic and functional benefits. This study explores the UV-protective properties of 100% cotton knit fabrics dyed with
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Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) represents significant risks to both textile durability and human health. Natural dyes are gaining attention as eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic UV-blocking agents, offering aesthetic and functional benefits. This study explores the UV-protective properties of 100% cotton knit fabrics dyed with natural dyes—indigo, weld, and madder—using different mordanting processes, including materials with mordant abilities such as alum, pomegranate peel, and tannin extracted from quebracho. Twenty samples were evaluated, including undyed, individually treated, and combined dye-mordant formulations. UV protection was assessed through spectral transmittance and Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) measurements before and after washing. The results showed that natural dyes significantly improved the UV resistance of cotton fabrics, particularly when combined with products like pomegranate and the tannin–alum mixture. Notably, some samples demonstrated improved UPF and became darker after washing, such as mordant combinations like tannin with alum. These findings suggest that natural dye, when combined with appropriate mordants, offers a sustainable and effective approach to producing UV-protective textiles. This is particularly valuable in children’s clothing, where chemical safety and sun protection are crucial. Future research should investigate the influence of pH on dye stability and UV-blocking performance to optimise formulations for industrial use and long-term functionality.
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Open AccessArticle
Basalt Fiber Mechanical Properties After Low-Temperature Treatment
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Sergey I. Gutnikov, Evgeniya S. Zhukovskaya, Sergey S. Popov and Bogdan I. Lazoryak
Textiles 2025, 5(3), 32; https://doi.org/10.3390/textiles5030032 - 5 Aug 2025
Abstract
This study investigates the production and characterization of basalt continuous fibers (BCFs) with varying oxide contents (including Na2O, SiO2, CaO, TiO2, and Al2O3), derived from modified basalt bulk glasses. The fibers were created
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This study investigates the production and characterization of basalt continuous fibers (BCFs) with varying oxide contents (including Na2O, SiO2, CaO, TiO2, and Al2O3), derived from modified basalt bulk glasses. The fibers were created through a two-stage process that included the preparation of basalt glasses followed by fiber drawing. A key focus of the research was on evaluating the mechanical properties of BCF after low-temperature treatments. Tensile testing revealed that the maximum tensile strength of the fibers was 1915 MPa at room temperature, which decreased to 1714 MPa at −196 °C, representing a shift of −10.5%. The addition of sodium oxide not only broadened the fiber-forming temperature range but also increased the strength to 2351 MPa. However, significant reductions in strength were observed at cryogenic temperatures, particularly for the Na-rich sample, which experienced a decrease of 32.8%. These findings highlight the importance of optimizing oxide content and minimizing hydroxyl (OH) groups to enhance the performance of basalt fibers in low-temperature applications, positioning them as viable materials for use in extreme environments.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Technical Textiles)
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Open AccessArticle
Multimodal Feature Inputs Enable Improved Automated Textile Identification
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Magken George Enow Gnoupa, Andy T. Augousti, Olga Duran, Olena Lanets and Solomiia Liaskovska
Textiles 2025, 5(3), 31; https://doi.org/10.3390/textiles5030031 - 2 Aug 2025
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This study presents an advanced framework for fabric texture classification by leveraging macro- and micro-texture extraction techniques integrated with deep learning architectures. Co-occurrence histograms, local binary patterns (LBPs), and albedo-dependent feature maps were employed to comprehensively capture the surface properties of fabrics. A
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This study presents an advanced framework for fabric texture classification by leveraging macro- and micro-texture extraction techniques integrated with deep learning architectures. Co-occurrence histograms, local binary patterns (LBPs), and albedo-dependent feature maps were employed to comprehensively capture the surface properties of fabrics. A late fusion approach was applied using four state-of-the-art convolutional neural networks (CNNs): InceptionV3, ResNet50_V2, DenseNet, and VGG-19. Excellent results were obtained, with the ResNet50_V2 achieving a precision of 0.929, recall of 0.914, and F1 score of 0.913. Notably, the integration of multimodal inputs allowed the models to effectively distinguish challenging fabric types, such as cotton–polyester and satin–silk pairs, which exhibit overlapping texture characteristics. This research not only enhances the accuracy of textile classification but also provides a robust methodology for material analysis, with significant implications for industrial applications in fashion, quality control, and robotics.
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Open AccessArticle
Functional Textile Socks in Rheumatoid Arthritis or Psoriatic Arthritis: A Randomized Controlled Study
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Kirkke Reisberg, Kristiine Hõrrak, Aile Tamm, Margarita Kõrver, Liina Animägi and Jonete Visnapuu
Textiles 2025, 5(3), 30; https://doi.org/10.3390/textiles5030030 - 31 Jul 2025
Abstract
There is limited knowledge about the benefits of functional textile in arthritis management. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of wearing functional socks in patients with rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis. Patients were randomized into an experimental group (n = 23) and
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There is limited knowledge about the benefits of functional textile in arthritis management. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of wearing functional socks in patients with rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis. Patients were randomized into an experimental group (n = 23) and control group (n = 18). The intervention involved wearing functional textile socks for 12 weeks. Sock composition was analyzed using X-ray fluorescence spectrometry and scanning electron microscopy. Outcome measures included the Numeric Rating Scale, Health Assessment Questionnaire–Disability Index (HAQ-DI), and RAND-36 (Estonian version). At week 12, the experimental group showed significantly lower metatarsophalangeal and toe joint pain (p = 0.001), stiffness (p = 0.005), and ankle stiffness (p = 0.017) scores than the control group. Improvements were also observed in HAQ-DI reaching (p = 0.035) and activity (p = 0.028) scores. RAND-36 scores were higher in physical functioning (p = 0.013), social functioning (p = 0.024), and bodily pain (p = 0.006). Role limitations due to physical problems improved in the experimental group but worsened in the control group (p = 0.029). In conclusion, wearing functional socks led to some statistically significant improvements in foot and ankle pain and stiffness, physical function, and health-related quality of life. However, the effect sizes were small, and the clinical relevance of these findings should be interpreted with caution.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances of Medical Textiles: 2nd Edition)
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Open AccessArticle
Supply Chain Cost Analysis for Interior Lighting Systems Based on Polymer Optical Fibres Compared to Optical Injection Moulding
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Jan Kallweit, Fabian Köntges and Thomas Gries
Textiles 2025, 5(3), 29; https://doi.org/10.3390/textiles5030029 - 24 Jul 2025
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Car interior design should evoke emotions, offer comfort, convey safety and at the same time project the brand identity of the car manufacturer. Lighting is used to address these functions. Modules required for automotive interior lighting often feature injection-moulded (IM) light guides, whereas
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Car interior design should evoke emotions, offer comfort, convey safety and at the same time project the brand identity of the car manufacturer. Lighting is used to address these functions. Modules required for automotive interior lighting often feature injection-moulded (IM) light guides, whereas woven fabrics with polymer optical fibres (POFs) offer certain technological advantages and show first-series applications in cars. In the future, car interior illumination will become even more important in the wake of megatrends such as autonomous driving. Since the increase in deployment of these technologies facilitates a need for an economical comparison, this paper aims to deliver a cost-driven approach to fulfil the aforementioned objective. Therefore, the cost structures of the supply chains for an IM-based and a POF-based illumination module are analysed. The employed research methodologies include an activity-based costing approach for which the data is collected via document analysis and guideline-based expert interviews. To account for data uncertainty, Monte Carlo simulations are conducted. POF-based lighting modules have lower initial costs due to continuous fibre production and weaving processes, but are associated with higher unit costs. This is caused by the discontinuous assembly of the rolled woven fabric which allows postponement strategies. The development costs of the mould generate high initial costs for IM light guides, which makes them beneficial only for high quantities of produced light guides. For the selected scenario, the POF-based module’s self-costs are 11.05 EUR/unit whereas the IM module’s self-costs are 14,19 EUR/unit. While the cost structures are relatively independent from the selected scenario, the actual self-costs are highly dependent on boundary conditions such as production volume.
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Open AccessReview
Advances and Applications of Graphene-Enhanced Textiles: A 10-Year Review of Functionalization Strategies and Smart Fabric Technologies
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Patricia Rocio Durañona Aznar and Heitor Luiz Ornaghi Junior
Textiles 2025, 5(3), 28; https://doi.org/10.3390/textiles5030028 - 22 Jul 2025
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Graphene has emerged as a promising material for transforming conventional textiles into smart, multi-functional platforms due to its exceptional electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the latest advances in graphene-enhanced fabrics over the past ten
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Graphene has emerged as a promising material for transforming conventional textiles into smart, multi-functional platforms due to its exceptional electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the latest advances in graphene-enhanced fabrics over the past ten years, focusing on their functional properties and real-world applications. This article examines the main strategies used to incorporate graphene and its derivatives—such as graphene oxide and reduced graphene oxide—into textile substrates through coating, printing, or composite formation. The structural, electrical, thermal, mechanical, and electrochemical properties of these fabrics are discussed based on characterization techniques including microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry. Functional evaluations in wearable strain sensors, biosignal acquisition, electrothermal systems, and energy storage devices are highlighted to demonstrate the versatility of these materials. Although challenges remain in scalability, durability, and washability, recent developments in fabrication and encapsulation methods show significant potential to overcome these limitations. This review concludes by outlining the major opportunities and future directions for graphene-based textiles in areas such as personalized health monitoring, active thermal wear, and integrated wearable electronics.
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Open AccessReview
Design Innovation and Thermal Management Applications of Low-Dimensional Carbon-Based Smart Textiles
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Yating Pan, Shuyuan Lin, Yang Xue, Bingxian Ou, Zhen Li, Junhua Zhao and Ning Wei
Textiles 2025, 5(3), 27; https://doi.org/10.3390/textiles5030027 - 9 Jul 2025
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With the rapid development of wearable electronics, traditional rigid thermal management materials face limitations in flexibility, conformability, and multi-physics adaptability. Low-dimensional carbon materials such as graphene and carbon nanotubes combine ultrahigh thermal conductivity with outstanding mechanical compliance, making them promising building blocks for
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With the rapid development of wearable electronics, traditional rigid thermal management materials face limitations in flexibility, conformability, and multi-physics adaptability. Low-dimensional carbon materials such as graphene and carbon nanotubes combine ultrahigh thermal conductivity with outstanding mechanical compliance, making them promising building blocks for flexible thermal regulation. This review summarizes recent advances in integrating these materials into textile architectures, mapping the evolution of this emerging field. Key topics include phonon-dominated heat transfer mechanisms, strategies for modulating interfacial thermal resistance, and dimensional effects across scales; beyond these intrinsic factors, hierarchical textile configurations further tailor macroscopic performance. We highlight how one-dimensional fiber bundles, two-dimensional woven fabrics, and three-dimensional porous networks construct multi-directional thermal pathways while enhancing porosity and stress tolerance. As for practical applications, the performance of carbon-based textiles in wearable systems, flexible electronic packaging, and thermal coatings is also critically assessed. Current obstacles—namely limited manufacturing scalability, interfacial mismatches, and thermal performance degradation under repeated deformation—are analyzed. To overcome these challenges, future studies should prioritize the co-design of structural and thermo-mechanical properties, the integration of multiple functionalities, and optimization guided by data-driven approaches. This review thus lays a solid foundation for advancing carbon-based smart textiles toward next-generation flexible thermal management technologies.
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Open AccessArticle
High-Impact Resistance of Textile/Fiber-Reinforced Cement-Based Composites: Experiment and Theory Analysis
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Zongcai Deng and Dongyue Liu
Textiles 2025, 5(3), 26; https://doi.org/10.3390/textiles5030026 - 4 Jul 2025
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To develop cement-based composite materials with exceptional impact resistance, this study investigates the impact resistance performance of steel fiber- and glass fiber-reinforced specimens, as well as steel fiber and glass fiber textile-reinforced specimens, through drop weight impact tests. The results showed that the
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To develop cement-based composite materials with exceptional impact resistance, this study investigates the impact resistance performance of steel fiber- and glass fiber-reinforced specimens, as well as steel fiber and glass fiber textile-reinforced specimens, through drop weight impact tests. The results showed that the impact resistance of specimens increases with the number of glass fiber textile layers, glass fiber volume fractions, and glass fiber lengths, with 36GF1.5SF1.0 exhibitinh ultra-high impact resistance with a failure impact energy of 114 kJ. Compared to the specimens reinforced with glass textiles, the specimens with glass fiber showed better impact resistance at the same volume fraction. The failure mode of unreinforced specimens is divided into several pieces, while fiber-reinforced specimens have local punching shear failure at the impact site, maintaining better integrity. An impact damage evolution equation and life prediction model based on a two-parameter Weibull distribution are developed. The research results will provide a reference for the selection of fibers for engineering applications.
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Open AccessArticle
The Effect of Orientation Angle of Center Facing Arm on Elongation of 3D-Printed Auxetic-Structure Textiles
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Shahbaj Kabir, Yu Li and Young-A Lee
Textiles 2025, 5(3), 25; https://doi.org/10.3390/textiles5030025 - 30 Jun 2025
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This study aimed to examine the effect of the orientation angle of center facing arms on the elongation and strength of 3D-printed textiles with two different re-entrant cellular auxetic structures. An experimental research design, consisting of 6 (auxetic-structure textiles) × 3 (repetition), was
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This study aimed to examine the effect of the orientation angle of center facing arms on the elongation and strength of 3D-printed textiles with two different re-entrant cellular auxetic structures. An experimental research design, consisting of 6 (auxetic-structure textiles) × 3 (repetition), was employed. Star-shaped re-entrant auxetic structures (star re-entrant) with orientation angles of 25°, 30°, and 35° and floral-based star-shaped re-entrant auxetic structures (floral re-entrant) with orientation angles of 55°, 60°, and 65° were developed using the fused deposition modeling 3D-printing method through identifying commonly used auxetic structures in the 3D-printed textiles’ development. A statistically significant relationship was found between load and elongation of both star re-entrant and floral re-entrant. The findings indicated that 3D-printed textiles with both star re-entrant and floral re-entrant structures exhibited an enhanced elongation with the increase in orientation angle, making the textile products more flexible and potentially providing better wear comfort. However, the strength of both star re-entrant and floral re-entrant textiles was not significantly affected by the orientation angle of center facing arms. The findings demonstrated the potential to enhance the elongation of 3D-printed auxetic-structure textiles without compromising their strength for ensuing comfort by adjusting the orientation angle of center facing arms.
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Open AccessReview
From Waste to Value: Advances in Recycling Textile-Based PET Fabrics
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Fatemeh Mohtaram and Peter Fojan
Textiles 2025, 5(3), 24; https://doi.org/10.3390/textiles5030024 - 28 Jun 2025
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The environmental burden of textile waste has become a critical challenge for sustainable development. This review explores recent developments in the recycling of textiles, especially polyethylene tereph-2 thalate (PET)-based fabrics, with a focus on fiber-to-fiber regeneration as a pathway toward circular textile production.
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The environmental burden of textile waste has become a critical challenge for sustainable development. This review explores recent developments in the recycling of textiles, especially polyethylene tereph-2 thalate (PET)-based fabrics, with a focus on fiber-to-fiber regeneration as a pathway toward circular textile production. Recent developments in PET recycling, such as mechanical and chemical recycling methods, are critically examined, highlighting the potential of chemical depolymerization for recovering high-purity monomers suitable for textile-grade PET synthesis. Special attention is given to electrospinning as an emerging technology for converting recycled PET into high-value nanofibers, offering functional properties suitable for advanced applications in filtration, medical textiles, and smart fabrics. The integration of these innovations, alongside improved sorting technologies and circular design strategies, is essential for overcoming current limitations and enabling scalable, high-quality recycling systems. This review aims to support the development of a more resource efficient textile industry by outlining key challenges, technologies, and future directions in PET recycling.
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Open AccessArticle
Analyzing the Effects of Sewing Compression on Thermal Efficiency in Baffled Jackets with an Advanced Walking Thermal Manikin
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Hassan Saeed, Adnan Ahmed Mazari and Md Tanzir Hasan
Textiles 2025, 5(2), 23; https://doi.org/10.3390/textiles5020023 - 16 Jun 2025
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Sewing is the major contributor to the manufacturing of protection wear for the survival of early human civilization against extreme weather conditions. Mechanized sewing witnessed developments during the middle of the 19th century, and tedious handwork was replaced by sewing machines. Despite the
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Sewing is the major contributor to the manufacturing of protection wear for the survival of early human civilization against extreme weather conditions. Mechanized sewing witnessed developments during the middle of the 19th century, and tedious handwork was replaced by sewing machines. Despite the modernization of sewing machine technologies, speed, material thicknesses, automation, and the introduction of AI in sewing, there is a longstanding problem of heat loss along stitch lines. The sewing material is compressed by the sewing thread, and this compression results in a bridge between the human body and the external cold environment. Garment technologists identify this problem and due to the lack of any technological solution, the problem is solved through complex material handling methods. A new sewing technological solution has been developed to solve this problem, called spacer stitching, which addresses the problem of compression along stitch lines. Two baffled jackets with sewn-through methods are prepared, one with the spacer stitching technology and the other with conventional sewing. Thermal resistance and insulation efficiency are evaluated using the Thermetrics thermal manikin “Sonny” under dynamic (walking) conditions to analyze the thermal resistance difference between the two types of sewing methods as well as the effects of motion on insulation. The results reveal that the jacket made with spacer stitching demonstrates significantly higher thermal resistance and enhanced wearer comfort compared to that produced using conventional methods. Additionally, variations in thermal resistance are observed across different zones of the thermal manikin. These findings highlight the potential of spacer stitching to improve thermal insulation and revolutionize high-performance outerwear design.
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Open AccessReview
Advances in Thermoregulating Textiles: Materials, Mechanisms, and Applications
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Kuok Ho Daniel Tang
Textiles 2025, 5(2), 22; https://doi.org/10.3390/textiles5020022 - 11 Jun 2025
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Advancements in thermoregulating textiles have been propelled by innovations in nanotechnology, composite materials, and smart fiber engineering. This article reviews recent scholarly papers on experimental passive and active thermoregulating textiles to present the latest advancements in these fabrics, their mechanisms of thermoregulation, and
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Advancements in thermoregulating textiles have been propelled by innovations in nanotechnology, composite materials, and smart fiber engineering. This article reviews recent scholarly papers on experimental passive and active thermoregulating textiles to present the latest advancements in these fabrics, their mechanisms of thermoregulation, and their feasibility for use. The review underscores that phase-change materials enhanced with graphene, boron nitride, and carbon nanofibers offer superior thermal conductivity, phase stability, and flexibility, making them ideal for wearable applications. Shape-stabilized phase-change materials and aerogel-infused fibers have shown promising results in outdoor, industrial, and emergency settings due to their durability and high insulation efficiency. Radiative cooling textiles, engineered with hierarchical nanostructures and Janus wettability, demonstrate passive temperature regulation through selective solar reflection and infrared emission, achieving substantial cooling effects without external energy input. Thermo-responsive, shape-memory materials, and moisture-sensitive polymers enable dynamic insulation and actuation. Liquid-cooling garments and thermoelectric hybrids deliver precise temperature control but face challenges in portability and power consumption. While thermoregulating textiles show promise, the main challenges include achieving scalable manufacturing, ensuring material flexibility, and integrating multiple functions without sacrificing comfort. Future research should focus on hybrid systems combining passive and active mechanisms, user-centric wearability studies, and cost-effective fabrication methods. These innovations hold significant potential for applications in extreme environments, athletic wear, military uniforms, and smart clothing, contributing to energy efficiency, health, and comfort in a warming climate.
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Open AccessReview
Fashion to Dysfunction: The Role of Plastic Pollution in Interconnected Systems of the Environment and Human Health
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Adelaide Parks Lovett, Leslie Browning-Samoni and Charles Freeman
Textiles 2025, 5(2), 21; https://doi.org/10.3390/textiles5020021 - 10 Jun 2025
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The rapid production and disposal of synthetic textiles, driven by fast fashion and overconsumption, contribute significantly to environmental pollution and human health risks. Functional finishes often contain toxic substances that leach into aquatic systems. Laundering and abrasion release microplastic fibers (MPFs), commonly called
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The rapid production and disposal of synthetic textiles, driven by fast fashion and overconsumption, contribute significantly to environmental pollution and human health risks. Functional finishes often contain toxic substances that leach into aquatic systems. Laundering and abrasion release microplastic fibers (MPFs), commonly called microplastics, and anthropogenic microfibers (MFs) which degrade into nanoplastics (NPs) through mechanical stress, heat, and UV radiation. These particles bypass wastewater treatment and accumulate in human organs, including the liver, lungs, and brain. This review highlights the limitations of current waste management systems, the role of textile design in particle release, and the need for further research on airborne emissions and environmental interactions. Mitigating textile-derived plastic pollution will require biodegradable finishes, pre-consumer filtration systems, and circular consumption models supported by interdisciplinary collaboration.
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Open AccessArticle
Lyocell-Based Nonwovens: Mechanical Performance and Biodegradation Analysis
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Lúcia Rodrigues, João Medeiros, Rita Marques and Carla J. Silva
Textiles 2025, 5(2), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/textiles5020020 - 4 Jun 2025
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The nonwoven industry is undergoing significant changes, driven by rapid growth and sustainability concerns, with a growing need to shift from fossil-based polymers like polyester (PES) and polypropylene (PP) fibres to biodegradable, fossil-free materials. Compared to other cellulose-based fibres, lyocell (LY) is a
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The nonwoven industry is undergoing significant changes, driven by rapid growth and sustainability concerns, with a growing need to shift from fossil-based polymers like polyester (PES) and polypropylene (PP) fibres to biodegradable, fossil-free materials. Compared to other cellulose-based fibres, lyocell (LY) is a promising solution due to its good mechanical performance and lower environmental impact. Additionally, cellulose acetate (CA) fibres, known for their thermoplastic and biodegradable properties, can act as a binder, offering another promising alternative to fossil-based fibres. This study explores the use of 100% LY fibres, alone and in blends with CA and recycled polyester (rPES) fibres, in the development of needle-punched nonwovens and assesses the mechanical benefits of adding a thermal bonding step. Among the blends, rPES-based nonwovens with thermal bonding showed the best results. 100% LY exhibited the best mechanical performance among needle-punched nonwovens, while rPES-based blends outperformed the others. Biodegradability and toxicity studies were also performed. 100% LY nonwovens fully biodegraded within 55 days, and 100% CA and 100% rPES showed no biodegradation. The findings revealed that the thermal process did not affect the disintegration level and, the germination of Brassica oleracea was not affected by soils in which the samples were buried for 75 days.
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Open AccessReview
Biotextiles for Biomedical Applications: A Review
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Heitor Luiz Ornaghi Júnior and Julia Pradella Garavatti
Textiles 2025, 5(2), 19; https://doi.org/10.3390/textiles5020019 - 12 May 2025
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The demand for healthcare and medical devices increases as the population ages. With the advance of textile science and technology, new products have been developed to replace the traditional ones, including biotextiles. This review has the objective of presenting biotextiles for biomedical applications,
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The demand for healthcare and medical devices increases as the population ages. With the advance of textile science and technology, new products have been developed to replace the traditional ones, including biotextiles. This review has the objective of presenting biotextiles for biomedical applications, specifically drug delivery systems, medical implants, and regenerative medicine, showing the scientific progress in the respective fields, some relevant scientific studies, and commercially available products. The aim is to present to readers a quick overview guide for reference, including future trends and challenges.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances of Medical Textiles: 2nd Edition)
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Open AccessArticle
Analysis of the Drapeability and Bending Rigidity of Clothing Packages—A Preliminary Study
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Michał Stępień and Iwona Frydrych
Textiles 2025, 5(2), 18; https://doi.org/10.3390/textiles5020018 - 9 May 2025
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This paper concerns the study of the multidirectional drape and bending rigidity of clothing packages combined with three types of adhesive inserts. The aim of this research was to investigate the effect of introducing seams of differentiated complexity to clothing packages consisting of
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This paper concerns the study of the multidirectional drape and bending rigidity of clothing packages combined with three types of adhesive inserts. The aim of this research was to investigate the effect of introducing seams of differentiated complexity to clothing packages consisting of cotton fabric and adhesive inserts. The adhesive inserts were differentiated according to their mass per square meter. Three kinds of seams differing by the number of bent and sewn layers were introduced into packages, and two techniques of bonding, differentiated by the sequence of operations, were applied. The results of the influence of bonding technique on the bending rigidity and multidirectional drape for packages with seams and those without them are discussed. All of the tests carried out were aimed at answering the question of how seam introduction and its complexity (the number of sewn layers) influence the bending rigidity and drapeability of clothing packages in order to facilitate clothing technologists in the proper selection of appropriate adhesive inserts for the engineered design of clothing products.
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Open AccessReview
Rubber-Based Sustainable Textiles and Potential Industrial Applications
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Bapan Adak, Upashana Chatterjee and Mangala Joshi
Textiles 2025, 5(2), 17; https://doi.org/10.3390/textiles5020017 - 8 May 2025
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This review explores the evolving landscape of sustainable textile manufacturing, with a focus on rubber-based materials for various industrial applications. The textile and rubber industries are shifting towards eco-friendly practices, driven by environmental concerns and the need to reduce carbon footprints. The integration
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This review explores the evolving landscape of sustainable textile manufacturing, with a focus on rubber-based materials for various industrial applications. The textile and rubber industries are shifting towards eco-friendly practices, driven by environmental concerns and the need to reduce carbon footprints. The integration of sustainable textiles in rubber-based products, such as tires, conveyor belts, and defense products, is becoming increasingly prominent. This review discusses the adoption of natural fibers like flax, jute, and hemp, which offer biodegradability and improved mechanical properties. Additionally, it highlights sustainable elastomer sources, including natural rubber from Hevea brasiliensis and alternative plants like Guayule and Russian dandelion, as well as bio-based synthetic rubbers derived from terpenes and biomass. The review also covers sustainable additives, such as silica fillers, nanoclay, and bio-based plasticizers, which enhance performance while reducing environmental impact. Textile–rubber composites offer a cost-effective alternative to traditional fiber-reinforced polymers when high flexibility and impact resistance are needed. Rubber matrices enhance fatigue life under cyclic loading, and sustainable textiles like jute can reduce environmental impact. The manufacturing process involves rubber preparation, composite assembly, consolidation/curing, and post-processing, with precise control over temperature and pressure during curing being critical. These composites are versatile and robust, finding applications in tires, conveyor belts, insulation, and more. The review also highlights the advantages of textile–rubber composites, innovative recycling and upcycling initiatives, addressing current challenges and outlining future perspectives for achieving a circular economy in the textile and rubber sectors.
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Open AccessReview
From Fabric to Finish: The Cytotoxic Impact of Textile Chemicals on Humans Health
by
Vera Machado, Andréa Marinho, Paula Vieira de Castro and Teresa Silva
Textiles 2025, 5(2), 16; https://doi.org/10.3390/textiles5020016 - 7 May 2025
Cited by 2
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Humans are in constant contact with clothing and textiles throughout their lives, which can expose them to chemicals present in these materials. Chemicals used in fiber production and in material processing can be absorbed through the skin, ingested, or inhaled, causing allergic reactions.
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Humans are in constant contact with clothing and textiles throughout their lives, which can expose them to chemicals present in these materials. Chemicals used in fiber production and in material processing can be absorbed through the skin, ingested, or inhaled, causing allergic reactions. Advancements in modern textiles have made them more versatile and functional for a variety of applications, resulting in the use of more chemicals. Regarding the textile industry, several studies have focused on the environmental impact of its effluents and dyes, and, more recently, several studies have focused on textile waste impact in general. Nevertheless, few studies have been carried out on human cytotoxicity, and very little is known about the dangers of long-term use of textiles. The aim of this work was to review the literature to understand what has been done in the field of textile cytotoxicity. In addition, this work also highlights the existing gap regarding regulation and standardized tests for the analysis of everyday clothing. There is an urgent need to establish regulations and standardize testing protocols to assess the potential cytotoxic effects that may arise from finished textile products before they are marketed, in order to guarantee consumer safety.
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